Identification and characterization of fish breeding habitats on Lake Kyoga as an approach to sustainable fisheries management
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Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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.
Description
Keywords
Lake Kyoga, Management, Nile perch, Nile tilapia
Citation
Nambi, R. W., Getahun, A., Muyodi, F. J., & Obubu, J. P. (2023). Identification and characterization of fish breeding habitats on Lake Kyoga as an approach to sustainable fisheries management. Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 26(4), 282-293. https://doi.org/10.47853/FAS.2023.e24