Fish caught from Lake Kayanja during quarterly monitoring of the recovery of fish populations

Both tilapia species, Victoria tilapia (Oreochromis variabilis) and Singidia tilapia (Oreochromis esculentus), Cichlids fish species endemic to Lake Victoria, are presently classified as critically endangered by IUCN, thus they are facing extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. This project aims to reverse the decline in the population of these fish species through engaging Fisherfolks in identifying, mapping and protecting breeding and nursery habitat of these fish species and establishing Fish Conservation Zones to provide safe havens for the population of these depleted fish species to recover. Conservation awareness campaigns about critically endangered cichlids will be conducted through meetings, distribution of educational materials, seminars, training workshops ,walks and delivering presentations at relevant events like meetings and workshops to build and improve on the capacity of Fisherfolks and other stakeholders to sustainably use and conserve these critically endangered fish species. The following specific objectives will be addressed to achieve aims of this project;

(a) promote and enhance full participation of Fisherfolks in protecting and conserving targeted critically endangered cichlids and their habitat,

(b) raise conservation awareness level about targeted critically endangered cichlids among Fisherfolks, school children, teachers and other stakeholders,

(c) establish fish conservation zones for targeted critically endangered cichlids in Lake Kayanja and Manywa by Fisherfolks and government representatives. Participatory methods/ techniques that facilitate vertical and horizontal awareness, learning and sharing of ideas and experiences, networking, training, conservation group formation and collective actions of all the stakeholders will be employed to achieve project objectives and aims.

The expected conservation outputs of this project will include among others the following;

(a) Over 90% of Fisherfolks, school children, teachers and other stakeholders highlighted on conservation of critically endangered cichlids fish species and their habitat,

(b)100% of the breeding and nursery habitat of targeted critically endangered cichlid fish species mapped and protected by Fisherfolks together with government agencies

(c)A total of 5 Fish Conservation Zones (FCZs) for critically endangered cichlids fish species established, approved and protected by Fisherfolks together with government agencies and other stakeholders,

(d) Enhanced and strengthened linkages among Fisherfolks, government agencies, local and national organizations, and other stakeholders working for a common cause to conserve and protect fish fauna and their habitat.

The main conservation importance of this project will be the recovery of the population of Victoria tilapia and Singidia tilapia in their natural habitat, and thus improving on the livelihood of Fisherfolks depending on these resources.