Water Quality and Fish Diversity in Lake Kijanebalola, a Forgotten Satellite Lake in the Lake Victoria Basin

Abstract

This study was carried out in Lake Kijanebalola, a small satellite lake in the Lake Victoria basin, in 2007 and then in 2015. A total of 14 fish species were identified but catches declined drastically between the two sampling periods owing to intensive fishing pressure. Juvenile fish were concentrated in shallow inshore areas. The water quality changed between 2007 and 2015, with significant increases in temperature, oxygen concentrations, pH and BOD, suggesting that the lake had become eutrophic. There was a significant decrease in faecal coliforms in the water suggesting improved sanitation in the lake basin. Recommendations for management of the fishery and catchment area through community involvement and education have been included.

Keywords: Coliforms, Fish species composition, Kijanebalola, Lake Victoria basin, Satellite lake