By Sofia Chambe, Mozambique
Impact of this particular fish species in Mozambique fishing community
Magumba is the name given to a specific fish species that scientifically is named Hilsa Kelle or Kelee shad. It is characterised by the presence of many spines, sized 9 to 14 centimetres long. The females are always larger than the males, and their head at the top is a bit darker, with small black dots. The species can be found along the Indian Ocean coast.
The main fishing areas for Magumba are Maputo Bay, Beira and Moma, but it can also be found in other small bays, existing estuaries along the coastline of Mozambique.
For many years, Magumba was easily captured in the Mozambique channel, but currently the species is no longer abundant in the coastal zone. The main reasons for less Magumba captures and commercialization on our national market could be due to overfishing, climate change and poor implementation of Community fisheries management plans. This reduction has negatively impacted many families, as Magumba was an important source of livelihood for many families for many years.
It used to be an ocean resource that could be easily acquired by people due to its abundance in the Mozambique channel, and because it was commercialised at an affordable price.
I can say that Magumba historically guaranteed food security to our communities and assisted in paying children’s school fees. Now, however, people have to work in different sectors under private companies or in Government.
Apart from being an important income-generating resource for many families, the Magumba also symbolised business on the beach Costa de Sol in Maputo city. Those who visited the beach always enjoyed Magumba fish, and if you haven’t yet, you are missing out.
This part of the beach was my favorite place to visit to enjoy the view, swim, and have some snacks prepared using Magumba fish as the main ingredient for delicious meals. During the weekend, we would spend all day with our families here, enjoying ourselves on the beach. Nowadays we don’t frequently visit this side of the beach as the main attraction is no longer there. The development of the area brought other businesses and activities, and low to medium income citizens of Maputo city do no longer visit this are as frequently.
With this story of the Magumba fish being an important social and economic asset in the country, my wish is to influence our decision makers on raising awareness on the risk of species extinction from the Mozambique channel. There are more key species like Magumba, playing a very important role, not only by providing secure livelihoods, but also cultural practices; it’s an identity, and represents biodiversity heritage for which the next generation deserve to have the same opportunity.
Marine Spatial planning and ecosystem management programs should be seen as important tools to consider when addressing issues of sustainability and poverty alleviation to support the government on decision-making in matters related to assessing the livelihood of a specific vulnerable community and society needs.
“Journeys to the Sea” is a new series of inspiring stories that highlight the personal connections of marine professionals with the ocean. As a follow up to World Oceans Day on June 8th, WIOMSA is excited to launch a three-month-long celebration dedicated to the ocean. The series will feature 34 unique stories from across the Western Indian Ocean region. These stories will share firsthand accounts of ocean-related experiences, reflections, and narratives from participants who have been part of the Sida-funded International Training Programme on marine spatial planning, “Planning for a Sustainable Blue Future in the Western Indian Ocean”. The stories have been part of the Ocean Storytelling component of the workshop, led by Dr Mia Strand, Nelson Mandela University. Read the collection of stories here.
Feature photo: A day’s catch of fish dries on a rack in the sun at Quifuki village, Mozambique. © Mark Ziembicki
