Nkhotakota operating without fisheries by-laws

The fishing industry in Nkhotakota District is operating without by-laws, a situation that has been blamed for dwindling fish stocks.

This was revealed on Wednesday during a meeting organised by Ripple Africa in partnership with the district’s fisheries department as part of its ongoing five-year Fish for Tomorrow Project.

During the meeting, delegates expressed fear that lack of fishing by-laws may lead to extinction of endangered fish species.

Sub-Traditional Authority Kalimanjira of Chia Lagoon, where Ripple Africa is regenerating fish, said the gains by the project has made so far will be shuttered if the by-laws are not formulated soon.

He expressed hope that the proposed by-laws will ensure that fishers in the district operate within the fisheries laws.

It was reported during the meeting that over 70 fish conservation committees have been established in the district and 31 have so far been trained in sustainable fishing practices.

Delegates have since set up a committee to formulate the by-laws within one month.

In an interview after the meeting, Ripple Africa executive director Force Ngwira said he is optimistic that the resolutions will be implemented.

“It has been observed that Nkhotakota has never had any fishing by-laws and if we don’t come up with by-laws, this will affect the project because fishers will not own it,” said Ngwira.

In a separate interview, Nkhotakota District Council chairperson Manfred Kwanjiwa asked the committee to expedite the process of formulating the by-laws.