Prognosis for long‐term sustainable fisheries in the African Great Lakes

Abstract

Declines in fish yields and shifts in species composition are serious concerns in the African Great lakes of Tanganyika, Malawi (Nyasa/Niassa) and Victoria. Despite management and regulatory structures, all the lakes remain open‐access fisheries, severely depressing yields, economic returns and threatening biodiversity. While the lakes require an ecosystem‐based approach to management, this has not been realised because of a lack of institutional capacities, insufficient political will or simply being overwhelmed by the scale of the endeavour. Sustainable fisheries management can only be achieved through a refocus towards a stronger socio‐ecological approach and re‐evaluating how to realistically improve fish yield and environmental protection. This requires a combination of the following: (1) acceptance of suboptimal fish yields; (2) community‐enforced regulations that restrict access to fisheries and destruction of inshore habitats; (3) enhanced national and local institutional capacities and collaboration among the riparian states; and (4) major awareness and educational efforts that demonstrate the national and international importance of these lakes for food supply and biodiversity in pursuance of the Sustainable Development Goals. Without such actions, the prognosis for long‐term sustainable fisheries is bleak, and international projects and conferences will merely bear witness to further degradation of resources and the livelihoods they support.

Towards sustainable fisheries and aquaculture management in the African Great Lakes

“…Forty‐seven persons responded to the questions posed (responses summarised in Table ). All respondents recognised the high potential value and contribution of the fisheries to biodiversity, food security and livelihoods (Irvine et al, ). The key issues facing AGL fisheries relate to the considerable exploitation pressures and open access arrangements for all the lakes.…”

“…The key issues facing AGL fisheries relate to the considerable exploitation pressures and open access arrangements for all the lakes. This has resulted in changes in fish catch composition and size of catch, with a notable shift towards small pelagics (Irvine et al, ; Mangeni‐Sande et al, ). These changes are exacerbated by habitat and environmental degradation.…”

“…The impact of climate change on aquatic ecosystems, food web dynamics and biodiversity is not well understood and seems to be negatively impacted by water level fluctuations and extended drought periods Forty-seven persons responded to the questions posed (responses summarised in Table 4). All respondents recognised the high potential value and contribution of the fisheries to biodiversity, food security and livelihoods (Irvine et al, 2019). [IUU] fishing is prevalent and co-management systems established around many of the lakes are underperforming or failing (Obiero et al, 2015).…”

Editorial: Aquatic conservation in the age of the Sustainable Development Goals

“…What is perceived as good through the lens of conservation may not be so through the lens of economics or social welfare (Lackey, ). Managing for conservation or sustainable resource use can exclude other stakeholders depending on natural resources (Adams & Hutton, ), diminishing social equity and hunger alleviation (Irvine, Etiegni, & Weyl, ; Van der Knaap, Katonda, & De Graaf, ). Reconciling these issues with the state of the environment and the interest of future generations is the essence of ‘sustainable’ management.…”

“…This highlights the necessity to integrate the relevant targets of at least seven SDGs (1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 12, and 17). By example, reducing hunger (SDG 1) through sustainable inland fisheries is inextricably linked with water and ecological quality targets (Irvine et al, ; Lehmann et al, ; Lynch et al, ). Recognizing the role of aquatic life as a foundation for sustainable resource use, and the effects on that of degraded habitats, should promote a greater role of advocacy among freshwater and conservation scientists.…”