The different types of fishing methods

Subsistence fishing using mosquito nets in Malawi. Image credit dw.com

• Subsistence fishers use:
• basket traps,
• hooks and lines,
• scoops and dugout canoes.
• These are mainly confined to the shallow waters of Lakes Malombe, Chiuta, Chilwa in southern Malawi and swamps of the Lower Shire.
• The basket trap and fish scoop are made out of locally obtained bamboo or reeds which flourish in the swamps.
• Dug-out canoes are however more difficult to make as suitable trees are becoming scarce due to over-exploitation.
• These methods are sustainable as only limited catches are made from subsistence use.
• Commercial fishers use more modern methods of fiberglass motor boats.
• The gill net has an advantage of landing large catches.
• Its disadvantage is that it does not discriminate between mature fish and small fish which are yet to mature.
• The method is therefore not sustainable.
• Trawler boats and trawl nets are used in the deep waters of Lake Malawi

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