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ABSTRACT. One of the defining characteristics of inland fisheries is that they are closely impacted by other essential human activities that rely on the same fresh or brackish water ecosystems, such as hydroelectricity generation and irrigated agriculture. Starting with the premise that an understanding of fisheries' interactions with these external sectors is in itself critical for achieving sustainability of the fisheries, this paper explores the topic of intersectoral governance and outlines an approach to analyzing the intricate and often challenging sector relationships. By drawing on examples of inland fisheries from around the world, the paper proposes four broad discursive mechanisms that can structure the study of the intersectoral dynamics, i.e., system characterization, valuation, power relations, and vertical policy interaction. A synthesis model then demonstrates their interwoven nature, revealing the way each mechanism influences one another as together they shape overall outcomes. It is apparent that analyses often need to be combined to advance more rigorous (and transdisciplinary) science and also inform appropriate courses for the governance of inland fisheries. Given the typically marginal position of fisheries in inland water-use discussions, we call for a more systematic understanding of intersectoral interactions to enhance the sector's resilience within the wider society and subsequently contribute to integrated governance of waterbodies.

Mashoko Dam is in Ago-ecological Region 4 in Zimbabwe. Five sampling sites were randomly selected and each site was sampled twice per month, for six months. A total of 180 Oreochromis mossambicus fish (101 females and 79 males) were caught. The fish were examined for Clinostomum metacercariae by cutting the ventral side from the anal opening to the lower jaw. The gill chambers were examined and inspected visually to detect macroscopic parasites. Of the 180 fish collected during the study, 113 (62.8%) were infected by 284 Clinostomum larvae in the cranial cavity while 67 fish were not infected. Among the infected fish, 46 were males and 67 were females. Greater parasite burden and mean intensity were observed in female fish (2.7 MI) than males (2.2 MI). There was no statistically significant difference in mean intensity of infection between male and female fish (n=180; t=0.521; p < 0.05). Uninfected fish were in a poorer condition than infected fish in July and October only. The lowest monthly condition factor for both infected (1.8) and uninfected (1.7) fish occurred in October. The monthly condition factors for both infected (1.94–3.51) and noninfected fish (1.81–5.28) were greater than 1. For prevalence by total length groups, highest prevalence (66.3%) was recorded in the medium length group (10–12 cm) and lowest (25.0%) in the (16–18 cm) length group. Highest mean intensity (2.8) and parasite density (146 parasites) was observed in the length group (13–15 cm) and lowest mean intensity (1.0) in larger length groups (16–18 cm and above 19 cm). Highest abundance (1.74) was recorded in the length group 13–15 cm and lowest abundance (0.25) in the length group 16–18 cm. Parasite burden was positively correlated to fish size (total length). It was concluded that Clinostomum metacercariae are a common parasite in Oreochromis mossambicus in Mashoko dam.

The small-scale (artisanal) fisheries in Zimbabwe play an important role in incomegeneration and food security at the household level. This sector has the potential to significantly increase its contribution to household income and food security if more effective fisheries management strategies are put in place. Historically, fisheries management has adopted a centralised "Top-down" approach. This approach has had very limited effectiveness. Over the last decade, efforts have been made to implement co-management in the fisheries sector. Several factors have hampered the success of fisheries co-management in the artisanal fishery. These factors have been institutional, ecological, human and financial. This paper discusses these factors and proposes possible solutions. A more innovative and effective fisheries management approach is also proposed.