The River Fisheries of Kenya I-Nyanza Province

Abstract

An Investigation of the river fisheries of Nyanza Province has shown that there is a large and heavily exploited source of fish, the estimated annual yield of which exceeds 2,000 tons. The Kenya river fisheries as a whole may thus rival the marine fisheries in size. Preliminary findings, after a year of observations, were discussed in an Interim Report in which, however, it was stressed that further biological work was essential before accurate recommendations could be safely made. A second year of observation has now amply confirmed the initial overall impression, viz. increasing exploitation and, by excessive destruction of potential breeding stocks, a trend returns. Since such a situation parallels that found on Lake Victoria itself, it is not difficult to predict the final outcome on the rivers should conservation measures be delayed.