Fish Breeding Areas as a Management Tool for Fisheries Resources in Lake Victoria, East Africa

Abstract

The shallow inshore (< 5m deep) habitats of Lake Victoria are considered to be important breeding, nursery and feeding grounds for many fish species in the lake. These areas were identified, characterized and mapped in order to provide information on critical habitats that need protection. The breeding score of fish was above average (11 points) at 46 of the 89 sites that were sampled and these could be considered for protection as breeding and nursery grounds. The highest breeding scores (>24) were obtained at major river mouths and it is strongly recommended that these should be protected to benefit fish species that migrate up rivers to spawn. The size and location of these critical habitats need to be clearly demarcated to provide better scientific information for management decisions.

Keywords: Breeding score, Fish migration, Nile perch, Protected areas, Tilapias