The 2019 Annual Economic Report shows that in 2018, fish landings had a beach or landed value of K196.69 billion ($273.18 million), with a volume of 221 849.08 metric tonnes (MT) compared to the K173.04 billion ($235.74 million) realised the previous year from the sale of 199 454 MT.

The figures above translate into 11% increase in profits, rising fish volumes and prices pushed up earnings for the sector by 11.23%. In detail, During the period under review, fish exports generated K226.058 million from the sale of 49 780 live fish, which is slightly higher that the K167.172 million made from the sale of 36 367 live fish the year before.

On the other hand, Fishermen have bemoaned the scarcity of Fish in the Lake, a misfortune that has come amidst, also leading to, price increase of the fish. Speaking in Lilongwe on Wednesday at the start of a two-day forum on the ‘Role of Ecosystem-based Fisheries Management (EBFM)’, Director of Animal Health and Livestock Development in the Ministry of Agriculture, Patrick Chikungwa stated that there was a decline in fish, also confirmed by Department of Fisheries director Friday Njaya.