SADC Deputy Executive Secretary Oversees Handover of Fisheries Equipment to Malawi
Ms. Angele Makombo N’tumba, the Deputy Executive Secretary Responsible for Regional Integration at the Southern African Development Community (SADC), spearheaded the handover ceremony of fisheries equipment to the Government of Malawi, marking a significant milestone for fisheries management and the progression of the blue economy.
The ceremony, held on February 9th, 2024, saw Dr. Yusuf Mkungula, Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change of Malawi, receive the equipment on behalf of the Malawian government.
The event took place at the SADC Senga Bay Fisheries Research Station in Salima District, Senya Bay.
The equipment donation is part of the SADC Secretariat’s efforts, specifically through the PROFISHBLUE Project, to support fisheries research and management.
The provision includes essential tools such as a utility vehicle, an ICP-AES Trace elements analyzer, Niskin water sampling bottles, laptops, a FISH finder, office furniture, air conditioners, and a Portable Turbidity Meter.
These resources aim to strengthen stock assessments and frame surveys, crucial for effective fisheries management.
Additionally, in collaboration with the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), SADC installed Vessel Monitoring Devices on fishing boats in Lake Malawi. These devices play a vital role in fisheries monitoring and surveillance, contributing to sustainable fisheries management practices.
The handover ceremony signifies a commitment to collaborative efforts between SADC and its member states in promoting sustainable fisheries practices and advancing the blue economy agenda.
With enhanced equipment and technology, Malawi is poised to bolster its fisheries production capabilities and ensure the long-term sustainability of its aquatic resources.
