Characteristics of the Lake Victoria fishery based on frame surveys 2000 and 2002: with recommendations for development and management of the fishery

Abstract

Lake Victoria is one of the major economic assets and a symbol of unity among the Partner States of the East African Community (EAC). The Partner States have declared the lake basin and its basin an Economic Zone to be developed jointly by the Partner States. Fisheries are one of the major resources being developed and managed jointly. Frame surveys were carried out on Lake Victoria in 2000 and 2002 to determine certain characteristics of the fishery to guide development and management of the fishery. The surveys show that: The number of fish landing sites was higher compared to fisheries staff with each fisheries officer expected to man three landing sites. There were inadequate facilities at the fish landings. The number of fishers on the lake increased from 129,305 to 175,890, fishing crafts from 42,483 to 52,479, and gillnets from 655,053 to 984,084 between the years 2000 to 2002. This is an indication of increases in fishing effort. The fishermen needed to go further ashore using outboard engine to fish suggesting depletion of fish stocks in near-shore areas. The Partner states have made deliberate efforts to improve facilities at fish landings to meet fish quality requirements and curb illegal fishing gears as manifested in the reduction in the number of beach seines and illegal sizes of gillnets in some of the Partner States. There were, however still a large number of illegal gill nets of mesh sizes ranging from 2.5 inches to 4.5 inches, and illegal beach seines on the lake by the year 2002. It was, therefore recommended that: The ratio of staff to landing site be matched to improve development and management efforts; Fish handling facilities and access to fish landings should be improved; The implication of the increases in fishing effort on the fish stocks should be assessed and appropriate measures taken; and, Specific efforts should be made to remove illegal sizes of gill nets and beach seines from the lake.