Top Lake Malawi Sardine Fishing Countries

The Lake Malawi sardine, scientifically known as *Engraulicypris sardella* and locally called "usipa," is a small, schooling freshwater fish endemic to Lake Malawi and its surrounding water bodies in East Africa. Characterized by its slender, silver body and rapid reproductive cycle, usipa forms the backbone of a vital artisanal fishery that supports millions of people. The top Lake Malawi sardine fishing countries are Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania, each sharing the lake's waters and relying on usipa for both food security and economic activity. In these countries, thousands of small-scale fishers use traditional methods such as beach seines and light attraction at night to harvest usipa, which is then sun-dried and sold in local markets or exported regionally. The Lake Malawi sardine fishery is crucial for nutrition and livelihoods in the region, though it faces challenges from overfishing, environmental changes, and the need for sustainable management.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.