Lake Malawi is a vast expanse of archaeological interest that lies in Africa between Tanzania and Mozambique. Stretching up to 350 miles long and anywhere from 7-50 miles wide, this ancient lake is known as the ninth largest lake in the world and the third largest in Africa. With its many unique features and variety of colorful fish, it has earned its nicknames, such as the “Lake of Stars” and “The Calendar Lake”.
The beauty of the lake Malawi is remarkable, as it is home to more cichlid fish species than any other lake in the world. Cichlid fish are a type of fish with a wide variety of color and size, hence why it attracts so many people. However, when it comes to plants, the lake is not known to be home to a plethora of plants. Though the lake does have a few kind of aquatic vegetation, there aren’t many species of plants that are native to the lake itself.
So, what kind of plants do exist in Lake Malawi? It may surprise you to hear that most of the plants are in fact algae. Algae are tiny plant-like organisms, usually single-celled, that can range in color from brownish-green or blue-green to red. They need sunlight for photosynthesis, but can also feed on other sources such as nitrogen, phosphorous, and carbon. Depending on the kind of algae, it can live near the top or the bottom of the lake. Though algae can be found everwhere in the lake, certain species such as Charaphyta and Cladophora tend to encampment near the shoreline close to the shallow water’s edge.
Furthermore, another kind of plant species present on the lake are seagrasses. Seagrasses are flowering plants that take root in the sediment of a marine environment, including coastal lagoons and sheltered estuaries and bays, and are critical parts of the coastal ecosystem. They provide food and shelter for a variety of creatures, from marine animals to fish and even sea turtles, and even help to fight against global warming. Though few, a few types of seagrass have been found in the deeper parts of Lake Malawi, such as Thalassodendron ciliatum and Thalassodendron pachytephyllum.
In addition, some aquatic moss does also grow naturally in Lake Malawi, as well as a variety of macrophytes, which are larger, rooted aquatic plants. This includes species such as Perize, Eleocharis, and Panicum, as well as a few varieties of ferns.
However, even with all of these plant species, Lake Malawi is still known to have a significantly low rate of plant life compared to other similar lakes. This could be due to the lake’s low levels of nutrients, as this limits the growth of macrophytes, as well as its somewhat low levels of sunlight due to the depths of the lake. Though the presence of the few plants that are here are vital to the functioning of the ecosystem, it is clear that the majority of the life of the lake lies mostly within its variety of fish.
Appnaturation Of Lake Malawi
In the recent years, human activities such as logging, agricultural runoff and predators has threatened the beauty of the lake Malawi, thus reducing the number of plants within the lake. Due to many of these activities, much of the aquatic vegetation and algae is dug out of the lake, which in turn reduces the amount of oxygen available to the lake, thus leading to the death of neighboring fish and other aquatic life.
Moreover, the increase of human fishing and commercial activities such as fish farming is leading to a decrease of much of the plant life in the lake. This not only reduces the oxygen levels within the lake, preventing the growth of plants, but it also puts a strain on the balance of fish species, and reduces their population numbers drastically.
Additionally, the increasing water temperatures are having an impact on the plant life of the lake. As the temperature increases, the photosynthesis rate of the plants decreases, thus reducing their growth rate, as well as their dominance over other species in the lake. This can also have a negative effect on the ecosystem of the lake Malawi, as many of the fish species that rely on the plants to build their habitats and food sources could be affected.
Use Of Innovative Technology
Organizations such as the WWF are working hard to help revive the plant life of Lake Malawi, including the use of the innovative technology. By introducing cultivators that are able to mimic the natural environment of the lake and the plant life, they are able to increase the growth of algal bloom, which in turn helps to increase the oxygen supply within the lake, consequently sustaining life and biodiversity.
Moreover, the Institute for Aquaculture Innovation (IAI) have also been working hard to find ways to restore the aquatic vegetation in the lake. They are investing in technologies such as the introduction of water gardens and artificial wetlands, to help increase the levels of vegetation, as well as to help filter the pollutants from the water.
In addition, newer techniques such as the use of the native plants, which have adapted to the local environment for hundreds of years, are being reintroduced into the lake. These plants are more resilent to the dry season, have stronger root systems and are able to absorb more nutrients. This helps to increase the damaged habitats and helps to increase the overall aquatic biodiversity of the lake.
Rehabilitation Efforts
In an effort to rehabilitate the plants in the lake, the government in Malawi is implementing a number of measures. They are looking at improving the agricultural practices in rural areas, as well as introducing more efficient farming methods. This includes introducing more efficient irrigation methods, as well as more efficient methods to manage runoff and fertilizer.
Furthermore, they are also introducing projects to help introduce new species of plants into the lake. This not only helps increase the diversity of the vegetation, but also helps to restore the balance in the lake. In addition, the government is also looking at introducing more conservation measures, such as the protection of wetland areas or the use of artificial wetlands, which can help to increase the number of aquatic plants.
Research on The Lake
In order to truly understand the lake, a broad range of research needs to be undertaken to gain cumulative knowledge and data. This could include monitoring oxygen levels in the lake, testing the levels of pollutants and conducting extensive surveys on the aquatic flora and fauna. This will not only help to identify the current environmental concerns, but also determine the best ways to improve the lake’s overall health.
Moreover, the analysis of existing data and the study of the ecological features of the lake are important aspects of the research. This will enable us to identify specific areas of concern, as well as suggest better management methods. Research and data analysis would also allow us to identify areas where rehabilitation efforts and conservation measures could be put in place, in order to bring the lake back to its former glory.
Conclusion
Lake Malawi may not be popular for its plant life, but its aquatic flora and fauna have sustained its beauty for hundreds of years. Whether these plants are seen in the form of algae, seagrasses, or moss, they are vitally important to the lake’s sustainability, and more efforts should be made to ensure its protection and rehabilitation.
