Implications of a changing climate on the Kapenta fish stocks of Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe

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133447.pdf (901.75 KB)

Date

2011

Authors

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Abstract

The study investigated the influence of climatic variables (rainfall, temperature, and evaporation rates) and lake water levels on stocks of the sardine species commonly known as Kapenta (in Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe). Of concern is that climate changes may continue to adversely affect water levels, the stratification cycle, nutrient fluxes and fish production. Results suggest that both climate (maximum temperature in particular) and nutrients, which are influenced by water levels, are the primary determinants of Lake Kariba’s Kapenta production. Analyses showed that rainfall is decreasing at a rate of 0.63 mm per year, while evaporation rates have increased by 31% since 1963.

Description

Keywords

TEMPERATURE, FISHERY, CLIMATE CHANGE, RAINFALL, EVAPORATION RATES, LAKES, KAPENTA, ZIMBABWE, HYDROLOGY, SOUTH OF SAHARA, FISH PRODUCTION, STRATIFICATION

Citation

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10625/47071

DOI

Collections

IDRC Research Results / Résultats de recherches du CRDI
2010-2019 / Années 2010-2019