Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences

The Korean Society of Fisheries and Aquatic Science (한국수산과학회)
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Identification and characterization of fish breeding habitats on Lake Kyoga as an approach to sustainable fisheries management

  • Rebecca Walugembe Nambi (Africa Center of Excellence for Water Management, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Addis Ababa University) ;
  • Abebe Getahun (Department of Zoological Sciences, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Addis Ababa University) ;
  • Fredrick Jones Muyodi (Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University) ;
  • John Peter Obubu (Africa Center of Excellence for Water Management, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Addis Ababa University)
  • Received : 2022.07.27
  • Accepted : 2023.02.16
  • Published : 2023.04.30
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Abstract

Nile perch and Nile tilapia are major commercial species in Uganda, and thus require continuous production. However, their production is impacted by anthropogenic activities such as fishing in breeding habitats. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize Nile perch and Nile tilapia fish breeding habitats on Lake Kyoga. Water quality, lake bottom, fish and vegetation type samples were collected from 20 sites in April of 2021 and 2022. Key informant interviews were conducted with experienced fishermen at five fish landing sites. The water quality parameters indicated significant difference within the sites using analysis of variance. Sandy and muddy bottom types were equally spread at 40% each by use of a pie chart. Fish gonads showed no significant difference among the 20 sites. Bivariate correlation analysis of the vegetation types indicated a strong negative correlation with Nile perch while Nile tilapia had a positive correlation. Principal component analysis of the water quality, fish gonads and habitat vegetation components cumulatively contributed 82.5% in characterizing a fish breeding habitat. Four sites for Nile perch and four sites for Nile tilapia were characterized as breeding sites on Lake Kyoga and are recommended for mapping and gazettement as breeding habitats for sustainable fisheries management.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

We thank the Africa Center of Excellence for Water Management (ACEWM), Addis Ababa University for the financial support and guidance throughout the study period. The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries for the logistical support, and the field team for the team spirit exhibited during data collection and sampling. Additionally, the Ministry of Water and Environment for the recorded data and water laboratory, and Makerere University for botany laboratory and sitting space.

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