Likoma district fisheries officer Lonjezo Chikopa has raised concern over illegal catching of chambo during the breeding season.
He said some fishers were still catching chambo despite awareness campaigns conducted prior to the closure of fishing season in Lake Malawi in November.
Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, Chikopa said illegal fishing threatens sustainability of fish populations in the lake.
“Before we close the fishing season, we conduct awareness campaigns to inform beach village committees and stakeholders that chambo and other fish species cannot be caught. However, it is disappointing to notice that some fishers are catching chambo,” he said.
Chikopa urged beach village committees to remain vigilant and report violations promptly.
“They can report anyone fishing chambo to our office for action because fishing during this period often happens at night,” he said.
Chikopa emphasised that the closed fishing season is critical for protecting chambo and maintaining the livelihoods of fishing communities.
Likoma Fisheries Association chairperson Martin Mjima said he was disappointed that some areas believed to have strong beach village committees are among those where illegal chambo fishing is happening.
“I did not expect to hear that chambo is being caught in areas such as Mbungo because their committee is strong and usually alerts us when something happens,” he said.
Mjima warned that continued illegal fishing endangers the survival of fish species in the lake
