ANALYSIS OF CATCH DATA FROM 1968 TO 1976 FROM 9 FISH LANDINGS IN THE KENYA WATERS OF LAKE VICTORIA

Fish landing data collected by the Kenya regional fisheries officers from Homa Bay, Kaloka, Karungu, Marenga, Wichlum, Kendu Bay, Usenge, Dunga and Ngegu from 1968 to 1976 were statistically analysed to determine trends in the traditional fisherman's catch in the Kenya waters of Lake Victoria. Over the nine years a significant decline occurred for total catch and catches of Haplochromis spp., Tilapia spp. and Protopterus aethiopicus. Engraulcypris spp. catch increased significantly; while catches of Bagrus docmac and Clarias mossambicus fluctuated and no clearly defined trend emerged, although B. docmac catch seemed to be declining. Overall indications were that as the catch of traditionally preferred fish declined, Engraulicypris spp., B. docmac, C. mossambicus and recently introduced Lates niloticus were becoming more important to the total catch. Copyright © 1979, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved