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Fishing with bed nets on Lake Tanganyika: a randomized survey
Kate A McLean1, Aisha Byanaku, Augustine Kubikonse
1Lake Tanganyika Floating Health Clinic, Kigoma, Tanzania. kate@floatingclinic.org.
Malaria Journal
|October 8, 2014
Summary
Free malaria bed nets intended for disease prevention are widely used for fishing in Lake Tanganyika communities. This practice is impacting fish populations and requires further investigation into alternative health strategies.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Ecology
- Sociology
Background:
- Malaria is a significant cause of mortality around Lake Tanganyika.
- Aid organizations distribute free mosquito nets to combat malaria.
- Observed use of bed nets for fishing conflicts with conservation laws.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the sources of mosquito bed nets.
- To determine the extent of bed net use for fishing.
- To assess perceived impacts on fish supply.
Main Methods:
- Survey conducted in seven lakeside villages in Lagosa Ward, Tanzania.
- Random sampling of seven households per sub-village.
- 23-question survey on bed net practices and perceived fish supply changes.
Main Results:
- 196 surveys completed with a 100% response rate.
- Over 87% of households reported using bed nets for fishing.
- Majority received nets for free; 97.4% observed others fishing with nets; 64.9% noted decreased fish supply.
Conclusions:
- Widespread misuse of free malaria bed nets for fishing poses a threat to fish ecology.
- Further research needed on the scope of misuse and alternative vector control.
- Urgent need to address the unintended consequences of aid distribution.
