Abstract:

Lake Albert is is a water body shared by two the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda. In Uganda, the lake is shared by five riparian districts namely: Buliisa, bundibugyo, Hoima, Kibaale and Nebbi. The lake covers a total estimated surface area of 5,270 km2 with approximately 60% within Ugandan waters (Walker, 1972). It is located in the western part of the great rift-valley at an altitude of 618 m above Sea level. The central parts of the lake are characterized by steep escarpments whereas the northern and southern parts lie in a plain of the rift valley. The plains are gently sloping, resulting in shallow swampy inshore waters in many places. The major inflowing rivers are the Semliki and Kafu in the south, and the Victoria Nile at the northern tip. The lake has a diverse fish fauna with a gradient of multi-species fisheries in different parts of the lake. A comprehensive Frame survey was carried out by the National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NaFIRRI) in Lake Albert in January 2007. The frame survey captured the main characteristics of the fisheries and facilities supporting the fisheries and provides baseline information for reference of other studies as well as management interventions.