Assessing the diversity of fish species in relation to the physio-chemical parameters and human activities in Petta stream, Petta sub county-Tororo district.

Abstract

The study aimed at assessing the diversity of fish species in relation to the physio-chemical parameters and human activities in Petta stream, Petta sub county-Tororo district. One fish farmer and six fisher men participated in the study. The study objectives were to find out the dominant methods of fishing in Petta stream, identify the different fish species and species richness in the stream, relate the existence of the different fish species with the physio-chemical parameters and human activities in/around the stream, and identify the best conservation methods for fish in the stream. Data was collected by conducting an interview, and sampling using basket method of fishing. The collected data was analyzed using description and statistically using tables, column graphs and pie charts. The study found out that the dominant methods of fishing in Petta stream are basket fishing and angling with rod. Clarias gariepinus (Otwangi), Clarias anguillarus (Konye), Neobola (Opari), Eel (Kunga) and lungfish (Mamba) were found to be the fish species present in the stream, with Neobola, Clarias gariepinus, Clarias anguillarus, lungfish and Eel being the most abundant and diverse respectively. The PH of the stream was found to be alkaline, EC was found to be relatively consistent in the entire stream, DO was found to be more than the required limit and has negative influences toward these stream eco-systems with temperature being one of the controlling factors, which alter the functions of the aquatic ecosystem, and its influences on the growth and distribution of flora and fauna. There are direct/indirect relationships between the physiochemical parameters, human activities with the species diversity and abundance.