This study provides the first quantitative assessment of the light-attraction component of a
small-scale purse seine, locally known as a chilimira net, fishery in two areas of southern
Lake Malawi. For monitoring purposes the shoreline of Lake Malawi is divided into a number
of statistical strata. Two strata (‘2.1’ in the southeast arm and ‘3.1’ in the southwest arm
of the lake) were selected for this study. Catch per unit effort in stratum 2.1 was generally
lower than that recorded in stratum 3.1 but nets in stratum 2.1 fished more frequently,
leading to similar annual catches in the two strata. Annual catch was estimated as
19.4 (CI = 15.9–23.5) tons net–1 year–1 in stratum 2.1 and
23.5 (CI = 19.5–28.1) tons net–1 year–1 in stratum 3.1 respectively.
A total of 62 species from 28 cichlid genera, and 13 species from nine non-cichlid genera,
were identified from the samples. Of the 37 genera identified, only five; Copadichromis,
Dimidiochromis, Engraulicypris, Oreochromis and Rhamphochromis,
contributed more than 5% to the total annual catch in either stratum. Their combined
contribution to the annual catch was in excess of 85% in both strata. Comparisons showed
that catch-composition was dependent on area. Length-frequency distributions of major target
species in the catch showed that the fishery targeted juveniles in stratum 2.1, while in
stratum 3.1 most individuals were harvested after reaching their length-at-maturity. The
dependence of catch-composition and size-selection on area indicates that management
interventions for this fishery need to be area-specific. Since the fishery targets a
diverse species assemblage, effort limitation or area closure may be the only viable
management options, until such time as additional biological and fisheries data are
available for the application of stock assessment models.