The First Course in Malawi Held Regarding the Safety of Fishermen

The first course that has been held in Malawi regarding the safety of fishermen was recently concluded. ICEIDA held the course which covered first aid, accidents on water, the reasons for accidents and the correct responses. In addition to that there was a comprehensive presentation of safety equipment and rescuing methods.

“The weather on Lake Malawi can be difficult and sometimes the wind can pick up quickly on this big lake, the ninth biggest lake in the world,” says Stefán Kristmannson, ICEIDA’s Project Manager in Malawi. “The courses are a part of a bigger project regarding the development of small boat fishing in deeper waters than to what Malawian fishermen usually are accustomed. Fisheries research has shown unused stocks in deeper waters but most fishermen do not have the possibility to use those stocks. Better fishing equipment is lacking, both boats and fishing gear. Additionally, the shallow water has been overfished. ICEIDA is currently working on developing suitable fishing gear for deeper waters,” says Stefán.

Brochures regarding the issue were printed both in English and the widespread language, Chichewa, which most Malawians understand. In addition, radio announcements have been written regarding safe sailing on the lake.

This time the courses where held for fisheries controllers in the districts around Lake Malawi who manage training and control fisheries for the authorities. “They were supposed to share their new knowledge with other fishermen around the lake which count tens of thousands. That way they train fishermen that can be difficult to reach and increase their safety while fishing. A continuation of the courses is planned to reach the greatest number possible of fishermen in Malawi,” says Stefán.

Two graduation ceremonies were held in the town of Salima on August 23 and Mzuzu on August 28. Aside from the teachers, senior officers in fisheries and district chiefs attended the ceremonies. In total, 80 fisheries controllers graduated, thereof five women, from the districts around the Malawian part of the lake, Karonga, Rumphi, Nkhata Bay, Nkhota-kota, Salima and Mangochi, in addition to the island Likoma.