This archive report was first published on 15 July 2019.
Located on the shores of Lake Malawi, Senga Bay is a bustling fishing village where hundreds of local traders gather every morning and afternoon to buy fish from the day's catch.
However, the fish populations in the lake are dwindling, and the community is struggling to cope with the consequences of climate change and overfishing.
"We were hoping to catch a half-boat full or maybe a quarter-boat... but I'm afraid the fish are dwindling in numbers," said Alfred Banda, the port manager at Senga Bay, staring wearily at the small catch as it was dragged onto the sand.
According to the World Bank, Malawi is among the top 10 at-risk countries in Africa to climate change, with cyclones and floods being major threats.
Climate experts say that the combination of environmental change and overfishing is a major concern for the future of Lake Malawi's fishing industry.
"Declining fish catches are mainly due to unsustainable fishing practices," said Sosten Chiotha, a Malawian environmental science professor who works for the Leadership for Environment and Development (LEAD) action group.
Chiotha added that climate change is hitting Malawi with "increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in the major ecosystems including lakes."
As a result, the number of fishermen in Senga Bay has doubled in the last 10 years due to the lack of other jobs, said John White Said, the community leader.
"There is no alternative to fishing," he said.
Despite the challenges, some fishermen are managing to make a living from the lake, such as 38-year-old boat owner Salim Jackson, who rents out his two vessels.
"I got into fishing 13 years ago because I had no other option, I never went to school. But it has brought me good money," he said.
However, the future of Lake Malawi's fishing industry remains uncertain, and the community is worried about the impact of climate change on their livelihoods.
