This book synthesises the historical trends of the lake fisheries, the lake ecology, biology and biodiversity, socio-economics, stock assessment, aquaculture, fish quality assurance, environmental quality and management of the fisheries resources. The evolution of fisheries in Lake Victoria has undergone dramatic changes over the last few decades, leading to both ecological and socio-economic consequences. The lake has changed from one dominated by haplochromines in the 1950s, to one currently dominated by Nile perch, ‘dagaa’ (Rastrineobola argentea) and Nile tilapia. These changes have mainly been driven by the introduction of the predatory Nile perch in the lake, eutrophication due to increased human activities in the catchment, increased human population growth, overfishing and changes in the global climate system. This work should therefore be a particularly useful reference to fisheries scientists and managers, potential investors, students and other professionals who may be interested in the Lake Victoria fisheries.

The main objectives of the workshop were to raise the importance of managing fishing capacity and effort and discuss strategies that may be used to reduce capacity where necessary as part of taking measures for ensuring long-term sustainable utilization of the fishery resources of Lake Victoria; to develop and agree on mechanisms for assessing overall capacity on the entire lake; and to highlight the linkages between the management of fishing effort, capacity, and concomitant IUU fishing. The results of the workshop include actions for progressing work on the management of fishing capacity as well as guidance for the development of a Regional Plan of Action for the Management of Fishing Capacity on Lake Victoria. This document contains the report of the workshop as well as the papers and input provided by the participants. This document, and in particular, the actions adopted by the workshop participants can serve as a basis for further work aimed at improving regional fisheries management and the management of fishing capacity

This book constitutes a pioneering and unique work on Lake Victoria. It is the world’s second largest fresh-water lake and supports the livelihood of more than 30 million people. Surprisingly, there has been no comprehensive book addressing its problems and potentials. Ecology, environmental pollution and resource management are some of the issues addressed by this comprehensive insight into the limitations, challenges and opportunities facing Lake Victoria.