Marine Police in Nkhata Bay have arrested four fishermen for allegedly using illegal fishing gear in Lake Malawi.
Nkhata Bay Police spokesperson Kondwani James said the suspects, William Kondowe, Mwale village, Pyson Mpauka, Madalitso Nyirenda and Brian Mphasi, were apprehended on 18 July by Nkhata Bay Marine Police who were on patrol together with fisheries officers.
James said the men will appear in court soon to answer the charge of the use of illegal fishing gear (monofilament fishing nets) which is contrary to section 3 (1) of the Fisheries Act.
The District’s Fisheries Officer Dellings Kamenya said the monofilament fishing nets are not allowed because they are so destructive to fish and at the same time non-biodegradable once left in the water.