FISH SPECIES DIVERSITY OF MAJOR RIVERINE INLETS (BUA AND LINTHIPE) OF
LAKE MALAWI IN RELATION TO LAND USE AND COVER CHANGES
Matsimbe M, Kaunda E, Kassam D, Maguza-Tembo F, Chatsika M and Msukwa A.V
Aquaculture and Fisheries, Bunda College, University of Malawi, Box 219,
Lilongwe, Malawi
Riverine fishes are an important source of fish in Southern Africa mainly in the riparian
communities. However, catches are on the decline in terms of fish catch which could also
mean loss in fish diversity. Hence, this study aims at assessing fish diversity of the Bua
and Linthipe rivers as the major riverine inlets of Lake Malawi which has the highest fish
diversity in the world. Land cover and Land use changes (1990, 2000, and 2009) will be
assessed through the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) as they affect the
riverine systems which include fish diversity. Preliminary results show that the Bua River
which passes through Nkhotakota Game reserve has high fish diversity compared to the
Linthipe River which passes through agricultural districts.