Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Fish and Fisheries in the Nile Basin

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
The Nile River

Part of the book series: The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry ((HEC,volume 56))

Abstract

Fish landing from inland fisheries in the Nile Basin countries represent a major component of total fisheries production. In 2013, inland fish production in these countries reached 1,503,429 tonnes, representing 70–100% of total fisheries production. Types of fisheries, fishing gear and methods are described in this chapter. Aquaculture in Nile Basin countries, except in Egypt, Uganda and Kenya, is still in the infancy stage. In 2013, aquaculture production in the Nile Basin reached 1,228,352 tonnes. Over 89% of this production comes from a single country: Egypt followed by Uganda (8%).

More than 800 fish species have been estimated in the Nile Basin, wetlands and rivers; 128 of them belonging to 27 families inhabit the River Nile. The majority of these species belong to families Cichlidae, Cyprinidae, Mormyridae and Mochokidae. Cichlid species dominate the fish fauna of Nile Basin lakes and rivers. The fish fauna in Lake Tana is dominated by the cyprinid genera Barbus and Labeobarbus. Nile perch Lates niloticus and Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus were introduced into Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in Africa, in the 1950s and 1960s. The predation by Nile perch, excessive fishing and habitat deterioration caused a decline in many endemic cichlid (haplochromine) and non-cichlid species, while Nile perch and Nile tilapia stocks increased. As a result, the multispecies fishery of Lake Victoria has shrunk and is limited to Nile perch, Nile tilapia and sardine-like cyprinid dagaa (Rastrineobola argentea). Lake Victoria is the main source of fish stocks for Lake Kyoga. Therefore, most of the endemic fishes of Lake Kyoga are conspecific with those of Lake Victoria. About 48 species belonging to 14 families occur in Lake Albert. Endemic species are represented by one endemic cyprinid, one centropomid and four haplochromine cichlid species. The lake shares the families Polypteridae, Citharinidae, Malapteruridae and Centropomidae with the River Nile. Lake Albert also has relatively high numbers of species belonging to the families Alestiidae and Bagridae. Over 78 fish species, belonging to 8 families, have been recorded in lakes Edward and George. These fish fauna are dominated by the family Cichlidae with more than 60 species. Other fish groups include lungfish and African catfish. In Lake Nasser, 56 species belonging to 17 families have been reported.

The major challenges and threats facing fisheries resources in the Nile Basin are species introductions; degradation of aquatic habitats and biodiversity; unsustainable fishing practices; and pollution and eutrophication resulting from human populations and invasive weeds. Management plans and necessary measures have been suggested.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 269.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 349.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 499.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Awulachew SB, Smakhtin V, Molden D, Peden D (2012) The Nile River Basin. Water, agriculture, governance and livelihoods. Routledge, 2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 4RN. 316 pp

    Google Scholar 

  2. Kinyangi J, Peden D, Herrero M, Tsige A, Ouna T, Notenbaert A (2012) The Nile Basin, people, poverty and vulnerability. In: Awulachew SB, Smakhtin V, Molden D, Peden D (eds) The Nile River Basin. Water, agriculture, governance and livelihoods. Routledge, 2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 4RN, pp 30–46

    Google Scholar 

  3. FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) (1997) Irrigation potential in Africa: a basin approach, FAO Land and Water Bulletin, 4. www.fao.org/docrep/W4347E/W4347E00.htm. Accessed 28 Dec 2011

  4. Roškar J (2000) Assessing the water resources potential of the Nile River based on data, available at the Nile forecasting center in Cairo. Geografski zbornik 53:32–65

    Google Scholar 

  5. Howell PP, Lock M, Cobb S (1988) The Jonglei Canal: impact and opportunity. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

    Google Scholar 

  6. Hamza W (2014) The Nile fishes and fisheries. In: Grillo O (ed) Biodiversity - the dynamic balance of the planet. Intech, pp 349–370

    Google Scholar 

  7. FAO (2015a) Global Capture Production 1950–2013. http://www.fao.org/fishery/statistics/global-capture-production/query/en

  8. Ali MT (1984) Fishes and fisheries of Lake Nubia, Sudan. Hydrobiologia 110:305–314

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Witte F, van Oijen MJP, Ferdinand A, Sibbing FA (2009a) Fish Fauna of the Nile. In: Dumont HJ (ed) The Nile: origin, environments, limnology and human use. Springer Science + Business Media B.V., pp 647–675

    Google Scholar 

  10. van Zwieten PAM, Béné C, Kolding J, Brummett R, Valbo-Jørgensen J (eds) (2011) Review of tropical reservoirs and their fisheries – the cases of Lake Nasser, Lake Volta and Indo-Gangetic Basin reservoirs. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Technical Paper. No. 557. Rome, FAO, 148 pp

    Google Scholar 

  11. LVFO (Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization) (2013) Regional status report on Lake Victoria bi-ennial frame surveys between 2000 and 2012, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Regional Frame Survey Report 2012, 64 pp

    Google Scholar 

  12. World Bank (2009) LVEMP II Project Appraisal Document. Report No. 45313-AFR, 197 pp. http://wldb.ilec.or.jp/data/databook_html/afr/afr-15.html

  13. LVFO (Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization) (2011) State of fish stocks. www.lvfo.org

  14. Aliro EB (2010) Lake Victoria fisheries. FIRST Magazine. East African Community (EAC), pp 34–37 (http://www.firstmagazine.com/Publishing/SpecialistPublishingDetail.aspx?SpecialistPublicationId=24)

  15. Lowe-McConnell R (2009) Fisheries and cichlid evolution in the African Great Lakes: progress and problems. Freshw Rev 2:131–151

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Witte F, Goldscmidt T, Goudswaard P, Ligtvoet W, van Oijen M, Wanink JH (1992) Species extinction and concomitant changes in Lake Victoria. Neth J Zool 42:214–232

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Ojuok JE, Njiru M, Ntiba MJ, Mavuti KM (2007) The effect of overfishing on the life–history strategies of Nile tilapia, Orechromis niloticus (L.) in the Nyanza Gulf of Lake Victoria, Kenya. Aquat Ecosyst Health Manage 10:443–448

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Manyala JO, Ojuok JE (2007) Survival of the Lake Victoria Rastrineobola argentea in a rapidly changing environment: biotic and abiotic interactions. Aquat Ecosyst Health Manage 10:407–415

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Katunzi EFB, Zoutendijk J, Goldschmidt T, Wanink JH, Witte F (2003) Lost zooplanktivorous cichlid from Lake Victoria reappears with a new trade. Ecol Freshw Fish 12:237–240

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Kishe-Machumu M, Witte F, Wanink JH (2008) Dietary shift in benthivorous cichlids after the ecological changes in Lake Victoria. Anim Biol 58:401–417

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Wanink JH (1998) The pelagic cyprinid Rastrineobola argentea as a crucial link in the disrupted ecosystem of Lake Victoria. Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Leiden, Leiden, The Netherlands

    Google Scholar 

  22. Njiru M, Okeyo-Owuor JB, Muchiri M, Cowx IG, van der Knaap M (2007) Changes in population characteristics and diet of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (L.) from Nyanza Gulf of Lake Victoria, Kenya: what are the management options? Aquat Ecosyst Health Manage 10:434–442

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Olowo JP, Chapman LJ (1999) Trophic shifts in predatory catfishes following the introduction of Nile perch into Lake Victoria. Afr J Ecol 37:457–470

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Wanink JH, Joordens JCA (2007) Dietary shifts in Brycinus sadleri (Pisces: Characidae) from southern Lake Victoria. Aquat Ecosyst Health Manage 10:392–397

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Chapman LJ, Chapman CA, Kaufman L, Witte F, Balirwa J (2008) Biodiversity conservation in African inland waters: lessons of the Lake Victoria Basin. Verhandlungen der Internationalen Vereinigung für Limnologie 30:16–34

    Google Scholar 

  26. Witte F, Welten M, Heemskerk MB, van der Stap I, Ham L, Rutjes HA, Wanink J (2008) Major morphological changes in a Lake Victoria fish within two decades. Biol J Linn Soc 94:41–52

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. MNRT (1996) Fisheries statistical annual report. Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, 37 pp

    Google Scholar 

  28. Greenwood PH (1966) The fishes of Uganda. The Uganda Society, Kampala

    Google Scholar 

  29. Greenwood PH (1974) The cichlid fishes of Lake Victoria, East Africa: the biology and evolution of a species flock. Bull Brit Mus (Nat Hist) Zool Ser Suppl 6:1–134

    Google Scholar 

  30. Witte F, de Graaf M, Mkumbo OC, El-Moghraby AI, Sibbing FA (2009b) Fisheries in the Nile system. In: Dumont HJ (ed) The Nile, Monographiae Biologicae 89. Springer, Dordrecht, The Netherlands, pp 723–748

    Google Scholar 

  31. Ogutu-Ohwayo R (1990) The decline of the native fishes of lakes Victoria and Kyoga (East Africa) and the impact of introduced species, especially the Nile perch, Lates niloticus, and the Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Environ Biol Fishes 27:81–96

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Wudneh T (1998) Biology and management of fish stocks in Bahir Dar Gulf, Lake Tana, Ethiopia. Ph.D. Dissertation, Wageningen, Agricultural University institute of Animal Science. The Netherlands, 143 pp

    Google Scholar 

  33. Kokebe DT (2014) Spatial and temporal distributions and some biological aspects of commercially important fish species of Lake Tana, Ethiopia. J Coast Life Med 2(8):589–595

    Google Scholar 

  34. Sibbing FA, Nagelkerke LAJ (2001) Resource partitioning by Lake Tana barbs predicted from fish morphometrics and prey characteristics. Rev Fish Biol Fish 10:393–437

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. LFDP (1998) Lake Fisheries Development Project phase II, Ministry of Agriculture and EEC, Final Report of fisheries biologist. GOPA-Consultants, July 1998, 198 pp

    Google Scholar 

  36. Lemma B (2012) Report on the value Chain Assessment of the Fishery Sector in Ethiopia. Food and Agriculture Organization, Sub-Regional Office for Eastern Africa, Addis Ababa, 131 pp

    Google Scholar 

  37. Chekol AA (2013) Management and livelihood opportunity of Lake Tana Fishery, Ethiopia: the need for co management. Master Thesis in International Fisheries Management. Norwegian College of Fisheries Science

    Google Scholar 

  38. Taabu-Munyaho A, Mbabazi D, Nakiyende H, Bassa S, Muhumuza E, Nsega M, Byekwaso A, Amiina R, Balirwa JS (2012) Report of catch assessment survey of Lake Albert-Albert Nile conducted in July 2012. National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NaFIRRI), 17 pp

    Google Scholar 

  39. Wandera SB, Balirwa JS (2010) Fish species diversity and relative abundance in Lake Albert-Uganda. Aquat Ecosyst Health Manage 13:284–293

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Greenwood PH (1976) Fish fauna of the Nile. In: Rzóska J (ed) The Nile: biology of an ancient river. Monographiae Biologicae 29. Junk, The Hague, pp 127–141

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  41. Trewavas E (1983) Tilapiine fishes of the genera Sarotherodon, Oreochromis and Danakilia. British Museum (Natural History), London

    Book  Google Scholar 

  42. NaFIRRI FS and CAS Reports (2007) Report on frame and catch assessment surveys on Lake Albert. National Fisheries Resources Research Institute, NARO, January 2007, Jinja, Uganda

    Google Scholar 

  43. Snoeks J (2000) How well known is the ichthyodiversity of the large East African Lakes? Adv Ecol Res 31:553–565

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Coenen EJ (ed) (1991) First UGASTAT CAS Results for Lakes Victoria, Albert and the Edward/George-Kazinga Channel Complex by UGA/87/007 Biostat Group. FAO/UNDP Fisheries Statistics and Information Systems (FISHIN) Project, Biostat Report Series, vol 5, no 27. FAO, Rome

    Google Scholar 

  45. FAO (2015b) Fishery and Aquaculture Country Profiles for the Republic of Sudan (on line). file:///D:/Nile%20fishes/Nile%20Delta/Nile%20basin/Sudan-%20Fishery%20and%20Aquaculture%20Country%20Profiles.pdf

    Google Scholar 

  46. FAO (2015c) Fishery and Aquaculture Country Profiles for the Republic of South Sudan (on line). file:///D:/Nile%20fishes/Nile%20Delta/Nile%20basin/South%20Sudan-%20Fishery%20and%20Aquaculture%20Country%20Profiles.pdf

    Google Scholar 

  47. Hughes RH, Hughes JS (1992) A directory of African wetlands. International Union for the Conservation of Nature, Gland, Switzerland, United Nations Environment Programme, Nairobi, Kenya and World Conservation Monitoring Centre, Cambridge

    Google Scholar 

  48. El-Gohary FA (1989) Egypt and the River Nile: protection of the environment of the River Nile Basin. In: Hassan F (ed) Proceedings of a regional symposium in Cairo. The Scientific Association of Arab Women in Egypt, pp 56–74

    Google Scholar 

  49. Latif AFA (1979) Effect of impoundment on Nile biota in Lake Nasser. In: Proceedings of the international symposium environmental effects of hydraulic engineering works. Tennessee Valley Authority, Knoxville, USA, pp 435–445

    Google Scholar 

  50. GAFRD (General authority for Fish resources Development) (2005) Fish statistic Year Book 2003. Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Cairo, Egypt

    Google Scholar 

  51. GAFRD (General authority for Fish resources Development) (2015) Fish statistic Year Book 2013. Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Cairo, Egypt

    Google Scholar 

  52. El-Shabrawy GM (2009) Lake Nasser–Nubia. In: Dumont HJ (ed) The Nile: origin, environments, limnology and human use, 723. Springer Science + Business Media B.V., pp 125–155

    Google Scholar 

  53. Mboya DO, Manyala JO, Ngugi CC (2001) Fish introductions and their impact on the biodiversity and the fisheries of Lake Victoria. Fisheries Department, Kisumu, Kenya, 11 pp

    Google Scholar 

  54. Njiru M, Mkumbo OC, van der Knaap M (2010) Some possible factors leading to decline in fish species in Lake Victoria. Aquat Ecosyst Health Manage 13:3–10

    Article  Google Scholar 

  55. Fuerst PA, Mwanja WW, Kaufman L (2000) The genetic history of the introduced Nile tilapia of Lake Victoria (Uganda – E. Africa): the population structure of Oreochromis niloticus (Pisces: Cichlidae) revealed by DNA microsatellite markers. In: Fitzsimmons K, Filho JC (eds) Tilapia culture in the 21st century. Proceedings from the fifth international symposium on Tilapia aquaculture. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. American Tilapia Association, Charles Town, West Virginia, and ICLARM, Penang, Malaysia, pp 30–40

    Google Scholar 

  56. Kudhongania AW, Cordone AJ (1974) Batho-spatial distribution patterns and biomass estimate of the major demersal fishes in Lake Victoria. Afr J Trop Hydrobiol Fish 3:15–31

    Google Scholar 

  57. Okaronon J, Acere T, Ocenodongo D (1985) The current state of the fisheries in the northern portion of Lake Victoria (Uganda). FAO Fish Rep 335:89–98

    Google Scholar 

  58. Seahausen O (1996) Lake Victoria Rock Cichlids: taxonomy, ecology, and distribution. Verduijn Cichlids, Zevenhuizen, 304 pp

    Google Scholar 

  59. Welcomme RL (1988) International introductions of inland aquatic species. FAO Fisheries Technical Paper No. 294. FAO, Rome, pp 1–318

    Google Scholar 

  60. Ogutu-Ohwayo R, Hecky RE (1991) Fish introductions in Africa and some of their implications. Can J Fish Aquat Sci 48(Suppl 1):8–12

    Article  Google Scholar 

  61. Lehman JT (2009) Lake Victoria. In: Dumont HJ (ed) The Nile, vol 89, Monographiae Biologicae. Springer, Dordrecht, pp 215–241

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  62. de Graaf M, Machiels MAM, Wudneh T, Sibbing FA (2004) Declining stocks of Lake Tana’s endemic Barbus species flock (Pisces, Cyprinidae): natural variation or human impact? Biol Conserv 116:277–287

    Article  Google Scholar 

  63. Bootsma H, Hecky RE (1993) Conservation of the African Great Lakes: limnological perspective. Conserv Biol 7:644–656

    Article  Google Scholar 

  64. Hecky RE (1993) The eutrophication of Lake Victoria. Verhandlungen der Internationalen Vereinigung für Limnologie 25:39–48

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  65. Hecky RE, Mugidde R, Ramlal PS, Talbot MR, Kling GW (2010) Multiple stressors cause rapid ecosystem change in Lake Victoria. Freshw Biol 55:19–42

    Article  Google Scholar 

  66. Brummett RE, Williams MJ (2000) The evolution of aquaculture in African rural and economic development. Ecol Econ 33:193–203

    Article  Google Scholar 

  67. ICLARM–GTZ (1991) The context of small-scale integrated agriculture–aquaculture systems in Africa: a case study of Malawi. ICLARM, Manila, Philippines

    Google Scholar 

  68. Satia BP (2011) Regional review on status and trends in aquaculture in Sub-Saharan Africa – 2010. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Circular No. 1061/4. Rome, FAO, 152 pp

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Oceanography Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt

    Abdel-Fattah M. El-Sayed

Authors
  1. Abdel-Fattah M. El-Sayed
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Abdel-Fattah M. El-Sayed .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Engineering, Zagazig University , Zagazig, Egypt

    Abdelazim M. Negm

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2016 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

El-Sayed, AF.M. (2016). Fish and Fisheries in the Nile Basin. In: Negm, A. (eds) The Nile River. The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry, vol 56. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/698_2016_98

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation