The Department of Fisheries in Nkhata Bay has called upon women in Beach Village Committees (BVC) to be champions of change in ensuring that fish species in the district’s water bodies are conserved. 

Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Thursday on the sidelines of an orientation of women from BVCs, Nkhata Bay district fisheries assistant officer Joy Ng’ambi said teaching women fish conservation skills is key.

He said: “We have noted that a lot of children use mosquito nets for fishing and that most fishers do not stop fishing during the breeding period.

“Because of these practices, women become victims when fish business stalls since their husbands are forced to go to far way places.”

Women listen to presentations during the orientation

Ng’ambi pleaded with the women to refrain from practices that hinder fish multiplication such as cultivation along the lake and river banks as it causes siltation.

Thotho BVC secretary Greatice Manda said women are ready to enforce recommended fishing practices.

“There are by-laws that demand adherence to environmental conservation to safeguard fish. As such, we will ensure that all people that do not comply are punished accordingly,” he said. 

Ripple Africa fish conservation project officer Maluwa Chirambo said he expects to see more women involvement in fish conservation programmes.

Fish is a relatively cheap source of proteins in Malawi but risks being scarce due to harmful fishing practices.

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