Comparative assessment of fish catch using light emitting diode bulbs and Tilley lamps for light attraction in “Chilimira” fishery in Lake Malawi

Abstract

Fish catches and fish species composition from two sources of light for light attraction fishery locally known as “kauni”, Light Emitting Diode Bulbs (LED) and Tilley Lamps (TL) in Chilimira fishery were studied in Salima, Lake Malawi. Fish species were sampled simultaneously upon landing from “Chilimira” nets where Tilley Lamps and LED bulbs were used. The study showed that there was a significant association (p < 0.05) between light sources and fish species caught. LED light source attracted Ramphochromis longiceps and fish species categorised as “other species” which included; Copadichromis chrysonotus, Copadichromis (Mchenga) eucinostomus, Copadichromis quadrimaculatus, Diplotaxodon macrops, Opsaridium microlepis, Otopharynx argyrosoma, Pseudotropheus livingstoni, Ramphochromis woodi and Ramphochromis ferox. Tilley Lamp attracted Engraulicypris sardella and Rhamphochromis esox. Multiple regression showed that there was a significant interaction between light sources and fish species (p