I bet you are wondering what this vegetable garden has to do with fish conservation? Beach Village Committee’s (BVCs) are groups of volunteers who protect fish breeding sites and patrol the beach to ensure no illegal fishing is taking place. If they catch someone who is fishing illegally, not only can they confiscate their fishing nets but they fine them too.
The Nsumbi BVC have caught several people fishing illegally and with fines of 30,000MK per illegal action, they have saved the money and rented some land to set up a garden. They are farming maize and other vegetables. Chembe BVC have set up a sweet potato garden, another great way for a committee to generate an income.
