Contact: +91-9711224068
International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies
  • Printed Journal
  • Indexed Journal
  • Refereed Journal
  • Peer Reviewed Journal

Impact Factor RJIF: 5.69
P-ISSN: 2394-0506, E-ISSN: 2347-5129

International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies

2017, Vol. 5, Issue 5, Part B

An assessment of fish assemblages between protected and non-protected areas on the Zambezi /Chobe River


Author(s): EK Simasiku, SK Mafwila, EF Chimbioputo, JL Kashimba and J Lubanda

Abstract: The fisheries of the Zambezi are currently experiencing an alarming decline due to an increasing fishing pressure. With increasing fishing pressure, fish populations may undergo a series of changes in size, species composition and abundance. As a result, scientists and managers are deemed to seek for alternative measures to protect and conserve fish stocks. One such option is the use of fish protected areas (FPAs). Two recently established FPA’s on the Zambezi/Chobe River are the Kalimbeza and Kasaya Channels. However, accrued benefits of these FPAs have never been assessed. Comparative experiments using gillnets of different mesh sizes (12 mm – 150 mm) were conducted between FPA’s (Kalimbeza channel) and non-FPA’s (Hippo channel) between March and December 2016 to test the hypothesis that, FPA’s would yield high fish abundance (CPUE) than non- FPAs. Experimental fishing trials showed a high CPUE by weight and number (p<0.05) of the five dominant species (Hydrocynus vittatus, Schilbe intermedius, Pharyngochromis acuticeps, M. acutidens and Brycinus lateralis) in the FPA than non-FPA. Two among the five dominant species Schilbe intermedius and Pharyngochromis acuticeps showed higher mean sizes (p<0.05) in the FPA than non-FPA. Our findings confirmed the importance of the protected areas in conserving fish resources in the Zambezi Region.

Pages: 93-99  |  1031 Views  151 Downloads

Download Full Article: Click Here

How to cite this article:
EK Simasiku, SK Mafwila, EF Chimbioputo, JL Kashimba, J Lubanda. An assessment of fish assemblages between protected and non-protected areas on the Zambezi /Chobe River. Int J Fish Aquat Stud 2017;5(5):93-99.
International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies

International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies

Call for book chapter
International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies