International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies
2019, Vol. 7, Issue 5, Part C
A test of the applicability of the Lake Habitat Survey for hydromorphological monitoring of a tropical alkaline lake (Simbi) with a fisheries potential
Author(s): Stephen Opiyo, Albert Getabu, Lewis Sitoki and Anakalo Shitandi
Abstract: The Lake Habitat Survey (LHS) is an ecological integrity monitoring tool developed for temperate lakes by an independent team of researchers to support the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD). It has been widely applied but more testing is needed in different settings, therefore this study investigated the applicability of the LHS protocol in assessing the habitat quality of a tropical alkaline lake in the face of increasing impacts of anthropogenic pressure and climate change. The LHS metrics of Lake Habitat Quality Assessment (LHQA) and Lake Habitat Modification Score (LHMS) estimated for Lake Simbi collectively suggested that the physical habitat quality of the lake is moderate since its hydromorphology is moderately modified. In conclusion, LHS is effective for monitoring ecological condition of water bodies to inform decision making for conservation and management hence it is suitable for adoption in Kenya and the tropics as one of the standard tools for lake environmental assessments.
Pages: 224-230 | 697 Views 107 DownloadsDownload Full Article: Click Here
How to cite this article:
Stephen Opiyo, Albert Getabu, Lewis Sitoki, Anakalo Shitandi. A test of the applicability of the Lake Habitat Survey for hydromorphological monitoring of a tropical alkaline lake (Simbi) with a fisheries potential. Int J Fish Aquat Stud 2019;7(5):224-230.
