Lake Malawi/Niassa/Nyasa (LMNN) is one of the most important and third-largest African Great Lakes. It has the largest number of freshwater fish species in the world, most of which are endemic. Current estimates put the number of fish species in the range of 800–1000. The riparian countries of Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania enjoy enormous benefits that accrue from the ecosystem services that the lake provides. However, LMNN is experiencing severe adverse impacts resulting from anthropogenic and climatic stressors, leading to increased sediment and nutrient loading. This observation motivated this study to identify existing research gaps to enhance the lake’s sustainable management. Specifically, the assessment focused on three key issues identified and prioritised by the LMNN Basin Fisheries and Aquaculture Network (LMNNBFAN), namely: fishery health, invasive species, and climate change. Data collection involved stakeholder consultations, field surveys, and desk reviews. Recommendations from study findings, that would create a conducive environment for the sustainable management of the lake, have been grouped into four main categories: research needs, infrastructure development, human capacity building and funding.

马拉维湖/尼亚萨湖/尼亚萨湖 (LMNN) 是非洲最重要的第三大湖之一。它拥有世界上数量最多的淡水鱼类，其中大部分是特有的。目前估计鱼类种类数量在 800-1000 种之间。马拉维、莫桑比克和坦桑尼亚等沿岸国家从该湖提供的生态系统服务中获益匪浅。然而，LMNN 正遭受人为和气候压力因素造成的严重不利影响，导致沉积物和养分负荷增加。这一观察促使本研究确定现有的研究差距，以加强湖泊的可持续管理。具体而言，评估重点关注 LMNN 流域渔业和水产养殖网络 (LMNNBFAN) 确定并优先考虑的三个关键问题，即：渔业健康、入侵物种和气候变化。数据收集涉及利益相关者咨询、实地调查和案头审查。研究结果提出的建议将为湖泊的可持续管理创造有利的环境，这些建议分为四个主要类别：研究需求、基础设施发展、人力建设和资金。