Chambo Recovery Reported in Lake Malawi Survey
The MK150 million survey was conducted jointly with Mozambique's Oceanographic Institute. It targeted seven lakeshore
MANGOCHI, Malawi - The Department of Fisheries says preliminary results of this year's Biomass survey show a recovery of Chambo fish in Lake Malawi, writes Maureen Kawerama.
"In previous surveys, conservation areas for Chambo were dominated by small fish known as Utaka. This year we've seen many small Chambo in those areas instead," said Dr. Hastings Zidana, director of Fisheries.
Zidana announced the findings Monday at the survey's closing ceremony in Mangochi-Monkey Bay.
The 2023 fish Biomass and Water Quality Assessment field work ran from Oct. 28 to Dec. 2.
He credited the sanctuaries established in Lake Malawi to protect Chambo breeding grounds.
"Having more of this economically important species means increased income for our country and livelihoods for local communities," Zidana said.
Dr. Daniel Jamu, chief of party for the USAID-funded REFRESH Project under PACT, said community management of fish sanctuaries and ownership of resources by Beach Village Committees contributed to Chambo recovery.
USAID Mission Director Pamela Fessenden said she was impressed with the biomass survey results.
She promised continued support for such initiatives.
"These surveys help us understand how fishing affects biodiversity and biomass. Without them it's difficult to measure lake productivity," Fessenden said.
The MK150 million survey was conducted jointly with Mozambique's Oceanographic Institute. It targeted seven lakeshore