Physical variables, nutrient status and primary productivity of Kyoga Basin lakes of Lemwa, Omunuo, Gawa, Adois and Owapet

The review report on Kyoga basin lakes (NAFIRRI 2007) described Kyoga basin lakes as important natural resource for the communities within the basin and the surrounding areas. Fisheries of the basin provide a source of protein, income, and employment to generally poor communities in the area. The lakes also generate revenue to the local Governments within the catchment. This indicates that the fisheries of Kyoga basin lakes are a key instrument in poverty eradication and food security. The lakes also act as a source of water for domestic, agricultural and transport purposes. Some of the Kyoga small lakes harbour fish species, which have disappeared from the main lakes Victoria and Kyoga and are therefore important for biodiversity conservation

A report on frame and catch assessment surveys on Lake Nakuwa, Lake Kyoga Basin, Uganda

Lake Nakuwa is one of the large lakes among the Kyoga drainage system lakes, located 132 km north east Off Jinja town, at 01° 091N 33° 21 1 E, an elevation 1037 m, surface area of 200 km2 and an average depth of 3.3 m. The lake is shared by the districts of Kamuli, Pallisa and the newly created district of Kaliro. howerever 80% of the landing sites are in Kaliro and less than 20% are shared between the districts of Kamuli and Pallisa. The lake is free of submerged and floating macrophytes, with lots of floating papyrus (sudds). Papyrus, hippo grass and reeds dominate the shoreline vegetation. Lake Nakuwa like the main lake Kyoga was stocked with the Nile perch and the tilapiine species namely Oreochromis niloticus, Oreochromis leucostictus and Tilapia zillii in the general stocking exercise of small lakes alild dams in the early 1970's.

A report on frame and catch assessment surveys on Nabugabo lakes, north west, Lake Victoria Basin, Uganda

The Nabugabo lakes are an important source of affordable protein food in the form of fish, income, water for domestic and commercial purposes (aquaculture farm and Hotels), handcraft materials (mats, hats, roof thatch) and fishing floats and rafts. Nabugabo lakes provide employment, income and export earnings to Uganda that flow from the act of harvesting the fish. In Uganda the fisheries sector directly employs 350,000 people and indirectly 1.2 million people. In 2005, it is estimated that about 370,000 mt fish export (97-98% Nile perch) earned Uganda US $ 143 Million up from US $ 103 million in 2004 .and up from US $ 45 million in 1996. , making it almost become the first non' traditional export commodity. The Nabugabo lakes are also import for cultural values and fish species from these lakes are important in evolutionary studies. The fishery sector is therefore very important in Uganda's socio-economic life. Despite the above values to the communities and global biodiversity roles, the amount of fish caught and the number fishing fleets operating on the Nabugabo lakes to guide management of the lake are lacking. The fishery that exists in these lakes is largely for subsistence and commercial purposes specific for Lake Nabugabo based on introduced species (Nile perch and Nile Tilapia). The fish is caught using mainly gill nets and long line hooks.

Phytoplankton communities of a floodplain lake of the Brahmaputra River basin, Upper Assam

Phytoplankton (52 species; Bacillariophyceae>Chlorophyceae>Cyanophyceae> Euglenophyceae=Dinophyceae) of Samuajan beel, a tropical floodplain lake, registered identical mean annual richness (30+4 species) in littoral and limnetic regions and depicted 33.3-77.2% and 31.4-81.1% community similarities respectively. Their abundance ranged between 137+54 n/l in littoral (Bacillariophyceae>Chlorophyceae) and 122 ± 45 n/l (Chlorophyceae>Bacillariophyceae) in limnetic communities, comprised about 46% of net plankton and indicated winter peaks. This study depicted moderate species diversity, high evenness and low dominance of phytoplankton; species diversity showed significant direct correlation with richness and evenness and an inverse relationship with dominance. Phytoplankton showed significant positive relationship with transparency and silicate and negative with water temperature, rainfall, chloride and nitrate. Multiple regression revealed that ten abiotic factors accounted for >80-98% of density variations of phytoplankton and the dominant groups. ANOVA depicted trends of significance in abundance of the biotic communities analysed.

Study of the rocky intertidal communities of central and northern California: Years III and IV

The study objectives are to describe seasonal and successional variation in rocky intertidal community structure; determine the response of rocky intertidal communities to natural and human-induced disturbances and correlate these responses with successional, seasonal, and latitudinal variation; and correlate life history information and oil toxicity data with data from this and other relevant studies. The Year III and IV report is for the third (1987) and fourth (1988) years of a five-year field experimental study investigating two biological assemblages, the Mytilus assemblage and the Endocladia/Mastocarpus papillatus assemblage, that are being studied at six sites along the California coast. Volume I includes the report, Appendix A, and Appendix B. Volume II includes Appendix C. Volume III includes Appendix D. Volume IV includes Appendix E and Appendix F. Volume V includes Appendix G, Appendix H, and Appendix I.

Mussel recovery and species dynamics at four California rocky intertidal sites: 1992 data report

This is an interim report for a study of mussel recovery and species dynamics at four California rocky intertidal sites. Conducted by Kinnetic Laboratories, Inc. (KLI), and funded by the Minerals Management Service (MMS), the initial experimental field study began in spring 1985 and continued through spring 1991. The initial field study included six sites along the central and northern California coast. In 1992, MMS decided to continue the work started by KLI through an in-house study and establishment of the MMS Intertidal (MINT) team. Four of the original six sites have been continued by MMS. The study methods of the original study have been retained by the MINT team, and close coordination with the original KLI team continues. In 1994, the MMS Environmental Studies Program officially awarded a contract to the MINT team for this in-house study. This interim report presents the results from the fall 1992 sampling, the first year of sampling by the MINT team. The report presents a limited statistical analysis and visual comparison of the 1992 data. The next interim report will include data collected during fall 1994 and will present a broader statistical analysis of both the 1992 and 1994 data sets.

Some aspects of fisheries of the Sylhet basin, Northeast Bangladesh

A comprehensive study on the fisheries aspect was done in the Sylhet basin, Bangladesh during 1994 through 1998. Maximum fishing effort was engaged in the period of April to September while the bulk catch came during the September-January, when less effort was exerted. Barbs comprised 19%, catfishes 18% and major carps 16% of the total catch. Chatla beel, a three years pile, showed the highest fish production. Nine types of nets, four types of hooks and five types of traps were found in operation in the basin. The highest daily mean catch was recorded in glzer jal (26.5 kg/day) and the lowest in the clzandi jal (2.5 kg/day). Behundi jal was the most efficient (0.89 kg/man/h) while chandi jal was the worst (0.12 kg/man/h) gear. Gill net (/ash jal) seems to be the best selective gear. Actual catch/effort always remained less than the projected catch/effort. Maximum economic point of effort lies around 7.0 mandays/km2 and the fishery is gradually moving towards over-fishing. Income of professional fishermen was comparatively high than that of non-professional subsistence groups.

Impact of community-based fisheries management practices on production and species diversity in Turag-Bangshi basin floodplains in Kaliakoir, Gazipur, Bangladesh

The study was conducted to investigate the communities perception and compliance to community-based fisheries management (CBFM) in Turag-Bangshi floodplains under Kaliakoir, Gazipur District. Measures such as ban on use of the harmful fishing gears, seasonal fishing closure, halt of fry fishing, halt of dewatering of beels and the impact of establishment of sanctuaries on fish production and species diversity were introduced by MACH project. Almost all members of the communities in Turag-Bangshi MACH (Management of Aquatic Ecosystem through Community Husbandry) site welcomed the introduction and complied with the implementation of all management measures which helped stopped use of harmful fishing gears, ensured survival and breeding of brood fish in the rainy season, protected and allowed fry to grow big, restored lost and degraded fisheries and organized communities for sustainable development of the fisheries. A total of 51 species of fishes were found in Makosh beel (natural depression). Among these, small indigenous species (SIS) under Cyprinidae family (Puntius sophore) was the most dominant. Many species available in the past recorded disappeared from the Makosh beel due to loss of habitat and industrial pollution that damaged spawning and nursery grounds of fish. Introduction of some selective native endangered species (Nandus nandus, Notopterus notopterus, Ompok pabda and Labeo calbasu) by MACH in the Turag-Bangshi water bodies increased diversity of species from 82 to 95. Over a period of five years during MACH intervention, the average production remained nearly 200% higher than the baseline production of 57 kg/ha to present 207 kg/ha due to maintaining sanctuaries and the closed fishing seasons. Per capita daily fish consumption of the surrounding communities also increased by 78% (from 27 to 48 g/person/day) which is much higher than the national average fish consumption in Bangladesh. The implementation of community-based MACH project management measures substantially improved fish habitat, production, consumption and socio-economic conditions of the surrounding communities. The model can be used to improve the floodplains of Bangladesh.

Ecological models and GIS maps of macroalgae, as bioindicator for ecological status of Hormozgan rocky shores

In this study a total of 75 species were identified, from which 17 species, 9 genes and 6 families; belonged to Green Algae, 18 species, 7 genes and 4 families; belonged to Brown Algae, and 40 species, 18 genes and 11 families; belonged to Red Algae. From total times spent for sampling, it was determined that at lengeh harbor with 6 species, had the lowest diversity of green algae. The species diversity of brown algae at Michael location with 10 species each; had the highest, and Tahooneh location with 5 species; had the lowest species diversity. Species diversity of red algae at Michael location with 28 species; had the highest, and Sayeh Khosh location with 13 species; had the lowest diversity. From all locations where sampling took place, the highest species diversity regarding Time and Space for all three groups of algae; were associated to Late February (20th. Feb. ), and late March(20th. March). Coverage data of macroalgae and Ecological Evaluation Index indicate a high level of eutrophication for the Saieh khosh, and Bostaneh, They are classified as zones with a bad and poor ecological status. It has been proved that concentrations of biogenic elements and phytoplankton blooming are higher in these zones. The best values of the estimated metrics at Tahooneh and Michaeil could be explained with the good ecological conditions in that zone and the absence of pollution sources close to that transect . The values of abundance of macroalgae and Ecological Evaluation Index indicate a moderate ecological conditions for the Koohin, Lengeh and Chirooieh.

Report of frame survey of the Kyoga basin lakes 2002

A comprehensive Frame survey was carried out in lakes Kwania, Kyoga and the Kyoga basin minor lakes which include Lake Sisina in 2002 (Figure 1). The Frame survey was coordinated by the Department of Fisheries Resources (DFR) assisted by the National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NAFIRRI) with technical support. The riparian districts through the sub-county fisheries offices and the BMUs provided the enumerators and supervisors. The frame survey captured all the important characteristics of the fisheries and facilities supporting the fisheries and thus provides a strong baseline for future reference of management interventions in the basin.

The nutritional status of fishing and non-fishing communities of Lake Victoria basin

We examined socio-economic variables that contribute to malnutrition in selected communities in the Lake Victoria basin during 2001. The study was carried out in nine districts and hinterland communities up to 25 km awayfrom the beach were used as the reference population. The main variables examined were: feeding habits, income and intra-household food distribution and living standards. Others included disease and health, sanitation and hygiene, childcare and mothers' age and workload, weaning practices, agricultural production and food availability, care during pregnancy and food taboos.

Management of water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes, in Lake Victoria Basin

Water hyacinth is a free-floating waterweed native to the Amazon River Basin in South America. In its native range, water hyacinth is not an environmental problem, although the weed is one of the most invasive alien plants in freshwater environments. Water hyacinth has the potential to become invasive through fast vegetative reproduction and rapid growth to accumulate huge biomass and extensive cover in freshwater environments. Over the last 150 years water hyacinth has invaded most countries in the tropics and sub-tropics, introduced by man, mainly for ornamental purposes. Such introductions led to the infestation of most freshwater-ways in the southern United States of America, parts of Australia, the pacific islands, and most countries in Asia and Africa. The extensive tightly packed mats of water hyacinth are often associated with devastating socio-economic and environmental impacts. Invasion by the weed has, therefore, often generated urgent costly problems associated with the weed biomass and its management. A classic example of such problems was triggered by the invasion and proliferation of water hyacinth in the Lake Victoria Basin during the 1980s (Freilink 1989, Taylor 1993, Twongo et al., 1995). The weed infestation marked the beginning of a decade of intensive and systematic campaign by the three riparian states (Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda) to bring weed proliferation under control. The discussions in this Chapter span over ten years of dealing with the challenges paused by the imperative to manage infestations of water hyacinth in the Lake Victoria Basin. The challenges included the need to understand the dynamics of water hyacinth infestation; its distribution, proliferation and impact modalities; and the development and implementation of appropriate weed control strategies and options. Most specific examples were taken from the Ugandan experience (NARO, 2002).

Human activities and interests within and around lakes of the Victoria and Kyoga basin and their consequences to sustainable fish production

Of all the great lakes, Lake Victoria has the highest population concentration on its fringes. This has resulted into serious human impacts on the ecosystem through intense agricultural activities (cultivation, livestock and over fishing), sporadic settlements, urbanization and industrial establishments. The consequences have been loss of animals and plant life, deforestation and general land degradation, pollution, loss of water quality and clean air. Aquatic life has become endangered and less guaranteeing to continued fish production. Awareness workshops and general talks have been done to a few selected communities by the lakes landing sites and in the catchment area to mitigate the deteriorating environmental conditions. Naturally the situation calls for reversal to the increasing stress of the ecosystem. As a result, every water body surveyed put forward some mitigation suggestions

The diversity of macro invertebrates in the Victoria and Kyoga lake basin and their relationship to ecosystem functioning

Aquatic macro-invertebrates encompass all those organisms that be seen with unaided eyes. Most macro-invertebrates are categorised as semi-aquatic in that they are aquatic in early stages, but live as terrestrial organisms as adults, while others like gastropods, bivalves, Oligochaetae, Hirudinae and ostracods are exclusively aquatic. Some of them such as mayflies lay eggs in water and subsequent stages also live in water until adulthood when they emerge to live a terrestrial life. In others, eggs are laid near the water, while some like members of Tendipedidae (midges) lay their eggs on the leaves of aquatic macrophytes and after hatching their larvae creep into water

Characterization of genetic biodiversity of Nile perch, Lates niloticus, Tilapiines, Haplochromine flock and Ningu (Labeo victorianus) in the Victoria Lake Basin: an overview

Genetic biodiversity is the vaflatlOn among individuals within and between units of interbreeding individuals (populations) of a species. It includes inheritable and transmittable differences that occur between individuals andlor popuhitions of a given species through reproductive interaction. There exists enormous variability among individuals andlor populations of a species for most living organisms, and most of this variation is inheritable. differences among individuals arise through mutation and via recombination of genes during meiosis. These ifferences are then transmitted to successive generations through sexual reproduction and maintained in the populations through processes such as natural selection and genetic drift. Unfortunately much of this variation is normally threatened and often in danger of extinction because most focus in conservation of natural resources is put at saving species or habitats than varieties or strains of a species