Title: Assessing the prevalence of illegal fishing practices and strategic approaches for sustainable fisheries management in Lake Malawi

Abstract

Funny Mkwiyo's final project will be published in due time. Until then we share the abstract and a link to a poster.

This study assessed the prevalence of illegal fishing practices and explored strategic approaches for sustainable fisheries management in Lake Malawi, focusing on six lakeshore districts: Mangochi, Salima, Nkhotakota, Nkhatabay, Karonga, and Rumphi. Using secondary data from Frame Survey reports and official catch records (2014–2023), supplemented by qualitative data from 84 respondents, including fisheries inspectors, Beach Village Committee (BVC) members, and fisherfolk, this study examined the socio-ecological effects of monofilament net use and its impact on fish populations with the goal of guiding policy and strategy formulation for enhancing the sustainability of fisheries in Malawi. Findings revealed that monofilament nets now account for approximately 85% of fishing gear, surpassing legal alternatives such as gillnets and Chilimila. Their rise since 2017 coincided with a sharp decline in high-value species such as Oreochromis karongae (Chambo) and Copadichromis virginalis (Utaka), whose annual catches fell from 4,000 and 10,000 tons in 2014 to less than 2,000 and 4,000 tons in 2023, respectively. Catch composition has shifted towards smaller, fast-growing pelagic species, such as Engraulicypris sardella (Usipa), concealing the decline in larger fish stocks. Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) for large species declined substantially; for instance, from 2014 to 2023, Salima’s CPUE dropped from 1.98 to 0.38 tons/year, Mangochi from 2.46 to 0.67 tons/year, Nkhotakota from 3.43 to 1.22 tons/year, Rumphi from 7.25 to 1.7 tons/year, and Karonga from 3.48 to 2.8 tons/year. A comparison between Nkhatabay and Salima shows that stronger enforcement and community participation in Nkhatabay led to a rise in CPUE from 0.55 in 2014 to 6.99 tons/year in 2023, while Salima struggles with weak governance and corruption. Key drivers of illegal fishing include poverty, weak enforcement, affordable illegal gear, and black-market access. Institutional challenges, such as outdated regulations, limited surveillance, and poor stakeholder coordination, further hinder effective management. The continued use of monofilament and undersized nets is degrading fish stocks, especially those of high-value species. The study recommends revising policies, strengthening local institutions such as BVCs, adopting technology for monitoring, and promoting alternative livelihoods to enhance sustainability and community-led fisheries management in Lake Malawi.