On World Wildlife Day, we are celebrating the work of over 3,000 Malawian volunteers who have been protecting 85 shallow fish breeding areas along the shores of Lake Malawi. As part of Ripple Africa’s Fish for Tomorrow conservation project, these lagoons and river mouths are now protected areas where no fishing is allowed.
Previously people used mosquito nets to catch baby fish in their thousands here, leading to many species becoming critically endangered. Now the breeding areas are becoming wildlife havens once again with new reed growth providing shelter for the fish and attracting many species of birds and other wildlife.
Beach Village Committees ensure that farming near the breeding areas is banned and confiscate the nets of anyone fishing illegally there. Bird species now returning to the lagoons include Egret, Yellow Weavers and Sunbirds.
