Studies on the current state of the limno-chemistry and potential fish yield of Lake Volta (Yeji sector) after three decades of impoundment

Abstract

This study aimed at providing information on the current state of one of the relatively high fish production areas of Lake Volta the Yeji sector. As in its early life, the water of Lake Volta was found to be oligotrophic, with low concentrations of nitrates, nitrites and phosphates which ranged between 0.51 and 0.82, 0.02 and 0.05, and 0.34 and 0.41 mg l^-1, respectively. Sodium was the dominant ion, with a mean concentration of 12.1 mg l^-1. Generally, the ionic dominance pattern recorded was Ca>Na>K>Cl>Mg. Considerable increase in turbidity is regarded as a major limiting factor affecting primary production and resultant potential fish yield. As a result of turbidity, oxygen saturation levels were high (>100 %) at the surface, possibly leading to the restriction of primary production at the air-water interface. The difference in temperature between the surface and bottom was narrow (1.7°C), with practically no thermal stratification in the Yeji sector of the lake. This suggests mixing of waters between the surface and deeper layers, thereby enhancing oxygen availability in sufficient concentrations for fish life clear to the bottom. Based on the morpho-edaphic model, the potential fish yield estimate of the lake has declined from 32.8 kg ha¹ in 1974 to 29.0 kg ha¹ in 1995/96. The decline is attributed to limnological changes in the lake, notably increased turbidity.

Ghana Journal of Agricultural Science Vol. 38, 2005: 65-72