Lake Malawi's Mbenje island protects vital fish stocks with annual fishing ban

Fisheries Management on Mbenje Island, Lake Malawi

Fishermen operating near Mbenje Island in Lake Malawi adhere to strict regulations designed to protect valuable fish stocks. Only licensed vessels are permitted to fish in these waters, and their equipment must meet standards to prevent overfishing.

Fishing is prohibited for four months annually to allow for spawning and growth of young fish. This ban is enforced by Chief Makanjira, who leads the community-based fisheries management team overseeing the island. This period contrasts with the two-month ban managed by the Department of Fisheries elsewhere on Lake Malawi, which spans from 1 November to 31 December for small-scale fisheries.

The management team on Mbenje Island prioritizes expanding opportunities for smaller fishing operations rather than commercial fisheries. The island is part of Lake Malawi, the southernmost of the African rift lakes and the third largest lake in Africa. It covers a total surface area of 28,000 km 2 , extends 560 kilometers in length, reaches a maximum depth of 700 meters, and hosts over 1,000 species.

Fishermen like Collins Kamuzu, who has fished here for eight years, sell their catch at island auctions. The fish is either packed in ice for transport to urban areas or dried on the beach.

Fishing practices at Mbenje Island are governed by customary authority with strict rules established since the 1950s. These regulations have resulted in a more abundant fish stock compared to other parts of the lake, attracting fishermen nationwide. The rules include prohibitions against women, alcohol, stealing, fighting, gambling, marijuana, and harming wildlife.

During the closed season, all structures on the island are dismantled, allowing fish stocks to replenish. A 2025 study published in Marine Policy indicated that fish at Mbenje Island are heavier than those at other lake sites, demonstrating optimal growth conditions without overfishing. This is in contrast to other areas of the lake, where overfishing has been documented.

The IUCN reported a 70% decline in the population of a chambo species in the 1990s, which is now critically endangered along with two other chambo species found in Lake Malawi.

At the end of the fishing season, a closing ceremony is held in December by Senior Chief Makanjira. The island’s strict rules also have spiritual significance. It is believed that violating these rules can lead to adverse weather conditions due to displeased spirits, impacting fishing activities.

Mbenje Island chairman Barabado Yahaya monitors compliance with these regulations among the season’s 700 fishermen. The management practices at Mbenje Island provide a localized solution to the global challenge of overfishing.

Based on reporting by Africanews.