Upile Ruth Pulaizi
The project covers the research work on ‘Assessment of the impact of sanctuary areas on biodiversity, distribution, conservation and productivity of aquatic organisms in Lake Malawi and Lake Malombe’. The project focuses on assessing the impact of the sanctuaries in conserving the ecological diversity of fish, macroinvertebrate, macrophytes and presence of endangered fish species (Oreochromis karongae, Bagrus meridionalis, Rhamphochromis longiceps and opsaridium microlepis) and macroinvertebrates (Bulinus succinoides, Lanistes nasutus and nyassanus, and Bellamya ecclesi and jeffreysi) in the of South Eastern Arm of Lake Malawi and Lake Malombe.
Size of the sanctuary area and distance from the sanctuary area will be assessed on aquatic biodiversity, distribution and productivity. The study will also assess the effect of season on aquatic biodiversity and productivity in sanctuary areas on species diversity inside and outside the sanctuary and the fish trophic categories and extent of macrophytes inside and outside of sanctuary areas. Local communities knowledge, attitude and practice towards fish sanctuaries will be assessed to understand how much knowledge the communities have on the importance of conserving the ecosystem and why it is necessary to protect these species and the sanctuary area. This study shall bring forward important evidence that could be necessary for the conservation, protection and restoration of endangered species. The research work shall bring results that may have policy implications, especially in future planning for the biological management of sanctuary areas for biodiversity and productivity of fisheries.