Abundance, composition and distribution of solid wastes in the Tanzanian waters of Lake Victoria

Abstract

The abundance, composition and distribution of solid waste in the Tanzanian waters of Lake Victoria were quantified during surveys in May and October 2013 at 68 stations in six depth strata using the bottom trawl swept area method. By weight, the wastes encountered were composed of multifilament gillnets (44%), monofilament gillnets (42%), longlines and hooks (7%), plastic bags (4%), floats (2%), and clothing (1%). Mean waste abundance varied from 0.011 g m⁻² (SD 0.0097) in the marginal shallows to 0.05 g m⁻² (SD 0.039) in the deepest waters. Transportation, fishing and human activities in the catchment of the lake were the sources of the solid wastes. Compared to that in some marine environments, solid waste pollution is not at present a major problem in Lake Victoria. However, it is important that this situation be addressed and that management measures be proposed and implemented.

Keywords: catchment, gillnets, monofilament, plastic, pollution

African Journal of Aquatic Science 2014, 39(2): 229–232