On February 23, 2024, USAID handed over an electronic catch assessment survey (eCAS) system to the Government of Malawi for collecting and analyzing catch data of all fish varieties in Lake Malawi. The system consists of smart tablets, desktop computers and servers, and is critical for estimating fisheries production and the sector's contribution to the economy and country's food security and nutrition.

Through USAID’s Climate Change Specialist Bruce Sosola, the Mission also handed over refurbished patrol boats, with brand new engines, to Salima District Council which has been operating without patrol boats for many years. Use of the patrol boats will help law enforcers to conduct surveillance over the lake's fishing zones and ensure that fishers comply with fishing standards and by-laws set by the central government and their local communities. This will prevent the fishers from damaging the lake's biodiversity and ecosystems.

Through the Restoring Fisheries for Sustainable Livelihoods in Lake Malawi, or REFRESH project, USAID has also supported the development and use of Standard Operating Procedures for the Monitoring, Control and Surveillance operations of the Fisheries Inspectorate. Just in November 2023, USAID supported the use of hydroacoustic equipment in the stock assessment of the lake. USAID also championed the use of the Vessel Monitoring System and supported the government with a remotely operated underwater vehicle camera for research purposes.

The fish of Lake Malawi contribute to countless benefits. From providing 45 percent of all animal protein consumed, to contributing four percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and creating jobs for more than 1,500,000 people, Lake Malawi’s fisheries are truly a tremendous resource for the country.