Project moves to protect fish

Restoring Fisheries for Sustainable Livelihoods in Lake Malawi (Refresh) project has engaged community leaders and other stakeholders to deal with challenges in the fisheries sector in Salima.

The team, comprising chiefs, police, journalists and religious leaders, will sensitise communities on sustainable fishing.

Speaking on Monday during an orientation of the fisheries champions, Salima district head of fisheries inspectorate Jametone Katombera said lack of human resource affected the implementation of activities meant to protect fish in Lake Malawi.

“The champions will fill in the gaps that have been there and we expect them to reach out to duty-bearers using their different platforms on how they can collectively protect fish in the lake,” he said.

Katombera expressed optimism that the initiative will succeed as the champions have been drawn from different backgrounds and have diverse skills.

Refresh programme deputy chief of party Amakhosi Jere said they want to contextualise scientific findings on how to sustainably manage fish by involving influential people in communities.

“The champions are expected to work with the Department of Fisheries in a decentralised manner because we know that these individuals already have an idea of what is happening in the fisheries sector,”he said.

Jere gave an example of Senior Chief Makanjira who, as one of the champions, has made strides in the fisheries sector by employing indigenous methods of preserving and restoring fish in his area.

On his part, the senior chief said the responsibility has given him another platform to continue fostering development in the sector.

Among others, the champions are expected to ensure that fishers are not using illegal gear to catch fish and are complying with fisheries regulations. 

Refresh project is funded by United States Agency for International Development  and is implemented by Pact Malawi.