The effect of Lampara net on the catch rates and size of the fishing harvest of Rastrineobola argentae (mukene) in selected parts of Lake Victoria, Uganda

This study was undertaken in Napoleon gulf, and part of the off shore area of Lake Victoria Uganda in the landing site of Lufu in Buvuma district in the month of October 2015 for three days of sampling. It was conducted in four landing sites; Busana, Kikondo from Buikwe district and Lufu landing site from Buvuma district. The main aim was to determine the effect of Lampara net on the catch rate and size of the Rastrineobola argentae (mukene) harvested on Lake Victoria using various mesh sizes. The study focused on the 5mm and 10 mm mesh sizes of the Lampara net. A total of 109 boats were sampled; from the 5 mm mesh sizes indicated catch rates of 78-200 kg/boat/day and yet for 10 mm mesh size was at 248 kg/boat day. Statistical tests were carried out on the these two mesh sizes using One way Anova and indicated in catches was (Anova F=7.476; P<0.05) and for the price values was (Anova F=5.488 ; P<0.05). This is an indication that despite the fact that the mukene fishery is on the increase, a time will come when it also be depleted so a need to use the rightful fishing gear of 10mm mesh size is advisable for the biodiversity conservation.

Socio economics of fishing communities on Uganda water bodies

Control and management of Uganda fishery resources has been hindered by among other factors the multispecies nature of the resource and the characteristic behaviour of the fishing communities. Fishermen have both genuine and uncompromising attitudes as to why they carry out certain fishing technologies. All fishing activities aim at maximizing the catches or profits while others may fish on a small scale for subsistence. Sensitizing the" fisherfolk on the appropriate fishing technologies. importance of awell regulated fishery exploitation and their participation in control and management of the resource would enhance or lead to increased and sustainable fish production. Socio-economics of fishing technologies were therefore examined using prepared questionnaires and reasons why the fishing communities behave the way they do established.

Adoption of catamaran fishing method for mukene (Rastrineobola argentea) in off shore waters of Lake Victoria

This report presents information on the development of a system for commercial harvesting of Rastrineobola argentea (Mukene) in Lake Victoria. The objective of this work is to develop a system for commercial Harvesting of Mukene with: •Targeted output above 1,000 kg per working night per boat. •Target area to be off shore waters of Lake Victoria. •Drying under hygienic conditions for production of high quality poultry and animal feeds. •Supply to be continuous with predicable prices

Frame survey (census of boats and fishing gear) Lake Kyoga and Lake Kwania (Uganda), May-June 1990

The census of a fishing industry is called a frame survey. This is a rather comprehensive term, because there are many aspects of a fishery which one might wish to know. This is illustrated by the report on the partial census executed by the ADP/FS on the southern landings of L.Kyoga during December 1988, which deals with many socio-economic aspects of fishermen's households.

Fishing effort and the impact of fishing gears and fishing methods on fishes and fisheries of Kyoga basin lakes

Lake Kyoga at the time of Worthington Survey (Worthington, 1929) was fished by only natives around it. The fishing gears consisted of locally made basket traps, hooks and seine nets made out of papyrus. Fishing was mainly during the dry season as in wet season, the fishers would revert to crop growing. During 1937 to 1950s Oreochromis variabilis, oreochromis esculentus (Ngege) and Protopterus aethiopicus (Mamba) were the most important commercial fish species and contributed over 95% to the total landings until early 1950s when their proportions started to change as a result of changes in fishing techniques. The tilapiines' were then being caught using mainly basket traps and P.aethiopicus was caught in hooks prior to the mid 1950s.

Small-scale fishing in Central American indigenous people: governance, tenure and sustainable management of marine resources

This research develops four case studies on small-scale fisheries in Central America located within indigenous territories. The ngöbe Bugle Conte Burica Territory in the south of Costa Rica, the Garífuna territory in nueva Armenia Honduras, the Rama territory in Nicaragua and the ngöbe Bugle territory in Bocas del Toro, Panamá. This is one of the first studies focusing on indigenous territories, artisanal fisheries and SSF guidelines. The cases are a first approach to discussing and analyzing relevant social and human rights issues related to conservation of marine resources and fisheries management in these territories. The cases discussed between other issues of interest, the relationships between marine protected areas under different governance models and issues related to the strengthening of the small-scale fisheries of these indigenous populations and marine fishing territories. They highlight sustainability, governance, land tenure and access to fishing resources, gender, traditional knowledge importance and new challenges as climate change.

Fishing effort and fish yield over a 15 year period on Lake Victoria, Uganda: management implications

The National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NaFIRRI), the Directorate of Fisheries Resources (DiFR), the Local Government fisheries staff and those from the Beach Management Units (BMUs) of the riparian districts to Lake Victoria regularly and jointly conduct Frame and Catch Assessment Surveys. The information obtained is used to guide fisheries management and development. We reveal the trends in the commercial fish catch landings and fishing effort on the Uganda side of Lake Victoria, over a 15 year period (2000-2015) and provide the underlying factors to the observed changes. The contribution of the high value large size species (Nile perch and Tilapia) to the commercial catch of Lake Victoria has significantly reduced while that of the low value small size species, Mukene has increased over a ten year (2005-2015)period. The information is intended to update and sensitize the key stakeholders on the status of the Lake Victoria fisheries. In addition, the information provided is expected to guide policy formulation and management planning by the fisheries managers at all levels including the BMUs and Landing Site Management Committees (LSMCs), the Local government fisheries staff and the Directorate of Fisheries Resources. The information is anticipated to create awareness among the lakeside fisher communities to reverse the current trend in fish declines.

Mushroom growing as a livelihood option to fishing among Lake Edward fisher communities

Fisheries activities are the main source of livelihood for the communities that live at Lake Edward fish landing sites. The landing sites include: Kazinga, Katwe, Kayanja, Kishenyi Rwenshama and Katunguru and are located within Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area (QECA). In spite of being the main source of livelihood, 74% of the respondents in a 2013 survey reported that catches for the main targeted fish species namely: Bagrus docmak (Semutundu), Oreochromis niloticus (Tilapia) and Protopterus aethiopicus (Mamba) were declining due to overfishing and catching of immature fish by the rapidly increasing population. Lake Edward Frame surveys had shown that the number of fishing crafts increased from 302 in 2008 to 330 in 2011, while the number of fishers increased from 355 to 600 during the same period. Between 2008 and 2010, catch per boat, for Bagrus docmak (Semutundu) declined from 5.25 kg to 4.04 kg and for Protopterus aethiopicus (Mamba) from 2.63 kg to 1.03kg. It has been suggested that reducing pressure on the lake should be handled using different approaches, one of which is introduction of programs for enhancing livelihood options which do not conflict with conservation of Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area (QECA). The main goal of this study was therefore to identify, prioritize and pilot livelihood options at selected landing sites of Lakes Edward and George.