Assessment of exploited fish species in the Lake Edward system, East Africa.

Abstract

The unknown status of inland fish stocks hinders their sustainable management. Therefore, increasing stock status information is important for sustainable inland sheries. Fisheries reference points were estimated for ve exploited fish species (11 stocks) in the Lake Edward system, East Africa, which is one of the most productive inland water systems. The aim was to ascertain the status of the sheries and establish reference points for e ective management. The reference points were based on four linked stock assessment approaches for data‐limited sheries. Estimates showed poor stock status with the stocks de ned as either collapsed, recruitment impaired or over shed. However, higher catches could be obtained under sustainable management. Estimates of maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and supporting biomass (Bmsy) are provided for 10 of the stocks as targets for rebuilding plans. The immediate target of management should be rebuilding biomass to Bmsy. Applicable measures include shifting length at rst capture to the length that maximizes catch without endangering size structure and biomass, and livelihood diversi cation out of sheries.