About seventy percent of Malawi's animal protein is produced by fishes captured in the natural waters of Malawi, Between 4-41 million Malawian's consume fish. The overall catch has declined since 1976 at an average rate of approximately 4% per annum (40% drop overall in six years). This has led to a decrease in animal protein of approximately 7% per capita each year. If this trend continues a valuable aquatic food recourse of Malawi may soon be lost or seriously depleted, .