Author(s): Takele Shitaw, Shewit G Medehin and Wassie Anteneh

Abstract: This study was conducted from May to December2016 and the aim was to investigate the effect of gillnet selectivity on Labeobarbus species of Lake Tana. Fish were collected monthly at four sampling sites (Bahir Dar, Kunzla, Gumara and Gorgora) using a gillnets of 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 cm stretched mesh size. The selectivity each species was analyzed by Sparre and Venema, 1992. A total of 2662 Labeobarbus specimens were collected within eight sampling months at all sampling sites. The highest catch composition of Labeobarbus fish species of Lake Tana was obtained at mesh size of 6 cm and 8 cm. 75% of the total catch in L. brevicephalus was collected by 6 cm mash size of gillnet. The recommended mesh sizes of each species except Labeobarbus brevicephalus were found to be between 9 cm and 10 cm.10 cm mash size of gillnet is recommended for all Labeobarbus fish species of Lake Tana. Effort control regulations, limiting the gillnet fishery in spawning seasons and/or areas, will be appropriate to prevent the Labeobarbus fish species of Lake Tana.

Pages: 264-271  |  1115 Views  236 Downloads

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