Introduction and Acknowledgements

Abstract

The original idea was to study in an identical way and within reasonable confidence limits all fish taxa present in Lake Kariba. But time was running short. It may take another two years to conclude the work on more numerous samples and on all 40 species, of which many are rare and without commercial value. The 21 species selected represent more than 97% of the total standing stock of Lake Kariba endemic fishes and thus fully justify the preparation of this work as it is, although the limited samples will determine the general validity of the values presented. We should view them as an introduction and example for similar future studies. From the practical point of view nothing is lost because any values presented will always be better than no data at all. However, more satisfactory statistical evaluation and the examination of the predator- prey production relationship had to be omitted. Should there be available time in the future it is hoped that a possibility will present itself to treat these aspects as well.