Abstract:

The first phase of the Lake Victoria Fisheries Research Project had as one of the objectives to harmonise data collection around Lake Victoria. During the various exercises it appeared that it was rather difficult and complicated to harmonise and standardise data forms, as the three riparian countries had their data collection already in place. The three Fisheries Departments and Fisheries Research Institutes, however, showed their good will and after ample discussion it was found that the data forms were not comprehensive and that at fish species level there were discrepancies. The existing forms did not allow space for certain important commercial species. From in-depth interviews during training courses it became apparent that certain species were neglected as no space on the forms was reserved for them. The harmonised form, which was the result of the standardisation exercise has not (yet) been introduced, although all important fish species would fit on the form. Sampling demonstrations showed that not all data collectors, beach recorders and enumerators in the three countries were able to identify the fish caught around Lake Victoria. Therefore it was decided that three researchers were given the assignment to prepare an inventory of the most common fish species appearing in the fishermen's catches and to provide the most common features of the species that would allow proper identification. The present document is the result of a compilation by the three authors, using existing literature. It is considered as the first step in the direction of a complete fish species catalogue for fisheries purposes. At the time of printing efforts are underway to produce professional drawings of species that are less common, but definitely important for biodiversity studies.