Status of the large-scale commercial trawl fisheries in southern Lake Malawi

A study to assess the status of the large scale commercial fisheries operating in southern Lake Malawi was conducted using generalised linear modelling and Principles of Precautionary Approach. The generalised linear modelling analysis was used to standardise catch per unit of effort data from 1976 to 2009 and to determine the effects of fishing vessel characteristics such as engine size and hydro-acoustic devices on fish catch rates. The Precautionary Approach, through reference points like Bmax (reference point corresponding to period of relatively high fish catch rate), Bpa (reference point at which precautionary management action should be undertaken), Blim (limit reference point beyond which a fishery is considered seriously depleted) and Bcur (reference point corresponding to current fish catch rate), was used to assess the status of fish stocks using standardised fish catch rate which approximated fish biomass or stock size.Results of the assessment indicated that the current fish biomass level in all three categories, bottom pair trawl, stern bottom trawl and stern mid-water trawl fisheries, is well above Blim, but is 9-12% above Bpa, which is very close suggesting that the fishery is fully exploited and precautionary management measures are required. Suggested measures included introduction of fishing closed season for the large scale commercial fisheries which will be dependent on the biology of the most important target fish stocks, relocation or reduction of fishing effort in the current fishing grounds and intensification of patrols to reduce incidences of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities.