Socio-economics of the re-introduced Oreochromis niloticus in Lake Naivasha (Kenya)

Abstract

A study conducted in June and July 2014 by a team of Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute staff to assess the socio-economics of the re-introduced species (O. niloticus) on the fishing community of Lake Naivasha. The study conducted semi structured interviews with fishers and fish traders at the four landing beaches along the shores of Lake Naivasha. The study revealed that fishing in Lake Naivasha is male youth dominated, within the age groups of 30 to 40 years old. It also revealed that O. niloticus is the most preferred fish recording 88% of the total fish landed in the Landing beaches of Lake Naivasha. Most fishermen confirmed to having changed their fishing habits to prolonged fishing hours (day and night), changing their fishing gear sizes from 3 inches to 4-6 inch mesh sizes and landing O. niloticus of total length (TL) 26-30cm followed by 31-35cm and 36-40cm. Most fishers were of the opinion that the restocking programme be intensified while the closed season be lifted citing lack of alternative livelihoods and income sources. The study recommended that fisheries managers develop suitable and viable methodologies for the sustainable management of this lake. To sustain the socio-economic status that has been realized.