Biodiversity Conservation
Region: Africa
Country: Malawi
Date: 1992 - 1995
Funded By: GEF
Formulation of a project to conserve the bio-diversity of Lake Malawi. A four-man team travelled to Malawi, Tanzania and Mozambique to assess the ecosystem and biological productivity of the Lake. The project also aimed to develop pilot fish farming models designed to integrate aquaculture into farming systems in different ecological zones with appropriate aquacultural techniques. Research focused on exploratory surveys and demersal fish stock assessment, expanded to cover the northern part of Lake Malawi; formulation of plans to monitor and manage commercial fisheries; assessment of the effects of bottom trawling and beach seining on the lake's ecosystems; development of techniques for managing coastal fisheries; coordination of research activities financed by other donors; and provision of equipment and vehicles for the project.