Protecting Malawi cichlidsby Ad Konings / continued part 7— I have always been of the opinion that you can only protect a natural resource by buying the habitat in question, put a fence around it and limit access to those that want to enjoy and shoot with cameras. It is impossible to do so with Lake Malawi and although there have been talks of turning the entire lake into a multinational park, preventing over-fishing in select areas really has a chance of succeeding in preserving the great biodiversity still to be found in this magnificent lake.

Clubs like the Babes In The Cichlid Hobby, Minnesota Aquarium Society, and the Missouri Aquarium Society, Inc. (photo) have already gathered funds for the Malawi cichlids conservation. Ask your club if they can donate or organize an auction for the Stuart Grant Fund. Cichlid Press can help donate books for an auction (clubs can send requests to Cichlid Press, PO Box 13608, El Paso, TX 79913).  Thanks to all the hobbyists and associations that have already donated to the Malawi cause! Enjoy your cichlids!