REPORT OF THE FRAME SURVEY OF LAKE ALBERT CONDUCTED IN MAY 2012

Abstract

Lake Albert and Albert Nile are a major source of fisheries resources sustaining the riparian communities in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Like all shared bodies of Uganda Lake Albert and Albert Nile fisheries are faced with immense exploitation pressure one time described as the tragedy of the commons. 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. With funding support provided by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), a comprehensive Frame survey was conducted out by the Department of Fisheries Resources (DFR) and the National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NAFIRRI) covering the Ugandan portion of Lake Albert and Albert Nile in May 2012. 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.