A preliminary investigation of the effects of an Inter Basin Transfer on the ichthyofauna of a small river in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

A study was carried out to provide baseline data so that future impacts of an Inter Basin Transfer on the fish fauna of the Mvuzana River could be assessed. Seven species of fish were recorded, and all were present under natural and regulated flow conditions. Although there were no significant differences in community structure between natural and regulated flow conditions, species distribution was more and the CPUE values lower under regulated conditions downstream from the transfer point.

Key words: freshwater, Mvuzana River, impacts, fish.