Changing fish stocks in Lake Kariba: climatic or human-induced impact?

FRSSAf, R. Grant Cawthorn

doi:10.1080/0035919x.2011.632446

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…It has recently been suggested that climatic change might explain changes in the fisheries productivity of the lake (Magadza , ; Ndebele‐Murisa et al . ), although other workers have disputed this conclusion (Cawthorn ; Marshall ,b). In addition, differences in fishery management policies on the Zambian and Zimbabwean shorelines have led to differences in fishing methods and efforts on the two sides of the lake, with concomitant effects on their fish populations (Kolding et al .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…This observation reflects the fact that catches are affected by ecological changes that have occurred since the creation of the lake in 1958 (Karenge & Kolding 1995a,b;Kolding et al 2003;Munyandorero 2006). It has recently been suggested that climatic change might explain changes in the fisheries productivity of the lake (Magadza 2010(Magadza , 2011Ndebele-Murisa et al 2011), although other workers have disputed this conclusion (Cawthorn 2011;Marshall 2012a,b). In addition, differences in fishery management policies on the Zambian and Zimbabwean shorelines have led to differences in fishing methods and efforts on the two sides of the lake, with concomitant effects on their fish populations (Kolding et al 2003).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Effects of habitat and fishing on fish assemblages in a tropical reservoir: Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe

Zengeya

Marshall

2015

Lakes & Reservoirs

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This study investigated the effects of habitat and fishing on fish communities along inshore areas of the Sanyati Basin, Lake Kariba. A one-year experimental gillnet survey was carried out in 2007 from eight sampling sites located in two different habitats (river mouths and sheltered bays), and in areas open or closed to fishing. A total of 16 species were captured, although the numbers caught at each site varied widely, with only four species recorded at each of the eight sampling sites. The numbers of fish were higher in the fished areas, mainly because of large numbers of Synodontis zambezensis, although the differences were not significant. In contrast, there were significant differences in the abundance of all species between habitats, with the exception of Cyphomyrus discorhynchus and Marcusenius macrolepidotus. There were no significant differences in the diversity of fish in these areas, although mean diversity and evenness were slightly higher in unfished areas and in sheltered bays. Overall, 90% of the fish specimens caught were within a 10-25 cm size range, although there were no systematic differences in the mean length in relation to fishing. In contrast, most fish were generally larger in river mouth areas than in sheltered bays. These data suggest that fishing had little effect on fish communities. This is in contrast to general habitat, which had a significant effect, a finding consistent with earlier studies showing that vegetation, in particular, had a significant effect on fish stocks.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of habitat and fishing on fish assemblages in a tropical reservoir: Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe

Zengeya

Marshall

2015

Lakes & Reservoirs

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“…Multiple natural and human factors can be attributed to declining fish catches of SSFs. Cawthorn (2011) and Benkenstein (2013) argue that declining fish Small-scale fisheries play a significant role in enhancing livelihoods, creating employment and contributing to food security especially in developing countries. Rural fishing communities are highly dependent on natural resources, which are climate sensitive.…”

Section: Introduction and Study Backgroundmentioning

confidence: 99%

The challenges experienced by small-scale fishing communities of Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe

Muringai

Naidoo

Mafongoya

2020

TDSA

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Small-scale fisheries play a significant role in enhancing livelihoods, creating employment and contributing to food security especially in developing countries. Rural fishing communities are highly dependent on natural resources, which are climate sensitive. Many research efforts have been made to understand the impacts of climate change on fisheries and fishing economies. However, little attention has been given to understand the challenges experienced by small-scale fishing communities in developing countries in Africa. This article assesses non-climate change and climate change-induced challenges according to the experiences of the gillnet small-scale fishers of Sanyathi fishing basin of Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe. The study used a qualitative research design, and data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews with fishers. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse interview transcripts. The study results showed that declining fish catches is one of the major challenges experienced by fishers. The main themes that emanated as the challenges faced by fishers are food insecurity, wildlife attacks, lack of access to information systems, lack of fishing equipment, the existence of the predator crayfish, poor lake co-management and shrinking fishing boundaries. Overall, the study found that fish production is negatively affected by several political, economic and environmental factors; therefore, development through the public and private organisations should incorporate small-scale fishers in policy formulation to positively enhance livelihoods and food security.

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