Lake Victoria Fisheries Resources

This book synthesises the historical trends of the lake fisheries, the lake ecology, biology and biodiversity, socio-economics, stock assessment, aquaculture, fish quality assurance, environmental quality and management of the fisheries resources. The evolution of fisheries in Lake Victoria has undergone dramatic changes over the last few decades, leading to both ecological and socio-economic consequences. The lake has changed from one dominated by haplochromines in the 1950s, to one currently dominated by Nile perch, ‘dagaa’ (Rastrineobola argentea) and Nile tilapia. These changes have mainly been driven by the introduction of the predatory Nile perch in the lake, eutrophication due to increased human activities in the catchment, increased human population growth, overfishing and changes in the global climate system. This work should therefore be a particularly useful reference to fisheries scientists and managers, potential investors, students and other professionals who may be interested in the Lake Victoria fisheries.

This book constitutes a pioneering and unique work on Lake Victoria. It is the world’s second largest fresh-water lake and supports the livelihood of more than 30 million people. Surprisingly, there has been no comprehensive book addressing its problems and potentials. Ecology, environmental pollution and resource management are some of the issues addressed by this comprehensive insight into the limitations, challenges and opportunities facing Lake Victoria.

"The results of eighteen years research on the fisheries of Lake Victoria are presented here in a single volume. The introduction is followed by sections dealing successively with fish and fisheries, methodologies for sampling, gear and boats, methods for monitoring fish stocks, management and processing of data, fishery statistics and methods for monitoring the fishery. It, therefore, proceeds logically from fish to fisherman, passing through the scientific administrative steps needed to acquire and interpret the data necessary to ensure good management. The main body of the text is complemented by appendices which provide specific biological information on the major fish species of Lake Victoria, including a detailed key."--BOOK JACKET.