FRAME SURVEY OF THE SOUTH EAST ARM OF LAKE MALAWI, THE UPPER SHIRE RIVER AND LAKE MALOMBE by S.B. Alimoso, M.B.D. Seisay, N.P. van Zalinge, M. Mdaihli and S. Donda. Field Document 5, July 1990.
Between 18 January and 13 February, 1990, a frame survey (FS) was carried out in the project's working area comprising Lake Malombe, the Upper Shire River and the South East Arm of Lake Malawi (fig.1). The aim of the survey was to collect basic information relating to the size and distribution of the traditional (artisanal) fishery which exploits Chambo (Oreochromis spp. formerly Tilapia spp.) in these areas. The data were also collected to facilitate revision of the catch-effort sampling system and establishment of a base line for the socio-economic study to be carried out in the project area.
Normally, FS is carried out by the Fisheries Department in August during the dry season when it is less difficult to travel to most landing sites than during the rainy season. Therefore, it is envisaged that the data collected in this (January–February, 1990) survey and the one planned for August, 1990, will show what differences in the fishery, if any, exist between the rainy season and the dry season within the same year.
The South East Arm covers an area of approximately 2 000 km2 and is the most productive part of Lake Malawi. This is mainly so as a result of the seasonal hydrological events which take place in the area which lead to an abundant supply of food for the fish (Eccles, 1974). Lake Malombe is about 390 km2 and not deeper than 17 m. It actually is an enlargement of the Shire River, the only outlet of Lake Malawi. The Upper Shire River is 16 km long and connects the South East Arm to Lake Malombe.