Smugglers arrested to protect native species

Environmental activists in Malawi have supported the decision by the Malawian authorities to confiscate and arrest five Zambians who were attempting to smuggle over 200kg of live crayfish into the country. According to RFI, the activists and experts say the invasive crayfish is known for its predatory traits and threatens Malawi's native species which are endemic to the country. The crayfish were reportedly intended for Chinese nationals living in the country, and experts warn that their introduction could disrupt Malawi’s aquaculture ecosystem. The four individuals were arrested after being caught with five bags of live crayfish and were recently tried in court for ‘carrying out activity involving specimens and alien invasive species'. They were ordered to pay a fine or face a 12-month custodial sentence. In Malawi, it is illegal to introduce invasive species – including non-indigenous fish – without a permit. Such introductions require the consent of the Department of Fisheries. In court, a deputy director in the Department of Fisheries testified that the species pose an ecological threat. He cited Zambia, SA, and Namibia as countries where similar problems had already occurred.