IDENTIFICATION, CHARACTERISATION AND MAPPING OF FISH BREEDING AREAS ON LAKES EDWARD AND ALBERT NELSAP Technical Reports: Basin Development Series 2020 - 03 JUNE 2020 Multinational Lakes Edward And Albert Integrated Fisheries And Water Resources Management (LEAF II) Project

Identification, Characterisation And Mapping Of Fish Breeding Areas On Lakes Edward And Albert Report was Prepared by the National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NAFIRRI) - Uganda and the Centre for Research in Hydrology (CRH) - Uvira, D.R Congo for the Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program (NELSAP-CU) / Nile Basin Initiative (NBI)

AUGUST 2019

The purpose of the technical report series is to support informed stakeholder dialogue and decision making in order to achieve sustainable socio-economic development through equitable utilization of, and benefit from, the shared Nile Basin water resources.

Project: Multinational Lakes Edward And Albert Integrated Fisheries And Water Resources Management (LEAF II) Project Funding Source: The African Development Bank (AfDB) and Global Environment Facility (GEF) Project Number:

Disclaimer The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of NBI’s Member States or its development partners. Trademark names and symbols are used in an editorial fashion and no intention of infringement on trade mark or copyright laws. While every care has been exercised in compiling and publishing the information and data contained in this document, the NBI regrets any errors or omissions that may have been unwittingly made in this publication.

The NBI is not an authority on International Administrative Boundaries. All country boundaries used in this publication are based on FAO Global Administrative Unit Layers (GAUL).

© 2018 Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program (NELSAP-CU) / Nile Basin Initiative (NBI)

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF TABLES...... iv LIST OF FIGURES...... v LIST OF PLATES...... vi ACRONYMS...... vii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...... viii 1. INTRODUCTION...... 1 1.1 The Lake Edward and Albert Basin (LEAB)...... 1 Justification of the Study...... 5 1.2 Purpose of the report...... 5 1.3 Objectives...... 5 1.4 Expected outputs...... 6 1.5Target Beneficiaries...... 6 2. METHODOLOGY...... 7 2.1 Data collection...... 7 2.1.1Literature review...... 7 2.1.2 Stakeholder consultations and awareness raising...... 7 2.2 Identification characterization and mapping...... 9 2.3 Experimental gillnetting...... 9 2.4 Data processing and mapping...... 10 3. COMMUNITY PERCEPTIONS OF DIFFERENT FBAS IN LAKES EDWARD AND ALBERT.. 11 3.1 Perceptions towards importance and protection of FBAs...... 11 3.2. Community perceptions on constraints to protect FBAs...... 13 3.3. Spatial distribution and status of FBAs on lakes Edward and Albert...... 14 3.4 Human use features associated with FBAs...... 20 4. CHARACTERISING AND MAPPING OF FBAs...... 23 4.1. Environmental characterization...... 23 4.1.1 Shoreline and habitat characteristics...... 23 4.1.2 Water quality...... 25 4.2 Fish parameters...... 33 5. THREATS TO FBAs...... 44 5.1. Potential environmental and social risks and impacts and their mitigation...... 44 5.2 Envisaged challenges and impediments to the demarcation and gazettement of the FBAs...48 6. POLICIES AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK...... 51 6.1 Existing relevant international, regional and national policies and regulations...... 51 3 6.2 Relevant regional and national institutions...... 56 7. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS...... 58 7.1. Conclusions...... 58 7.2. Recommendations to protect and conserve FBAs on lakes Albert and Edward...... 60 7.3. Guidelines and requirements for demarcation, gazettement and management of the FBAs on lakes Edward and Albert...... 64 7.3.1 Legal and institutional Framework...... 65 7.3.2 Institutions and responsibilities...... 66 7.3.2.1 Regional Fisheries Management Organization (RFMO)...... 66 7.3.2.2 National Directorates Responsible Fisheries Resources Management...... 67 7.3.2.3 Local/Provincial Governments...... 67 7.3.2.4 Fishing Community...... 67 7.3.2.5 Research institutions (e.g. NaFIRRI, CRH, ICCN)...... 68 7.3.2.6 Other Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs)...... 68 7.3.2.7 NGOs/CBOs...... 68 7.3.3 Demarcation, marking and management...... 68 7.4. Cost estimates and requirements for demarcation, gazettement and management of the FBAs on lakes Edward and Albert...... 71 References...... 72 Annex 1: Terms of Reference...... 73 Annex 2: Field survey (data collection) tools...... 77 Annex 2A: A Checklist of indicators to be used in scoring FBAs...... 77 Annex 2B: Fish data Capture Forms...... 79 Annex 2C: Tools for Socio-economics studies...... 81 Annex 3: Land cover/use on land adjacent to selected FBAs on Lake Edward...... 90 Annex 4: Land cover/use on land adjacent to selected FBAs on Lake Albert...... 96 Annex 5: List of key stakeholders consulted during the survey on perceptions towards FBAs on the Uganda portions of lakes Edward and Albert...... 105 Annex 6: List of key stakeholders consulted during the survey on perceptions towards FBAs on the DRC portions of lakes Edward and Albert...... 108 Annex 7: Names of landing sites (Beaches) sampled for community consultations on FBAs, presented by district (Uganda)/ Territory (DRC)...... 109 Annex 8: Cost estimates and requirements for the demarcation and protection of FBAs...... 110 Annex 8A: Cost estimates and requirements for the demarcation and protection of identified fish breeding and nursery areas on lakes Edward and Albert...... 110 Annex 8B: Cost estimates for the demarcation and protection of identified fish breeding and nursery areas on lakes Edward and Albert by water body, category, country and area...... 111 4 Annex 9: FBAs on Lake Albert, Uganda and DRC, location, area, and estimated cost of demarcation (high priority breeding areas are marked by two stars (**) high priority, medium priority areas by one (*) and all the other areas are low priority)...... 112 Annex 10: FBAs on Lake Edward, Uganda and DRC, location, area, and estimated cost of demarcation (high priority breeding areas are marked by two stars (**) high priority, medium priority areas by one (*) and all the other areas are low priority)...... 114 Annex 11: Checklist of fish species recorded on the Ugandan portions of lakes Edward and Albert presented by common and local names...... 117 Annex 12: Checklist of fish species recorded on the DRC portions of lakes Edward and Albert presented by common and local names...... 119 Annex 13: Fish breeding areas proposed by stakeholders during the national consultation meetings 121 Annex 14: The Consultant Team and their expertise...... 122

5 LIST OF TABLES TABLES

Table Page 1 Stakeholder suggestions on critical requisites for effective enforcement of FBAs……………………………………………………...... …………………………… 13 2 Suggested penalties for FBA encroachers of FBAs………………………….. 14 3 Land cover within the catchments of lakes Albert and Edward…………… 21 4 Key physical characteristics of selected FBAs on Lake Edward…………… 23 5 Key physical characteristics of selected FBAs on Lake Albert……………… 24 6 Status of water quality parameters in the selected FBAs on Lake Edward... 28 7 Status of water quality parameters in the selected FBAs on Lake Albert…. 29 8 The contribution of different fish taxa caught from various habitats in FBAs on Lake Edward (DRC) during March 2019………………………………….. 34 9 The contribution of different fish taxa caught from various habitats in FBAs on Lake Edward (Uganda) during March and July 2019……………………. 35 10 The contribution of different fish taxa in experimental gillnet sampling in FBAs on Lake Albert (DRC) during March 2019…………………………….. 39 11 The contribution of different fish taxa in experimental gillnet sampling in FBAs on Lake Albert (Uganda) during March and July 2019……………… 40 12 Potential environmental risks, impacts and mitigation measures during the demarcation and protection of FBAs………………………………………….. 44 13 Social risks, likely impacts and the mitigation measures during the demarcation and protection of FBAs………………………………………….. 45 14 Major international instruments of relevance to FBAs on lakes Edward and Albert……………………………………………………………………………………….. 51 15 Regional legal instruments and action plans applicable to protecting FBAs for sustainable development……………………………………………………………… 53 16 National legal and action plans application to protection of FBAs for sustainable development…………………………………………………………….. 53

6 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Page 1 Map of Lake Edward and its western associated river inflows………… 1 2 Map of lakes Edward and George and their associated inflows……….. 2 3 Map of Lake Albert and its western river inflows……………………….. 3 4 Map of Lake Albert and its tributaries in Uganda……………………….. 4 5 Map showing distribution of potential FBAs on Lake Edward………… 15 6 Map showing the distribution of FBAs on Lake Edward, DRC………… 16 7 Map showing the distribution of FBAs on Lake Edward, Uganda…….. 16 8 Map showing the distribution of FBAs on Lake Albert………………….. 18 9 Map showing the distribution of FBAs on Lake Albert, DRC………….. 19 10 Map showing the distribution of FBAs on Lake Albert, Uganda………. 20 11 Dissolved oxygen within selected FBAs on Lake Edward, Uganda…… 30 12 Secchi depth within selected FBAs on Lake Edward, Uganda………….. 30 13 Total depth within selected FBAs on Lake Edward, Uganda…………… 31 14 Total depth within selected FBAs on Lake Albert, Uganda…………….. 31 15 Secchi depth within selected FBAs on Lake Albert, Uganda……………. 32 16 Dissolved oxygen within selected FBAs on Lake Albert, Uganda……… 32 17 The location of FBAs identified from breeding intensities of various fish species captured in inshore areas of Lake Edward, DRC………………… 36 18 The location of FBAs identified from breeding intensities of various fish species captured in inshore areas of Lake Edward, Uganda…………….. 37 19 The location of FBAs identified from breeding intensities of various fish species captured in inshore areas of Lake Albert, Uganda………………. 42 20 The location of FBAs identified from breeding intensities of various fish species captured in inshore areas of Lake Albert, DRC………………. 43

7 TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIST OF PLATES Plate Page 1 Fishing community members being consulted through FGDs at landing sites on lakes Edward and Albert in Uganda………………………………………… 12 2 Fishing community members being consulted through FGDs at landing sites on Lake Albert (Uri) in DRC………….…………………………………………… 13

8 ACRONYMS

ASL - Above Sea Level CBOs - Community Based Organisations CRH - Centre for Hydrobiological Research DRC - Democratic Republic of Congo FBAs - Fish Breeding Areas FGDs - Focus Group Discussions GIS - Geographic Information System IUCN - International Union for Conservation of Nature KIIs - Key Informant Interviews LEA - Lake Edward and Albert NaFIRRI - National Fisheries Resources Research Institute NBI - Nile Basin Initiative NELSAP - Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program RCMRD - Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development

9 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Lakes Edward and Albert are part of the rift valley lakes shared between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda and support fishing and subsistence smallholder farming as the main economic activities. In terms of biodiversity, the lakes support a highly-diverse fauna and harbour commercial fisheries that are an important source of food, livelihood and income to residents in the immediate vicinity of the lake shores and to urban dwellers. Irrespective of country, the fisheries resources of the two transboundary lakes are threatened by dwindling fish stocks due to over-fishing, use of inappropriate gears and methods, pollution, land degradation and proliferation of invasive aquatic weeds which affect water quality, fishing activities, ecosystem integrity and navigation. In addition, the discovery of petroleum resources has triggered rapid urbanization within the LEA basin with many supporting infrastructural developments (e.g. roads, pipelines) that may compromise the sustainability of the lakes especially, their diverse fish communities and fisheries.

The Nile Basin Initiative (NBI), through the Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program (NELSAP), identified the two transboundary lakes Edward and Albert fisheries (LEAF) as a priority area for investment. The identified priority intervention was to tackle anthropogenic and environmental threats to the fisheries of the two lakes. Consequently, NELSAP awarded a contract to undertake consulting services for “Identification, characterisation and mapping of fish breeding areas on lakes Edward and Albert” to the National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NaFIRRI) in sub-consultancy with the Centre for Hydrobiological Research (CRH). The NELSAP’s expected output from the assignment was a report comprising: i) A summary report on the status of Fish Breeding Areas (FBA)s on lakes Edward and Albert ii) A comprehensive report on the status of the identified FBAs, their attributes, threats and causes, and digitized maps showing the FBAs iii) Actionable recommendations to guide formulation of laws and policies that would ensure protection of FBAs in lakes Edward and Albert iv) Maps and shape files of the FBAs in lakes Edward and Albert

A regional team of experts in biodiversity, fisheries and fish biology, socio-economics, wetlands ecology, aquatic sciences, GIS mapping and remote sensing carried out the assignment between October 2018 and May 2019. This report provides a systematic and detailed result of the assignment. The first phase involved preparation and submission of the Inception Report to NELSAP that was discussed and agreed upon. . The study methodology was elaborated in the Inception Report to include a standard definition of Fish Breeding Areas as sites where fish aggregate to breed or spawn. Literature searches and reviews, expert consultations in relevant institutions, community-level interviews (Key Informant and Focus Group Discussions), field surveys and ground truthing, FBA identification and characterisation from satellite images and GIS mapping were also conducted as outlined in Section Two.

Section Three presents results based on community perception of intrinsic values of the FBAs in lakes Edward and Albert, constraints to their protection, spatial distribution and status of FBAs in these lakes, and the human use features associated with them. Over 95% of the sampled communities were aware of the existence of FBAs and were able to characterise them by: the presence of emergent and sub-emergent vegetation; presence of adult fishes with eggs; presence of fish nests; in addition to the presence of juvenile fish. A total of 38 FBAs (20 DRC; 18 Uganda) were mapped on Lake Edward. In addition, stakeholders added 9 (7 DRC and 2 Uganda) during national consultations. The total area of the delineated FBAs was 16,000 hectares which is 0.07% of the lake surface area. On Lake Albert, a total of 39 FBAs (10 DRC; 19 Uganda) were mapped in this study then at national stakeholders consultations 11 (4 DRC and 7 Uganda) were added. The total area of the delineated FBAs was 13,500 hectares which is 0.03% of the lake surface area.

Section Four outlines biophysical features of selected FBAs including results on fish parameters in terms of species composition and relative abundance. Species diversity appeared to have declined from more than 50 species recorded in the 1960s to less than 25 recorded in 2019.The habitat types of the mapped FBAs on lakes Edward and Albert comprised: lagoons, river mouths, sheltered bays, and wooded shorelines. Among keystone species associated with the habitats, the cichlids (haplochromines and tilapiines) dominated on Lake Edward while Hydrocynus forskhallii and Lates species were important on Lake Albert. Most river mouths, delta areas and some sheltered bays on these lakes registered high breeding scores and were therefore considered to be of highest priority for protection of fish using these areas for spawning. 10 Section Five provides an in-depth analysis of threats to FBAs. It summarises the sources of environmental and social risks, their impacts and mitigation measures during demarcation and protection of FBAs. Anticipated challenges to the demarcation and gazettement of the FBAs are also articulated in the same section. Among major risks and challenges to protection of FBAs are: the high dependence of fisher folk on the FBAs for fishing, the likely disruption of navigation routes if FBAs were to be off-limits to transport routes, the likely dangers posed by the nascent oil and gas industry.

Section Six presents an analysis of the scope of the regulatory environment and how various declarations, conventions, codes of conduct/practices as well as national and regional policies can be applied to lakes Edward and Albert. For example from the global perspective, the RAMSAR Convention on wetlands would be effective if fully applied to wetlands of lakes Edward and Albert as much as the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries would be for fisheries. The national Constitutions of the two riparian states provide a strong basis for a wide range of regulatory frameworks. These include Policies, Acts, Instruments and Guidelines of direct relevance to FBAs (e.g. the Fish Acts and Regulations, The Forestry Acts, The Water Statutes and Nature/ wildlife Acts, the National Environment Management Authority statute and associated Guidelines on lake shores and river banks). Despite their existence and potential for mitigating further deterioration and loss of FBAs on lakes Edward and Albert, the current regulatory environment does not appear to be as effective as it should. In addition, by their transboundary nature, management of the fisheries resources of the two lakes does not have a regional framework such as Fisheries Management Plan or Fisheries Management Organisational structure.

A major output from this study is a set of Actionable Recommendations (Section Seven) that fall under five key areas: Governance, Capacity building, Scientific Monitoring, Legal and Policy interventions, and sustainable utilisation of the FBAs. Recommended actions are given time frames ranging from short term (one-to-two years) to long term (through five years and beyond). The recommended actions range from implementation of national, regional and international policies, protocols and conventions in addition to practical steps towards increased capacity building/sensitisation at grass roots, local and national levels as well as scientific monitoring.

The report concludes with articulated guidelines and requirements for demarcation, gazettement and management of the FBAs on lakes Edward and Albert (section 7.3). Step by step action lines through the demarcation and gazettement process are provided together with area specific costs for each action. The study provided an estimated cost of USD 60 per hectare of FBA (depending on the shape of the FBA polygon) for demarcation gazettement, management and compliance monitoring. For a total of 29,500 ha of lake area to be demarcated marked and protected is estimated to cost 1.766 million USD. This cost is distributed in proportions 51% for demarcation and marking, 42% management and protection and 7% compliance monitoring. Regular FBAs with few vertices for marking are estimated to have lower costs for demarcation compared to irregular ones with more vertices. It is recommended that demarcation and gazettement begins with FBAs categorised as highest priority through medium priority and lastly low priority. Cost for demarking and managing each are provided in Annex 8.

11 1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 The Lake Edward and Albert Basin Lubiriha rivers. The lake is connected to Lake (LEAB) George by the 36 km long Kazinga Channel Lakes Edward and Albert are part of the rift valley (Figures 1 and 2). Most of the lake is bordered lakes shared between Democratic Republic of by Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda Congo (DRC) and Uganda and have a combined and Virunga National Park in DRC. Lake Edward basin area of 47,500 Km2 of which 30,500 Km2 supports commercial fisheries in both DRC and is for the George-Edward-Semliki sub-basin and Uganda. The fisheries are an important source 17,000 Km2 for the Lake Albert sub-basin. of food, livelihood and income to residents in the immediate vicinity of the lake shores and to Lake Edward (surface area 2,300 Km2; average urban dwellers. The commercial fisheries are depth 17 m; maximum depth 117 m) is the dominated by Oreochromis niloticus (the Nile smallest of the African Great Rift lakes lying tilapia), Bagrus docmak (catfish), Protopterus in the Western Rift Valley at an altitude of 920 aethiopicus (lung fish) and Clarias gariepinus m ASL. It is shared between the Democratic (mud fish). However, the over 50 other species of Republic of Congo (DRC) (71%) and Uganda fish, mostly the haplochromine cichlids (nkejje) (29%). The lake’s major inflows are the Rwindi, dominate the fish biomass. Rutshuru, Nyamugasani, Ishasha, Taliha and

FIGURE 1: MAP OF LAKE EDWARD AND ITS WESTERN ASSOCIATED RIVER INFLOWS

12 FIGURE 2: MAP OF LAKES EDWARD AND GEORGE AND THEIR ASSOCIATED RIVER INFLOWS

Lake Albert (surface area 5,300 Km2; average communities and its fishery. In the 1960s, Lake depth 25 m; maximum depth 58 m) is Africa’s Albert contained at least 53 species, of which seventh largest lake by surface area, and is the 17 were exploited commercially. By the 1990s, northern most of African Great Lakes’ Albertine the number of recorded species had dropped to Rift at an altitude of 615 m ASL. It is shared 33 with 14 species of commercial importance. between Uganda (54%) and the DRC (46%). While many of the species may still occur in the The main inflow into the lake is in the south lake, over-fishing and destruction of fish habitats via the Semliki River which comes from Lake could have taken a toll on stocks of these fishes. Edward. The lake also receives water from For example, some fish species such as the moon the Victoria Nile in the north, which forms a fishes (Citharinus citharus), Distichodus nefasch, swampy estuary in the northern part of the lake and the butterfish (Eutropius niloticus) are rarely and is also the starting point of the Albert Nile recorded in the region’s artisanal fishery. The River (Figures 3 and 4). Despite the presence of fishery is mostly dominated by smaller-sized several predatory fishes notably the Nile perch fishes such asBrycinus nurse and Engraulicypris (Lates niloticus and Lates macrophthalmus), the bredoi. The endemic Lates macrophthalmus lake supports diverse commercial fisheries. The (Albert Lates) is on the IUCN Red List as an lake is also the original source of the Nile perch endangered species. and the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) that have been introduced in many other water bodies in the region. The demand for fish has led to the introduction of more efficient fishing gears and methods that may be harmful to the fishery. Activities related to the discovery of oil in the Lake Albert basin are a potential threat to the well-being of the lake, its diverse fish 13 FIGURE 3: MAP OF LAKE ALBERT AND ITS WESTERN river inflows

Lakes Edward and Albert provide water for and proliferation of invasive aquatic weeds agriculture, domestic use, and navigation. which affect water quality, fishing activities, The fisheries are an important source of food, fish ecosystems and navigation. Activities (e.g. livelihood and income to the riparian communities excavation, drilling, infrastructure such as roads within the lake basins and contribute significantly and settlements) related to the recent discovery to the economies of both countries. However, the of oil and gas on the shores of Lake Albert are a fisheries face critical challenges of dwindling fish potential threat to the well-being of the lake and stocks due to over fishing, use of inappropriate its biodiversity. The wetlands around these lakes gears and vessels, pollution, land degradation are being converted to other uses thus reducing 14 the ecosystem functions and the goods and services which they provide such as being biodiversity havens for many fauna and flora.

FIGURE 4: MAP OF LAKE ALBERT AND ITS TRIBUTARies in Uganda

15 Justification of the Study 1.3 Objectives The last two decades have witnessed the The overall objective of this study was to identify, emergence of economic activities and investments characterise and map FBAs on lakes Edward in sectors ranging from industrial fish processing, and Albert (in both DRC and Uganda), in order other forms of agro-processing, mining, water to guide their gazettement and protection for transport, and associated extractive activities such sustainable management of the transboundary as oil and gas drilling and other infrastructural fisheries resources. Specifically, the study aimed developments. These have increased pressure to: on ecosystem services including biodiversity, i. Review existing information on FBAs and wetlands, micro-climate and water quality thus identify the FBAs within lakes Edward threatening the integrity of the ecosystem. and Albert ii. Map the identified FBAs using GIS The major concerns in lakes Edward and Albert technology include loss of biodiversity, environmental iii. Suggest actionable recommendations degradation and loss of ecosystem integrity as towards protection of the FBAs they impact on the sustainability and beneficial uses of the lake’s ecosystem for the present and 1.4 Expected outputs future generations. Elsewhere, the concept of i) A summary report on the status of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) has been widely FBAs on lakes Edward and Albert used as an effective fisheries management tool, ii) A comprehensive report on the status however, a similar approach on the aquatic of FBAs, their attributes, threats and resources of lakes Edward and Albert necessitates causes, digitized maps showing FBAs, scientific information to guide the process amidst and increasing demands from fisheries managers iii) Actionable recommendations to guide and policy makers to gazette and protect critical formulation of laws and policies that fish habitats. This study provides insight into would ensure protection of FBAs in the spatial spread of FBAs and their associated lakes Edward and Albert. geographical features so as to guide appropriate iv) Maps and shapefiles of the FBAs in fishing technologies, management measures and lakes Edward and Albert practices. 1.5Target Beneficiaries 1.2 Purpose of the report The main beneficiaries of this assignment The main purpose of the report is to provide include: information on habitats that are suitable as 1. NBI/NELSAP fish breeding areas (FBAs) in lakes Edward and 2. Policy makers Albert so as to guide fisheries managers and 3. Resource users policy makers in development planning, policy 4. Conservationists formulation and decision making for sustainable 5. Research Organisations and Academic management of the transboundary fisheries institutions resources. Fish breeding areas are those that 6. International Organisations (e.g. IUCN/ provide suitable biotic and abiotic conditions WCU,WWF, Nature) for fish to spawn and may also include nursery 7. Private Sector (e.g. Development grounds for the young fishes. Agencies, investors) Several habitats in lakes Edward and Albert contain FBAs and other areas of rich biodiversity that are perceived to represent inherent values that need to be protected. The identification, characterisation and mapping of such areas can offer them protection for example by gazettement through legislation. This report outlines the current status of and threats to FBAs with respect to socio-economic activities taking place in the basin which have direct or indirect impacts to the sustainable development of the lake and its resources.

16 2. METHODOLOGY

2.1 Data collection was divided into Southern, Central and Northern on the Uganda side and South and North Western on the 2.1.1 Literature review DRC side, from which representative beaches (11 in Fish breeding areas-related literature searches were Uganda and 10 in DRC) were identified (Appendix undertaken in relevant agencies and through extensive 7) and data collected. The lakes segmentation was internet searches to include: a review of the current aimed at ensuring unbiased sample representation. regulatory environment in relation to FBAs in both Five FGDs were carried out on each of the lakes DRC and Uganda, existing policies and development Edward and Albert in Uganda; five FGDs on the DRC strategies pertaining to the fisheries sub-sector, as side of Lake Albert and three on DRC side of Lake well as mandates of relevant national and regional Edward. institutions to identify areas that can be harnessed for effective discerning and management of FBAs. The observed and perceived changes of FBAs over This was intended to establish status, identify trends time were documented and an inventory of activities that are relevant for policy and decision making and that were likely to impact or be impacted on as a result situate the current status in the broader international of gazettement and protection of FBAs as well as the scope of FBAs. Policy and institutional weaknesses associated risk analysis were made. A description of and gaps to be strengthened/ improved to safeguard location of adjacent land uses and use patterns was FBAs were identified. A review of the status and geo- made and formed the site suitability or vulnerability referencing of any existing, known or planned fish assessment. Data was also collected from 66 non- breeding areas (FBAs) on lakes Edward and Albert fishing stakeholders in both Uganda and DRC was also done. Constraints, opportunities and lessons (Annexes 5 and 6) who included the technical (e.g. in the past identification and gazettement of fish Directorate fisheries managers, District Fisheries breeding areas within the LEA basin were identified Officers-DFOs, Fisheries Officers-FOs, District and synthesised to guide this study. Production and Marketing Officers-DPMOs, Chief Administrative Officers-CAOs); political leaders (e.g. 2.1.2 Stakeholder consultations and District chairpersons and District Councillors); and awareness raising security agencies (e.g. Internal Security Officers and Stakeholder mapping was carried out to identify key Resident District Commissioners). stakeholders at community, district and national levels. Consultations were conducted with the Information from community interviews covered the identified stakeholders at various stages of the following details: assignment, using social research tools (Annex 2C) i) Number and types of FBAs including one-on-one meetings with individual ii) Flora and fauna found in FBAs fishers, beach leaders, opinion leaders, district iii) Economic activities carried out in each leaders, and fisheries managers. The consultations FBA (e.g. fishing, hunting) were aimed at documenting views and perceptions iv) Observed changes in FBA over time e.g. on the uses and values of FBAs, providing additional reduction in size or species of fauna and information for identifying, mapping and ranking flora FBAs, and raising awareness about the assignment. v) Community awareness about function Three kinds of data collection were carried out at and value of FBA and consequence of the landing sites to ascertain valid and reliable overuse information i.e. from individual fishermen using vi) Sources of community information about a questionnaire, from landing site (beach) leaders FBAs using Key Informant Interview (KII) guide and from vii) Threats to FBAs through socio-economic a group of 8 – 16 fishers using a Focus Group (FGD) activities e.g. fishing, water extraction, checklist. sand mining, cultivation, waste disposal, The Uganda side of Lake Edward has only five landing human settlement, tourism, harvesting of sites in the three riparian districts of Kasese, Rubirizi wetlands and forest, cultural practices etc and Rukungiri; information was obtained from all the viii) Protection and conservation of FBAs five beaches. There are numerous landing beaches ix) Success and constraints in conserving (23) on the DRC side; the Lake was therefore divided FBAs into the Northern, Southern and Western regions x) Community recommendations about from which representative beaches (three) were conservation of FBAs selected for data collection. Similarly, Lake Albert 17 To ensure compatibility across the countries, scope of stretching outwards to the open water. The first point the literature reviews; development of questionnaires, was approximately 5 m from the shoreline, the second selection of criteria for FBAs, ground-truthing and third approximately 50 m and 100 m respectively. coverage and arrangements for mapping were agreed The total depth (m) was measured using an Echo- on and harmonised during the planning meeting sounder while a Secchi disc was used to determine that was held immediately after submission of the water transparency (i.e. Secchi depth (m)) of the Inception Report to the client (NELSAP). National water column at each point. Other environmental reports and data were collated and synthesised into conditions included shoreline gradient, substratum/ one Regional Report that was submitted to the client bottom type, nature of shoreline. who, in turn, subjected it to a Regional Stakeholder Review and Validation that was held at Golden 2.3 Experimental gillnetting th Tulip Hotel on 17 June 2019. In addition, National Following reconnaissance and ground-truthing stakeholder consultative meetings were conducted in surveys, experimental gillnetting was carried out the two riparian countries: In Uganda at TJ Global at selected stations identified during physical nd hotel, Kasese (22 July 2019) for Lake Edward and characterization in various bays and gulfs of the study th at Miika Eco Resort, Hoima district (24 July 2019) lakes. To establish seasonal variation in different for Lake Albert stakeholders. As for the DRC portions fish and water quality parameters, sampling was of the two lakes (Edward and Albert), consultative done during the dry and wet seasons and breeding meetings were held at Caritas Centre, Goma town, periodicity of key fish species determined. North Kivu province Eastern DRC on 15 – 16th July 2019. At each station, three fleets of graded mesh gill nets (ranging from size 1” to 8”) were set parallel to the 2.2 Identification characterization and shoreline out towards the open water. The inshore mapping (1st) fleet was set next to the shoreline vegetation Reconnaissance surveys were undertaken to within 0-100 m distance. The middle fleet was set characterise habitats along the shorelines in lakes between 100 m and 200 m from the 1st fleet while the Edward and Albert, and to identify potential FBAs that last (offshore) fleet was set more than 300 m from would be sampled during the main study. Selection the shore. The nets were set in the evening (1800h of study stations/sites was based on known habitat – 1900h) and lifted at dawn (0500h – 0600h) the preferences for fish (e.g. sandy, muddy, vegetated, following morning. In order to capture the early and rocky areas) and indigenous knowledge of the stages of fish, seining using boat/beach seines was riparian communities on perceptions of known conducted where possible at selected sites between locations and characteristics of FBAs. 1000h – 1100h. As outlined in the Standard Operating Procedures Ground-truthing surveys were conducted to generate (LEAF II, 2017), fish specimens were removed graphical impressions of identified FBAs. Using a from the retrieved gillnets according to fleet and GARMIN Global Positioning System (GPS) handset, mesh size; specimens were identified to the lowest geo-referenced coordinates were captured, the major taxonomical category possible (species level). shoreline vegetation cover, types and their spatial Because of the difficulties of identifying them in the spread and dominance patterns were described, and field, all haplochromine cichlid species were lumped key environmental parameters measured. A check- together as “haplochromines”. Biometric data was list of indicators for scoring fish breeding/nursery captured with total length measured to the nearest attributes was used (Annex 2A). The criteria used to centimetre and weight taken to 0.1 g. Maturity stages characterize the areas were categorized into physical, of the gonads were determined using conventional chemical and human factors. Shoreline vegetation categories as follows: Stage I and II – immature was described as part of habitat characterization (inactive); III- immature (ripening); IV- mature using the DAFOR (D = dominant; A = abundant; F = (active ripe and recycling in females); V- ripe; VI frequent; O = occasional; R = rare) index to indicate – spawning (ripe and running in males) and VII – the importance of particular areas as breeding sites spent. Breeding intensity was calculated from the for some species. Water quality parameters (pH, mean gonad state of all fish recovered from each dissolved oxygen (mg-1), temperature (0C), salinity site. This also included the total number of species (ppt), turbidity (FTU) and conductivity (µScm-1)) recovered from a site, the number of species in were measured using a multi-probe (CTD-90). The breeding condition, and the number of species with measurements were made at geo-referenced points mature individuals. All these factors were summed along three different transects parallel to the shoreline up to generate a breeding score (Nkalubo et al. 2018). 18 In addition, the general fish species assemblage in appropriate attributes such as spatial extent, area or the FBAs were described as relative abundance, size country of location and other lower administrative structure, species composition and diversity. units within the countries, sub-basin, and were given names for easy reference. Other area attributes such as transport routes, road networks, urban 2.4 Data processing and mapping centres and international boundaries were extracted Following from the field surveys that were undertaken from existing maps and the Google Earth tool. The to ground truth preliminary mapping and capture geo- mapping was done using World Geographic System referenced coordinates, the areas identified as FBAs (WGS) 84 UTM Zone 36N projection. In addition, were delineated as shapefiles, spatially describing the the FBAs were described on the basis of dominant FBAs. The mapping was done using GPS coordinates fish species and general water quality characteristics. and generated data were incorporated into GIS using ArcGIS 10.2. The FBAs were described by

19 3. COMMUNITY PERCEPTIONS OF DIFFERENT FBAS IN LAKES EDWARD AND ALBERT

In identifying protective regimes that are most were characterized mainly by: the presence of appropriate for the different FBAs, political, emergent and sub-emergent vegetation; presence economic, social, technological, ecological and legal of adults with eggs; presence of fish nests; as well as considerations have to be made. A fundamental issue the presence of juvenile fish. They all indicated that to the sustainable management of FBAs is the opinion some of these features were common in river mouths, and perception of the local communities. Whilst wetlands along the lake shore as well as in sheltered there is a dilemma towards protection of natural bays. resources between local people and natural resources managers, the importance of perceptions that the All the non-fishing stakeholders and over 80% the public creates for protection of FBAs is paramount fisher community respondents were aware that for providing the basis for local participation. As an protecting FBAs would result into stock resurgence input towards the designation, mapping and eventual as well as improved fish catches and sizes of fish to protection of FBAs on lakes Edward and Albert, the be caught. It is against this background that most of perceptions and opinions of the local people that live them supported a permanent closure of FBAs. Those or have traditionally used the natural resources in the who did not support a permanent protection of FBAs critical habitats in these lakes are documented below. comprised 15.6% of the fisher communities on Lake Albert. The fisher community respondents who were 3.1 Perceptions towards importance and not in favour of permanent closure advanced the protection of FBAs following reasons: A total of 116 (64 DRC; 52 Uganda) and 236 (139 1. During dry seasons, fish usually migrate to DRC; 97 Uganda) active fishers were consulted FBAs partly because the temperatures there are on lakes Edward and Albert respectively using favourable which results into either low or no a questionnaire alone. 84.6% and 83.3% of the catches at all; respondents were males on Lake Edward for Uganda 2. Drought periods are usually characterised by a and DRC respectively. On Lake Albert, 99% and 90% lot of winds, so fish take refuge in sheltered bays in Uganda and DRC respectively were males. The most of which are considered to be the FBAs; small sample of females is mainly attributed to fewer 3. Some fish never leave the FBA areas especially females who were engaged in fishing. the “mothers” when they are spent (menopausal The socio-demographic characteristics revealed that stage), so fishers were supposed to go for them in over 65% and 61% of the fishing communities had not the FBA; studied beyond primary level of education in Uganda 4. Fear that they would be left with small fishing and DRC, respectively. Over 80% of respondents on ground moreover they do not have other sources the two lakes in both countries were married with an of revenue/income; average number of people in the households standing 5. Good fish catches were usually in FBAs; at eight (8) and six (6) on Lake Edward for Uganda 6. Most non-fishing activities such as shells and and DRC respectively. The average number of people vegetation harvesting are carried out near or in in a household for Lake Albert was seven (7) in the FBAs; so making FBAs inaccessible would Uganda and nine (9) in DRC. leave many without a source of livelihood; 7. Some respondents at Kazinga landing site on With respect to the perception on the trend of fish Lake Edward, Uganda, indicated that they should catches, up to 97% of the fishers reported a decline be allowed to fish in the FBAs during rainy season in fish catches over the last two years and indicated because fish migrate to such areas to feed on foods that fishing in FBAs was partly due to this decline. brought into the lake by rains. They also advanced Although the decline was also attributed to mainly the that some rainy seasons are characterised by use of illegal fishing methods and gears, fishers were heavy winds which make it difficult for them to optimistic that proper enforcement of fisheries rules travel long distance to the fishing grounds amidst and protection of FBAs were critical for rejuvenation the need to survive. of FBAs.

All respondents on the Ugandan part of both lakes were aware of the existence of FBAs. Majority of lakes Edward (97%) and Albert (92.5%) fishers on the DRC side were also aware of existence of FBAs. Respondents in both countries indicated that FBAs 20 PLATE 1A. FISHING COMMUNITY MEMBERS BEING CONSULTED THROUGH FGDS AT LANDING SITES ON LAKESALBERT AT KYEHORO IN UGANDA

PLATE 1B. FISHING COMMUNITY MEMBERS BEING CONSULTED THROUGH FGDS AT LANDING SITES ON EDWARD AT KAZINGA IN UGANDA

21 PLATE 2A. FISHING COMMUNITY MEMBERS BEING CONSULTED THROUGH FGDS AT LANDING SITES ON LAKE ALBERT (URI) IN DRC.

PLATE 2A. FISHING COMMUNITY MEMBERS BEING CONSULTED THROUGH FGDS AT LANDING SITES ON LAKE ALBERT (URI) IN DRC.

22 3.2. Community perceptions on constraints comprise: fishers including their leaders and LCs, to protect FBAs working hand in hand with the military, as well as the Over 88% of stakeholders from both lakes in wildlife management authorities for parts of the lake both DRC and Uganda did not anticipate serious that are located within wildlife conservation areas. constraints in the protection of FBAs as long as Respondents also indicated that local and central stakeholder suggestions were adhered to. The main fisheries departments were expected to provide a suggestions include: proper demarcation of breeding lot of backstopping to the FBA enforcement teams. areas, massive sensitisation before and during the In addition to the above, stakeholders especially the protection of FBAs, as well as continuous enforcement fishing communities requested that the issues that by coordinated relevant authorities (Table 1). A multi- are presented in Table 13 of this report be considered stakeholder enforcement team was suggested to to ensure effective demarcation and protection of ensure inclusivity and effectiveness. The team would FBAs.

Table1: Stakeholder suggestions (%) on critical requisites for effective enforcement of FBAs

Source: February 2019 Field survey data

In order to strengthen the protection of FBAs, 60% of Lake Edward respondents suggested that respondents suggested imprisonment, suspension imprisonment should not exceed three months; from fishing, paying fines and as well as confiscating, 20% indicated imprisonment should not exceed six destroying fishing equipment as the key penalties for months while the other 20% supported more six FBA encroachers (Table 2). For example, in Uganda, months’ imprisonment.

Table 2: Suggested Penalties (%) for FBA encroachers of FBAs

Source: February 2019 Field survey data

23 3.3. Spatial distribution and status of FBAs hectares was in DRC and 3,400 hectares in Uganda. on lakes Edward and Albert These FBAs were mainly comprised of river mouths, Lake Edward sheltered bays, lagoons and wooded shorelines. 10 A total 38 FBAs (20 in DRC and 18 in Uganda) were FBAs (6 DRC and 4 in Uganda) are considered to identified, characterised and mapped on Lake Edward be of highest priority while 12 (7 and 5 in DRC and (Figures 5 ,6, and 7). In addition, stakeholders added Uganda respectively) are priority. The remaining 25 9 FBAs (7 in DRC and 2 in Uganda) during the are considered being of low priority. national consultative meetings. The total FBA areas delineated was 16,000 hectares of which 12,600

FIGURE 5: MAP SHOWING DISTRIBUTION OF POTENTIAL FBAS ON LAKE EDWARD

24 FIGURE 6: MAP SHOWING THE DISTRIBUTION OF FBAS ON LAKE EDWARD, DRC

25 FIGURE 7: MAP SHOWING THE DISTRIBUTION OF FBAS ON LAKE EDWARD, UGANDA

Lake Albert hectares was in DRC and 7,700 hectares in Uganda. A total of 30 FBAs (10 in DRC and 30 in Uganda) These FBAs were mainly comprised of river mouths, were mapped on Lake Albert (Figures 8,9 and 10). sheltered bays, lagoons, and wooded shoreline. 9 During national consultations, 11 FBAs (4 in DRC FBAS (3 DRC and 6 in Uganda) are considered to and 7 in Uganda) were added by the stakeholders. be of highest priority while 11 (3 and 8 in DRC and The total number FBA delineated on Lake Albert is Uganda respectively) are priority. The remaining 20 40 covering an area of 13,500 hectares of which 5800 are considered being of low priority. 26 FIGURE 8: MAP SHOWING THE DISTRIBUTION OF FBAS ON LAKE ALBERT

27 FIGURE 9: MAP SHOWING THE DISTRIBUTION OF FBAS ON LAKE ALBERT, DRC

28 FIGURE 10: MAP SHOWING THE DISTRIBUTION OF FBAS ON LAKE ALBERT, UGANDA

29 3.4 Human use eatures associated with FBAs to land used as human settlements and farmlands Land use/cover analysis showed that the catchment (Annex 4). The settlements in these areas are mainly of the two lakes is composed of various land cover the fish landing sites. For Uganda, another major including cropland, grassland, shrub land, wetland land use associated with the FBAs especially on Lake and urban areas or settlements (Table 3). Land Albert is oil exploration and development. Sites on under agriculture is the most dominant land use this lake including the Nile Delta, Katala-Kalolo- in the catchment, comprising of 52.6% of the total Rwabitooke-Wankende, Kabolwa, Bugoigo, Runga, area, including about 11,999.3km2 of cropland and Muzizi and Kanara are associated with areas that natural vegetation mosaic. Despite the dominance of are currently under oil and gas development or have croplands, most of the land adjacent to lake shores been licenced to development companies for similar is largely native especially on Lake Edward whose developments (NEMA, 2012). Oil exploration is also extent is exclusively within protected areas (Annex planned around Lake Edward although there are 3). Unlike on Lake Edward that is within protected existing campaigns to discourage commencement areas, the areas proposed as FBAs on Lake Albert in due to threat to wildlife and fisheries. both Uganda and DRC, are in most cases adjacent

Table 3 Land cover within the catchments of Lakes Albert and Edward (Data based on Climate Change Initiative Land Cover Data of the European Space Agency for 2015)

3.5. Past and current efforts in protecting to reduce incidences of corruption. The Fisheries FBAs on lakes Edward and Albert Protection Unit of the Uganda Defence Forces All the respondents in both Uganda and DRC reported (UPDF) was also protecting FBAs at the time of the the existence of some protected FBAs especially on study, particularly enforcing a 2000 meter shoreline Lake Edward. In Uganda, 61.7% of Lake Albert fishers buffer zone from any fishing activity on Lake Edward. reported the existence of protected FBAs which they indicated to have been identified by local leaders, In DRC, ICCN/CINC (Institute Congolais pour la mainly the Beach Management Units (BMUs) (66.7%) protection de la Nature/The Congolese Institute for and UWA (19%). In the Ugandan portion of Lake Nature Conservation) protects FBAs on Lake Edward Edward, the existing FBAs were protected by UWA by prohibiting fishing within a 500 meter shoreline (52.8%) and District Fisheries departments (47.2%) radius of FBAs on the lake. It also prohibits the under the aid of local fisheries leaders who had not establishment of human settlements in the protected formulated by-laws (by-laws were formulated during areas of Virunga National Park which are adjacent the BMU era) but would also enforce the law at the to FBAs. COOPEVi (The Cooperative of Virunga landing sites. Some fishing communities on Lake Fishermen) also prohibits fishing in and around Edward, Uganda reported that although UWA started FBAs. AGRIPEL (Agriculture, PêcheetElevage/ well, they had started condoning fishing in the FBAs Agriculture, fishing and farming Organisation), also after receiving bribes. It is against this background organises farmers, fishermen and cattle keepers for that the fishing communities suggested a multi- sustainable activities in and around FBAs of Lake stakeholder enforcement team but these must not Edward. stay in a place for more than three months in order 30 4. CHARACTERISING AND MAPPING OF FBAS

4.1. Environmental characterization - emergent aquatic macrophytes comprised Typha, Most fish species utilize the shorelines and adjacent Phragmites, Pennisetum, Eicchornia, Vossia, waters for reproductive purposes (Aura et al. 2018). Cyperus spp, Thumbergia, Cassia sp., Acacia, Therefore, the condition of the shoreline and water Sesbania (Ambatch) fringe and shrubs; the floating- quality is an important indicator of area suitability leaved aquatic macrophytes including Nympheae; for the reproductive purposes. and the submerged macrophytes: these include Chara, Myriophyllum, and Potamogeton; and 2) the 4.1.1 Shoreline and habitat characteristics freely floating macrophytes. These include Azolla, Qualitative field observations of the sampled habitats Lemna, Eichhornia, Pistia and Ceratophyllum indicated that the shorelines along both lakes were (Tables 4 & 5). Therefore, in a few cases on Lake well covered by aquatic vegetation. The observed Albert (in Uganda) and on Lake Edward (in DRC) aquatic vegetation was categorized into two major were shorelines found to have adjacent farmlands different groups, these included: 1) the aquatic (Tables 4 and 5). Shoreline vegetation varied by site. macrophytes rooting in sediment, among which the

Table 4a: Key physical characteristics of selected FBAs on Lake Edward

31 Table 4b: Key physical characteristics of selected FBAs on Lake Edward

32 Table 5a: Key physical characteristics of FBAs on Lake Albert

*FBAs indicated for Uganda do not include the five identified based on historical data

33 Table 5a: Key physical characteristics of FBAs on Lake Albert

*FBAs indicated for Uganda do not include the five identified based on historical data

4.1.2 Water quality The maintenance of healthy aquatic ecosystems is high temperature are among the common triggering partly dependent on the physico-chemical properties. factors of natural spawning of many fish species. Water quality parameters used to characterize the FBAs in both lakes Edward and Albert revealed they In the present assessment, dissolved oxygen (DO) were suitable for the survival and production of fish showed high values 3.56 to 10.5 mg/l (in Lake Edward) (Tables 6 and 7). and (4.60 to 9.43 mg/l in Lake Albert), indicating that it was within the favourable ranges for aquatic life. In the sampled habitats in both lakes, the surface According to many studies, DO concentration above water temperature fluctuated between 27.15°C and 5 mg/l is suitable for the support of diverse biota, 30.0°C (Lake Edward);and 28.0 to 32.0 °C (Lake especially fish. The dissolved oxygen value except in Albert). Such a temperature range is typical for Kamandi Bay (with 3.56 mg/l) (Lake Edward, DRC) tropical water and favorable for fish metabolism and was never below 4.39 mg/l throughout all assessed reproduction. However, temperature is known by far habitats in both lakes. Hence, it was good for fish as the most critical factor influencing both aquatic life habitat. Among the dissolved gases, DO plays the and other physico-chemical parameters in the water most important role with regard to the water quality. system. The high temperatures were reported to be It is critical for aquatic organisms’ respiration. predictive cues for gonadal maturation of fish species Therefore, DO is among determining factors for the such as Clarias gariepinus and Oreochromis species, survival and the growth of aquatic organisms. among others. Coupled with rainfall, continuous 34 During the present study, the water electrical that these habitats can be considered as FBAs in conductivity in the sampled habitats ranged from Lakes Albert and Edward. 668.9 to 1241.5µS/cm (Lake Edward) and 317.6 to The water transparency affects the visual capacity 700.9 µS/cm (Lake Albert) which were favorable of fish and the photosynthetic activities of the plant for the fish species in these habitats. Turbidity is organisms. In a water body, water transparency known to have a major influence on fish diversity, varying from 30 cm to above 60 cm is acknowledged distribution and abundance. Accordingly, turbidity to be favourable for fish production. Studies affects fishes in three main ways: it may afford revealed that water transparency was among the greater protection for juvenile fish from predators; most important factors predicting fish assemblages it is generally associated with areas where there in aquatic environments. However, in this study is an abundance of food; and it may provide an the estimated values of water transparency ranged orientation mechanism for migration to and from the from 35 cm to 181 cm (0.35 m, 1.81m, Lake Edward) river. Studies revealed that the content of electrical and 40 cm to 300 cm (0.4 m to 3.0 m, Lake Albert) conductivity were among the parameters to the indicating that the water transparency was within propensity of the spawning and migrations of some the favourable range, therefore suitable for fish fish species, including C. gariepinus. It has been production in the sampled habitats. stated that in addition to increasing temperature, the electrical conductivity was among predictive cues for Therefore, spatial distribution of key water quality gonadal maturation of C. gariepinus. Furthermore, parameters (Temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity may provide an orientation mechanism for electrical conductivity and transparency) across both up and downstream migrations. sampled habitats indicated conducive water quality conditions (Tables 6 and 7). These results clearly One of the major indicators of the water quality, demonstrate that the water quality parameters in after the dissolved gases (O2 and CO2), is the ionic the lakes were found to be conducive for fish around composition of water, of which most important the selected FBAs; with no indications of undesired measure is the pH. The pH is known to influence the conditions such as eutrophication, high dissolved physiological functions of fish and other aquatic lives. solids and low transparency. Mean values for Thus, pH range for diverse fish production is between major water quality parameters were within levels 6.5 and 9.0. Any variation beyond acceptable range conducive for fish growth and survival (Tables 6 and could be fatal to many aquatic organisms. Around a 7). The good water quality in these lakes is largely pH 7, the nutrients are easily assimilated by most of due to less development in their catchments and the plant organisms and the food chain can develop relatively pristine buffer zones that effectively filter normally. In turn this allows a good growth of fish effluents entering the lakes. Compared to for instance species, among others. Therefore, in the sampled the Lake Victoria catchment where farmland, habitats, pH ranged from 6.76 to 9.2 (in Lake Albert) settlements and urban areas dominate (Wesige et al. and 7.05 to 11.8 (in Lake Edward), indicating that pH 2013), the catchments for lakes Edward and Albert in the sampled habitats varied within the favourable are dominated by native vegetation cover due to ranges, therefore suitable for production of fish and presence on protected areas in their proximity (see most of aquatic lives. The present pH values confirm Section 3.4 on land cover).

35 Table 6. Status of water quality parameters (mean±SD) in the selected FBAs on Lake Edward

STRDS: Standards of water quality (Boyd & Tucker, 1998; Ali et al., 2000).

36 Table 7 Status of water quality parameters (Mean±SD) in the selected FBAs on Lake Albert

STRDS: Standards of water quality (Boyd & Tucker, 1998; Ali et al., 2000). 37 FIGURE 11: DISSOLVED OXYGEN (MG/L) WITHIN SELECTED FBAS ON LAKE EDWARD, UGANDA

FIGURE 12: SECCHI DEPTH (M) WITHIN SELECTED FBAS ON LAKE EDWARD, UGANDA 38 Figure 13: Total depth (m) within selected FBAs on Lake Edward, Uganda

Figure 14: Total depth (m) within selected FBAs on Lake Albert, Uganda 39 FIGURE 15: SECCHI DEPTH (M) WITHIN SELECTED FBAS ON LAKE ALBERT, UGANDA

FIGURE 16: DISSOLVED OXYGEN (MG/L) WITHIN SELECTED FBAS ON LAKE ALBERT, UGANDA 40 4.2 Fish parameters Fish species composition and relative For the Uganda waters of the lake, a total of at abundance least 12 fish species belonging to 10 genera in 7 With haplochromines taken as a single taxon, at least families were recovered in March and July 2019 12 fish species belonging to 8 genera in 7 families (Table 9). Ruhandagati had the highest number of were recorded in Lake Edward (DRC) in March 2019 species (10) and the highest breeding score (23.1) (Table 8). Kagezi had the highest number of species (Figure 14). Habitat restricted species included (9). Habitat restricted species included Mormyrus Ctenopoma muriei and Labeo forskahlii confined kannume and Protopterus annectens confined to to Rwenshama (associated with various rivers) and Kagezi, Aplocheilicthys sp to Ishango, and Labeo Ruhandagati (open sandy shoreline) respectively. victorianus to Rutshuru all of which are associated Haplochromines, catfishes (Bagrus docmak, with river mouths. The haplochromines and Clarias gariepinus) and tilapiines (Coptodon zillii, tilapiines (Oreochromis niloticus, O. leucostictus) O.niloticus, O. leucostictus) were encountered in all were encountered in all the habitats and could be habitats that were sampled and could be considered considered to be keystone species. According to the to be keystone species. IUCN Red listing of 2018, majority of the recorded fish species were of least concern.

TABLE 8. THE CONTRIBUTION OF DIFFERENT FISH TAXA (% BY NUMBERS) CAUGHT FROM VARIOUS HABITATS IN FBAS ON LAKE EDWARD (DRC) DURING MARCH 2019 (KAG = KAGEZI; KIH = KIHANGIRO; KIB =KIBAHARI; RUT = RUTSHURU; KAMU = KAMUHORORO; CHO = CHONDO; MUT = MUTIMATSHINGA; MWI = MWIGA; MUG = MUGERA; KAMA = KAMANDI; TAL = TALIHA; ISH = ISHANGO; LUB = LUBIRIHA

41 TABLE 9. THE CONTRIBUTION OF DIFFERENT FISH TAXA (% BY NUMBERS) CAUGHT FROM VARIOUS HABITATS IN FBAS ON LAKE EDWARD (UGANDA) DURING MARCH AND JULY 2019

Most river mouths and some sheltered bays in DRC channel, where it enters the lake, and two sheltered registered breeding scores higher than the average bays namely: Kalubugo and Ruhandagati, scored score of 11.0 points (Figure 17). Such areas are higher than the average score of 14.2 points and are considered to be high priority for protection of fish also considered high priority for protection (Figure that utilise these localities to spawn. Similarly in 18). Uganda, Nyamusagani river mouth, the Kazinga

42 FIGURE 17: THE LOCATION OF FBAS IDENTIFIED FROM BREEDING INTENSITIES OF VARIOUS FISH SPECIES CAPTURED IN INSHORE AREAS OF LAKE EDWARD, DRC

43 FIGURE 18: THE LOCATION OF FBAS IDENTIFIED FROM BREEDING INTENSITIES OF VARIOUS FISH SPECIES CAPTURED IN INSHORE AREAS OF LAKE EDWARD, UGANDA

44 LAKE ALBERT dentex, Bagrus docmak, Labeo coubie, L. horie, Labeobarbus altianalis, Synodontis afrofisheri, S. Fish species composition and relative victoriae and Marcusenius victoriae confined to abundance river mouths. Apart from the lagoons, Hydocynus A total of 23 fish species belonging to 19 genera in forskahalii and Lates niloticus were encountered in 12 families were recorded in Lake Albert (DRC) in all the other habitats sampled. March 2019 (Table 10). The river mouth of Semliki In Uganda, the greatest species richness (>10 species) had the highest number of species (19). Habitat was found in major river mouths, such as the Albert restricted species included Malapterurus electricus Nile Delta, Hohwa, Kanara/Wassa and River Muzizi and Citharinus talus found in Semiliki and Tindi- (Table 11). The highest breeding scores (> 27) were kolokoto respectively. Hydrocynus forskahlii and also associated with river mouths such as Muzizi, Lates sp were encountered in all the habitats and Wambabya, Rutoha (Kyehoro) (Figure 19). Such could be considered to be keystone species. According areas are considered to be high priority for protection to the IUCN red listing, majority of the recorded fish of fish that migrate into rivers to spawn. species were of least concern. With haplochromines taken as a single taxon, a For DRC, the greatest species richness (> 10 species) total of 28 fish species belonging to 19 genera in 12 was found at Semliki, Tindi-kolokoto, Kisinja-Wakidi, families were recovered in the Uganda waters of Lake Café and Kakoi (Table 10). The highest breeding Albert in March and July 2019 (Table 11). The river scores (> 20) were found at or in the proximity of mouth of Muzizi had the highest number of species major river mouths (Semliki, Kakoi, Cafe) (Figure (20). Habitat restricted species included Alestes 20).

TABLE 10. THE CONTRIBUTION OF DIFFERENT FISH TAXA (% BY NUMBERS) IN EXPERIMENTAL GILLNET SAMPLING IN FBAS ON LAKE ALBERT (DRC) DURING MARCH 2019

DD = Data deficient; LC = Least concern; NE = Not evaluated 45 TABLE 11. THE CONTRIBUTION OF DIFFERENT FISH TAXA (% BY NUMBERS) IN EXPERIMENTAL GILLNET SAMPLING IN FBAS ON LAKE ALBERT (UGANDA) DURING MARCH AND JULY 2019

DD = DATA DEFICIENT; LC = LEAST CONCERN; NE = NOT EVALUATED

46 FIGURE 19: THE LOCATION OF FBAS IDENTIFIED FROM BREEDING INTENSITIES OF VARIOUS FISH SPECIES CAPTURED IN INSHORE AREAS OF LAKE ALBERT, UGANDA

47 FIGURE 20: THE LOCATION OF FBAS IDENTIFIED FROM BREEDING INTENSITIES OF VARIOUS FISH SPECIES CAPTURED IN INSHORE AREAS OF LAKE ALBERT, DRC

48 5. THREATS TO FBAS

There are diverse uses and services provided by FBAs among others. In addition, there are a series of as there are threats to them. FBAs provide water for other economic activities such agriculture near the various uses and maintain biodiversity at different river banks and oil exploration on Lake Albert. It is levels. The sustainable use of FBAs greatly depends on also projected that oil exploration may be carried rationally focused development including managing out on Lake Edward in the near future. These are solutions to societal needs. likely not only to affect but also be affected by the demarcation and protection of Fish Breeding Areas. 5.1. Potential environmental and social risks It is therefore important to consider most if not all and impacts and their mitigation the environmental and social concerns in order to FBAs are currently under exploitation partly by effectively demarcate and protect FBAs. Tables12 vulnerable social groups, namely women, youth, and 13 give details of the likely environmental and the elderly, refugees and IDPs among others. These social risks, their likely impacts as well as how they are involved in a series of activities, namely: fishing are likely to be mitigated. especially using basket traps and hooks as well as the harvesting of shells, vegetation and sand

TABLE 12. POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES DURING THE DEMARCATION AND PROTECTION OF FBAS

49 Table 13a. Social risks, likely impacts and the mitigation measures during the demarcation and protection of FBAs

50 Table 13b. Social risks, likely impacts and the mitigation measures during the demarcation and protection of FBAs

51 Table 13c. Social risks, likely impacts and the mitigation measures during the demarcation and protection of FBAs

5.2 Envisaged challenges and impediments to ii. The technical capacity: competent the demarcation and gazettement of the FBAs persons to identify the effective marking Successful zoning, marking/demarcation and equipment, their assembly, installation gazettement of FBAs calls for committed involvement and repair as and when necessary. Lack of of key stakeholders right from grass root communities technical capacity will lead to poor material through local and national authorities to regional selection and unsustainable results. level collaboration. To achieve this feat, there is need iii. Execution capacity: the execution of the for formal structures and networks involving the key work will require specialists who may not be stakeholders. It is therefore anticipated that one of in place at present. Communities feel poor the major challenges will be lack of a regional body implementation of the project will discredit to coordinate formation of appropriate structure performers both to the development partners and networks to guide implementation of diverse and local communities. management decisions. Currently no specific formal iv. Weak political framework: State structures are geared towards management of the authority must be restored in all areas along common fisheries resources, although a permanent the two water bodies (especially on the DRC joint commission is established and through it a side) for effective FBAs to be delineated, and bilateral agreement has been signed to establish conservation regulations respected. If the a Regional Fisheries Management Organization political authority does not get involved, it (RFMO). Operationalization of the RFMO will will be impossible to remove the people who go a long way in strengthening the current weak already occupy or operate within known or application of the different international, regional Identified FBAs. and national legal instruments resulting in the v. Weak and non-dissuasive laws: review continued deterioration of ecosystems, species and the law on conservation to make it more genetic resources. dissuasive and enforce rigor (fight against corruption). Communities feel it is difficult 5.2.1 Challenges envisaged by communities to stop the exploitation of FBAs resources Local communities along lakes Albert and Edward if dissuasive sanctions are not applied to highlighted eight major challenges, the relative offenders. importance of which varies across the two lakes. vi. Absence of Community law: to involve These challenges include: the local community in the monitoring, i. Financial resources: Substantial control and surveillance of the FBAs. If the financial resources are required to purchase communities are not involved in and do not equipment, transport them to the sites, pick interest in conservation of FBAs they assembling and setting up of the beacons, the turn into poachers and ordinarily get allied to eviction of the populations, and enforcement prevailing militias. and surveillance of the FBAs. vii. Poor dissemination: find a way to 52 quickly disseminate the correct information enable them buy big boats and outboard engines. within local communities and deny false information. If channels of information 5.2.3 Anticipated challenges to gazettement dissemination are not set up, the false news and protection of FBAs quickly spreads gradually within the local Gazettement of FBAS is a legal process of making community. publically known that a given area has been delineated viii. Insecurity: There is need to restore and identified as fish breeding and nursery area and the authority of the state in the areas containing should be protected from adverse human activities. proposed FBAs and ensure security of people Such a process may take any form and may involve and property. It is impossible to delimit, different stakeholders across/within the two riparian monitor and control the FBAs in insecure states to complete. The common one may relate to areas where there possibilities of abduction a line governmental officer usually a Minister in by militias. consultation with the Chief Government Legal Adviser e.g. Solicitor General issuing a statutory instrument 5.2.2 Other challenges to demarcation and to announce the FBA. This process is likely to face a implementation of FBAs major challenge of obtaining certificates of financial Alternative livelihood options: Communities felt implication and concurrence of government legal that there is need to provide communities living and advisors in view anticipated community impacts. It is eking a living around known FBAs with alternative suggested that once a given list of FBAs is delineated livelihood options before stopping them from and demarcated rigorous consultations are carried carrying out FBA endangering activities and also out all levels before embarking on the process of provide ample sensitisation. Such FBA endangering gazettement. In addition, very well laid out funding activities include but not limited to shells harvesting, and management plan will simplify the process. indiscriminate fishing more especially basket trap fishing, farming and sand mining. These can doa In order to ensure effective protection of the identified lot of damage including stealing the demarcation FBAs, a series of concerns provided in Table 13 (social materials. As a way of dealing with this challenge, a risks, their likely impact and mitigation measures) lot of awareness raising as well as promotion of viable must be addressed through: and socially acceptable livelihood options should be i. Establishment of strong local community considered. In the medium and long term however, institutions/structures to partner with in the it would be important to streamline the co-existence management of gazetted FBAs; or/and banning of some threats through legislation which can be at national and local levels. ii. Involvement of all lake users/activities including transporters, fish cage farmers, In addition, failure to involve the different shells harvesters, and sand miners during the stakeholders in the identification and demarcation demarcation process to ensure that that their of FBAs was also likely to generate resistance from concerns are adequately addressed; the fishers who would be suspicious that they are going to be stopped from fishing. Involvement iii. Harmonization of the legal and institutional should be both at identification, demarcation and frameworks between DRC & Uganda later on monitoring and protection. Additionally regarding management of FBAs and fisheries a lot of sensitisation focusing on the advantages of resources; and demarcating and protecting FBAs should be carried iv. Routine change of enforcement officers, prior to the demarcation exercise in order to enhance particularly the military, UWA or any other the understanding of the advantages of protecting external enforcers tasked to oversee the FBAs. protection of FBAs. These must be deployed On the Ugandan side of Lake Edward, respondents in a specific FBA for a period not exceeding also suggested that the number of recommended boats three months. should be increased especially now that population at the landing sites is high with most of them depending on fisheries either directly or indirectly. This is because some fishers used illegal and small boats that would not be moved far away from the shoreline, making them fish in the FBAs. On this, fisher respondents also requested that they should be given loans to 53 6. POLICIES AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK

6.1 Existing relevant international, regional Declarations, Conventions, Codes of Conduct and and national policies and regulations practices that are relevant for the protection and conservation of FBAs on lakes Edward and Albert. Current Regulatory Environment in relation For example, from the Earth Summit United Nations to Fish Breeding Areas: Instruments, policies Conference on Environment and Development and legal Framework (UNCED, 1992) to the UN Convention on Biological The sustainable development, management and Diversity (UNEP, 2010) to the UN Sustainable protection of FBAs on lakes Edward and Albert Development Goals (UNDP, 2015), there are should consider the global, regional and national principles and action plans applicable to FBAs on perspectives in the riparian countries. Globally, lakes Edward and Albert (Table 14). there are international policies mostly in form of

TABLE 14. MAJOR INTERNATIONAL INSTRUMENTS OF RELEVANCE TO FBAS ON LAKES EDWARD AND ALBERT

54 is considered a world heritage site due to its high Some international Conventions/Agreements are biodiversity and scientific value. more specific with respect to habitats and species. These include: The FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (CCRF) 1995. The CCRF is used as a basis for fisheries The Ramsar Convention on wetlands (1971). management, along with associated international This was originally designed for conservation instruments such as the International Plan of Action and sustainable use of wetlands of international on Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported (IUU) importance especially as a waterfowl habitat. In fishing, which aims at combating IUU-fishing. Uganda, some wetlands including small water bodies have been declared Ramsar sites and are protected UN Convention on International Trade in by wetland policies. Lake George which drains into Endangered Species (CITES), 1975. This treaty Lake Edward through the Kazinga channel is a provides member countries with possibilities to ban Ramsar site. The Virunga national park in DRC is international trade in endangered species and this a designated Ramsar site considered important for avoid over-exploitation through protection of species threatened species including rare species of fish and habitats. other aquatic wildlife. Regional Regulatory Frameworks The UNESCO World Heritage Convention (1972). The African Union to which DRC and Uganda The World Cultural and Natural Heritage Convention subscribe, has action plans/strategies applicable provides for protection of ecosystems and habitats to protection of FBAs on lakes Edward and Albert of global scientific value. Virunga national park (Table 15).

TABLE 15. REGIONAL LEGAL INSTRUMENTS AND ACTION PLANS APPLICABLE TO PROTECTING FBAS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

55 National focus provide for conservation and sustainable management The national constitutions provide for measures to of the environment including lakes, rivers, wetlands, protect and preserve the environment. In addition, forests, biodiversity, genetic resources, pollution there are national legal instruments for management control, natural heritage sites, river banks and lake of the environment. The environmental regulations shores.

TABLE 16A. NATIONAL LEGAL AND ACTION PLANS APPLICABLE TO PROTECTION OF FBAS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

56 TABLE 16B. NATIONAL LEGAL AND ACTION PLANS APPLICABLE TO PROTECTION OF FBAS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT... CTD

57 TABLE 16C. NATIONAL LEGAL AND ACTION PLANS APPLICABLE TO PROTECTION OF FBAS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT... CTD

58 6.2 Relevant regional and national institutions Fisheries (SENADEP). An inquiry into fisheries The proper management of the FBAs requires institutional framework within the country found that collaboration from multiple institutions with different other relevant national institutions are the Ministry but synergistic mandates. Relevant institutions of Environment and Forestry and the Congolese include those for management of natural resources, Institute for Fauna and one regional institution, the coordination, enforcement of regulations, advocacy, Committee on Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture of and monitoring and research. Primary national Africa (CIFAA) that advises on development of inland institutions responsible for the management of fisheries and aquaculture in Africa. (Christophe and FBAs are those with mandates for the management Damien, 2014). of fisheries resources in the two countries. These institutions are the Directorate of Fisheries Resources There are other institutions that have become (DiFR) and Directorate of Fisheries in Uganda and important around lakes Edward and Albert due to DRC respectively. These two public institutions ongoing exploration and exploitation of oil resources oversee legal mandates to sustainably manage which have dire consequences for aquatic biodiversity fisheries resources using applicable management and fisheries if not sustainably done. Uganda’s tools such as FBAs. The efforts of these instructions Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and go hand in hand with efforts of other collaborating the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), and institutions with synergistic mandates (Table 16). associated oil exploration and extraction companies are important to develop and implement strategies In Uganda, such institutions include the National to mitigate potential threats to FBAs and aquatic Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), biodiversity in general. Department of Wetlands Management (DWM), and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). NEMA For research and monitoring, Uganda’s National is the national lead agency that coordinates the Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NaFIRRI) management of natural resources in Uganda while and DRC’s Centre de Recherche en Hydrobiologie/ DWM and UWA respectively lead the management of Centre for Hydrobiological Research (CRH at wetlands and wildlife. UWA is especially important in Uvira),PNVi/ICCN are applicable. These institutions areas that are within protected areas. These national conduct research to guide proper management of institutions have representation in local governments fisheries resources. Non-governmental organisations in all districts that surround the two lakes in Uganda. (NGOs) including community-based organisations This makes local governments important institutions are also important for advocacy, awareness raising and useful in local level implementation of FBAs, demanding appropriate action for implementation. enforcement and awareness raising. NGOs include international based NGOs like WWF, and IUCN as well as local ones such as the Lake Albert In DRC, the Directorate of Fisheries that is under Biodiversity Conservation Alert (LABCA), and Action the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock, des Chrétiens Activistes des Droits de l’Homme à manages the fishery sector with operational assistance Shabunda (ACADHOSHA) DRC. from the National Service for the Promotion of

59 7. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

7.1. Conclusions 4. The identified and prioritized 42 FBAs on lakes Arising from this study eight major conclusions Edward and Albert are diverse in sizes and faced emerge as follows: by distinct array of challenges. All the FBAS are in shallow, calm and previously serene areas 1. The concept of delineating specific areas of the of the lakes. These areas have been over time two water bodies as primary fish breeding and invaded by a multitude of anthropogenic impacts nursery areas is well understood among the that have ultimately compromised their pristine riparian communities. In some instances fishing characteristics. Evidence from water quality data communities themselves come together to outlaw collected in the current study suggests most of fishing in certain areas describing them as main the lacustrine areas of the two lakes are getting fish breeding areas. Evidence from this study polluted through diverse human activities. indicates that where specific areas had been Although our study suggests that water quality appreciated by riparian communities as FBAs, it variables within the prioritized FBAs are still was much easier for local authorities for example suitable for the survival and production of fish, Game park/reserve authorities to mark and the ensuing human activities are threats to their enforce protection. It is therefore concluded that sustainability. combining indigenous knowledge and scientific verification is indispensable in identifying, zoning, and marking FBAs. 5. The importance of protection of FBAs is illustrated in areas of Lake Edward (Uganda) where the presence, fortification and control by park 2. Identified fish breeding and nursery areas in authorities on human activities including fishing the two water bodies occur in areas where local has resulted in stability of the hitherto known communities have traditionally lived to eke a FBAs. Majority of the identified, characterised, living. Some have known and participated in their and zoned FBAs had high species diversities, protection as indicated in 1 above while others spawning and juvenile fish, and consequently high have failed to appreciate the need for protection of breeding scores further emphasizing importance such areas. It is therefore a prerequisite to involve of enforcement. However, on the DRC side of the communities in the monitoring, surveillance the lake the report reveals significant increase in and protection of identified and marked FBAs. fishing effort through mushrooming illegal fishing Starting with sensitization, communities need villages in the vicinity of known FBAs especially to be brought to same level of understanding in Lubero territory despite the fact that a large and appreciating their responsibilities for the part of the lake is in Virunga National Park. The delineation of FBAs to work out. inability of park authorities in DRC to effectively control the known FBAs could be associated to insecurity caused by various militias in some 3. Management of FBAs just like other natural areas of the lake outside the control of the Park. resources that often get entangled in the famous “Tragedy of commons” (Garrett Hardin, 1968) is an arduous process that requires appropriate 6. The low species richness and diversity coupled legislation and litigation support. This study with low breeding scores suggest some of the has revealed that despite existing relevant traditionally known FBAs over time become international, regional and national policies target fishing grounds of some fishers and hence and regulations, the respective countries are at depleted fish stocks. Most of the previously known different stages of customising and implementing FBAs on the DRC side of the lake especially those the required policies and strategies that can in areas with limited or non-policing recorded support protection and conservation of FBAs low breeding scores. Indiscriminate fishing in in lakes Edward and Albert. Operationalization areas where gravid females congregate to lay of the bi-lateral agreement between the two eggs and nurture their young is one of the most riparian states could spearhead harmonization destructive means and has led to decline in and implementation of appropriate legislations potamodromous fish species whose FBAs are an to support FBA protection. interphase between rivers and lakes.

60 7. Evidence from performance of hitherto known and Sustainable Utilisation of FBAs. As a first FBAs suggest it is worthwhile to invest resources step in addressing the identified recommendations, both material and human in identification, massive dissemination of the outputs of this study characterization and mapping of FBAs for their to target beneficiaries (e.g. partner states, relevant protection. To protect and conserve FBAs, there is institutions, organisations and the private sector need to mobilise resources (human, institutional, ranging from and including resource users and financial) to address five key areas of governance, managers, conservationists, research, policy makers, capacity building, scientific monitoring, legal and international agencies and private developers) with a policy interventions, and sustainable utilisation stake in what has been defined as FBAs in this study of FBAs. needs to done. The recommendations outlined here are hinged on the diverse threats identified, and levels of 8. Community perception of FBAs and the associated distribution of the FBAs creating an urgency to services as well as threats to FBAs is generally protect some critical FBAs (e.g. river mouths) and high across the two water bodies. Therefore, the reverse their further degradation in the short-term/ perceived causes of FBA degradation including immediate (1-2 years), medium term (3 years), and lack of awareness (Table 13), leading to negative long-term (5 years and beyond). A brief justifying the attitudes, limited law enforcement and corruption recommendations under each of the five intervention among others, have to be addressed through area is given, followed by a summary of key issues, the community focused socio-economic policies required action and time frame. The effectiveness of (e.g. social services), governance (to eliminate the required actions will be enhanced if an economic corruption) and effective policies that are valuation of FBAs is undertaken alongside the short- community owned but continuous sensitisation term (prioritised) recommended action areas. seems to be an essential component of these efforts. A. Governance Given the distribution of FBAs in lakes Edward 7.2. Recommendations to protect and conserve and Albert, it is evident that there is an overlap in FBAs on lakes Albert and Edward jurisdiction and implementation among Government The existing international, regional and national Departments/Ministries. The different sectoral policies and regulations spelt out in Section 6.0, jurisdictions are under separate Departments/ provide a firm foundation for all stakeholders to have Ministries such as Environment, Water, Fisheries, an active participation in the protection, conservation Wildlife, and Agriculture. These sectors often have and where necessary rehabilitation of the Lake contrasting interests, objectives and priorities which Edward and Albert (LEA) basin. This can be achieved complicates development of common management through: development of strategies for protection and strategies for the FBAs. The main governance conservation of biological diversity within the basin; concerns include: uncoordinated and selective protection and conservation of wetlands within the sectoral approaches to management of FBAs, basin; restoration and rehabilitation of degraded lack of community based institutional structures natural resources; and conservation of fisheries for management of FBAs; lack of well-defined resources especially the endangered fish species. institutional arrangements for management of cross border FBAs; inadequate enforcement of laws Furthermore, Partner States need to: commit to build and by laws; and failure to take corrective action to technical and human capacity of local and national restore degraded FBAs. The following are therefore institutions for water quality and environmental recommended; scientific research; sanction Environmental Impact • In the short-term, there is need to collate the Assessments (EIAs) and Audits for development deficiencies in sectoral approaches to FBAs activities that are likely to have adverse environmental management within and between DRC and impacts; facilitate research and exchange of data and Uganda. This may require an analysis of the information among Partner States on the state of the primary issues of interest to the different riparian environment. sectors (Environment, Water, Fisheries, Wildlife, Agriculture). Inter-sectoral fora Based on the results generated from this FBA study, should be convened at district/county level specific recommendations are made in five key areas: to coordinate the respective government Governance, Capacity Building, Scientific interventions on FBAs. Monitoring, Legal and Policy Interventions, 61 • A co-management framework involving active NGOs with full participation of other CBOs participation of all stakeholders including to regularly sensitise communities and other local communities at the village/beach level stakeholders on the ecological importance of should be established to effectively manage FBAs and the benefits of protecting them for FBAs. There is need to take concrete steps a healthy ecosystem. to implement activities to eliminate Illegal, • Develop training programmes for Underreported and Unrecorded (IUU) fishing communities and other co-management in FBAs. This calls for working closely with the players on effective approaches and tools for fisheries authorities to strengthen the roles management of FBAs with technical support and effectiveness of existing co-management from the relevant international institutions structures. • Strengthen the technical and human capacity needs of local and national level institutions • Adequate enforcement of the legal provisions to generate, archive and disseminate (including bylaws) already in place for the multidisciplinary scientific information about protection of FBAs. This calls for sufficient FBAs. This calls for adequate allocation of allocation of resources to ensure immediate resources for specialised equipment and enforcement of bylaws, and to deter and relevant training. eliminate illegal fishing and control fishing C. Scientific Monitoring capacity. Communities need to be facilitated with the acquisition of basic facilities Although the study provides an insight into the for undertaking monitoring, control and current status of FBAs in lakes Edward and Albert, surveillance (MCS) operations of FBAs it was largely based on a rapid survey without in- depth quantification of certain parameters which will require to fully validate the status of FBAs. Effective • Corrective action to reverse the downward management of FBAs on lakes Edward and Albert will trend and restore FBAs that have been require periodic and accurate scientific information. degraded through encroachment and other This calls for facilitation of capacity development for anthropogenic activities. This calls for full generation of knowledge base and understanding participation of the local communities to of FBAs on lakes Edward and Albert at the regional establish, demarcate including marking or level. Thus there is need to: fencing critical habitats, and enforce fish • In the short-term, develop mechanisms reserves in representative species sites and for cooperation and information exchange areas, to conserve fishes and other aquatic among national, regional and international organisms. institutions working on FBAs. • Facilitate the formation of a network of • In the medium-term, the responsible Scientists for the LEA basin, as well as to Government Ministries/Departments should organise for regular fora to review the status target their efforts to restore highly degraded of FBAs wetlands and to establish a listing of lake • Establish data sharing platforms and develop ecosystems targeted for restoration. strategies to fill in the gaps in cases of B. Capacity Building inadequate data and information Some of the environmental and social risks captured • Assess the performance of FBAs and impacts during this study (Section 5.1) depict a weakness of the management interventions put in in institutional capacity for management of most place. Short-term assessments should be FBAs on lakes Edward and Albert. For effective based on participatory methods to ensure management of FBAs, the capacity of Government the involvement of community players institutions, Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and other stakeholders, while long-term and Community Based Organisations (CBOs) should changes in FBAs should be monitored be enhanced. The following are recommended: through continuous generation and analysis of scientific information such as seasonal • In the short-term, build partnership scientific studies with respect to the impacts of programmes for the riparian countries, human activity and trends (e.g. fish breeding 62 and migration, wetland buffering capacity at and institutional framework for effective critical points). management of cross border and trans boundary FBAs, including rivers and river • Determine the economic valuation of FBAs mouths (e.g. Lubiriha), bays and wetlands. in lakes Edward and Albert as part of the initial priority interventions against which E. Sustainable utilisation of FBAs for socio- sustainability of the FBAs can be measured. economic benefits • Facilitate detailed studies (e.g. assessment Given that the FBAs are a source of goods and of physico-chemical, biotic, environmental services including: fisheries, water and sanitation, and socio-economic indicators of FBAs) source of construction materials, pastures, medicinal to be carried out by the relevant riparian materials, cultural, heritage and tourism values, research institutes so as to generate baseline there is need to prevent and deter the uncontrolled information on some of the critical FBAs extraction of biota from FBAs which can lead to their identified in this report. degradation and contradicts the primary objective of sustainable utilisation for socio economic benefits. It D. Legal and Policy Interventions is therefore recommended that: The FBAs of lakes Edward and Albert are critical • In the medium to long term, an Education habitats with some (e.g. the Virunga national park in programme be established in the relevant DRC) already internationally recognised as Ramsar government departments and agencies Sites and considered important for threatened to increase awareness of the riparian species including rare species of fish and other communities about the importance of FBAs aquatic wildlife. Many other FBAs in these systems and to provide training on community level are not yet classified but show high potential for conservation through engagements with international recognition given the diverse ecological NGOs and other government structures. services and products they provide. • Incorporate various aspects of relevance Despite efforts to domesticate international and sustainable use of FBAs in general in protocols, conventions and other legal instruments primary and secondary curriculum through to individual country settings (Section 6), policy and appropriate channels legislative gaps as well as weaknesses in effective implementation of strategies still exist. For example, 7.3. Guidelines and requirements for in an effort to enhance biodiversity conservation, demarcation, gazettement and management the riparian countries have prepared national of the FBAs on lakes Edward and Albert biodiversity strategies and action plans, but these Physical marking and protection of fish breeding and have not been fully implemented. For the sustainable nursery areas of most aquatic systems has become management of FBAs in lakes Edward and Albert, it an important tool in fisheries management. The is recommended that: process is preceded by identifying characterizing and zoning areas where important fish stocks • In the short-term, practical efforts to conglomerate to breed and nurture their young. domesticate and implement the relevant Many freshwater fish species are known to utilize the internationally agreed protocols and shallow inshore areas of inland aquatic systems for conventions for the management of FBAs are breeding, nursery and feeding grounds for spawning put in place by the riparian countries stock and juveniles. However, these shallow inshore • Build stronger partnerships with the areas are characterized by a high concentration of international bodies (e.g. FAO, CITES, fishing activities involving the rampant use of illegal IUCN, Ramsar Bureau) so as to access the fishing gears (e.g. beach seines, monofilament gill required support in implementing such legal nets, small-sized gillnets (< 5 inches), hooks (> 12)) instruments and other destructive methods that subsequently crop not only the spawning stock but also immature • Integrate national biodiversity strategies fish and destroy the breeding/nursery grounds. The and action plans into appropriate sectoral obvious impact is depletion of stocks and sometimes strategies and policies so as to hasten their manifest in changes in developmental stages of fish implementation and monitoring. (e.g. reduction in size at maturity, number of eggs • In the short and medium term, develop and produced, fish sizes and alteration in sex ratios) implement national and regional policies which can negatively affect fishery yields (Conover & 63 Munch, 2000; Law, 2000; Sharpe & Hendry, 2009). iv. Fisheries and Aquaculture policy, 2018 that provides for conservation and sustainable The concept of zoning and protecting critical habitats management of fisheries and other aquatic as fish breeding and nursery areas has been common resources for increased production. knowledge for quite long albeit continued use of such places under the pretext of lack of physical v. The National Environment Act, 1995 boundaries. These guidelines provide a description emphasizes the need for Sustainable of the procedures involved in physical demarcation management of the environment including aquatic systems. and legal gazettement of identified, characterized and zoned fish breeding and nursery areas on lakes vi. The National Environment Management Edward and Albert. Proposals for appropriate Policy (2014) that seeks to Conserve, management regime for the demarcated and gazetted restore, and gazette ecosystems to maintain areas are also presented. ecosystem services for life support especially conservation of national biological diversity; 7.3.1 Legal and institutional Framework Implementation of policies that impact on human vii. In DRC the National Biodiversity Strategy activities and the natural environment often become and Action Plan II (2015 – 25) aims redundant unless if they are anchored in proven to enhance biodiversity conservation, legal and institutional structures. The overall legal management and sustainable utilization and framework for the protection and management fair sharing of benefits, of Fish Breeding and nursery areas in Uganda is viii. Lawn ° 14/003 of 11 February 2014 relating provided for by the National Constitution of the to the conservation of nature, Article 14.4 is Republic of Uganda (As Amended 2015), paragraph on protection of wildlife species of Lakes of (XIII), where the State has the obligation to protect the DRC, while Article 71 is on offenses and important natural resources including land, water, penalties, wetlands, minerals, oil, flora and fauna on behalf of the people of Uganda. Likewise in the other partner ix. The FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries 1995 provides principles and state sharing the two lakes (the Democratic Republic st standards applicable to the conservation, of Congo), DECREE OF 21 APRIL 1937 ON management and development of fisheries. FISHERIES IN DRC particularly Article 60 calls for the sustainable management of fishing throughout x. The Sustainable Development Goal 16 on life the country. In addition, Under Article 61: The below water seeks to protect, conserve and Governor General and the Provincial Commissioner sustainable utilize and manage the marine (the Minister or Provincial Governor) may decide, by and coastal based resources and ecosystems. order, the closing periods in certain lakes or ponds to reduce the destruction of spawning and fry, as well as 7.3.2 Institutions and responsibilities fishing in the spawning grounds. The institutional structure proposed to implement these guidelines include; A Regional Fisheries In addition to the above overarching laws, the Management Organization formed through bi- under listed legislations provide sufficient basis to lateral agreement between DRC and Uganda, demarcate, protect and manage FBAs: Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as non- Government actors with their respective i. In the Republic of Uganda, the FISH statutory functions, and user committees from local (FISHING) RULES 2010 prohibits fishing with gill nets less than 4½” (115 mm) and communities: 4” (103 mm) on lakes Edward and Albert 7.3.2.1 Regional Fisheries Management respectively in addition to other destructive Organization (RFMO) fishing methods; Under the bilateral agreement between DRC ii. The Fish Act, Cap. 197, section 35 which and Uganda the Lake Edward Albert Fisheries deals with control of fishing, optimal and Organization will among others play a role in sustainable exploitation, management and demarcation, protection and management of FBAs. development of fisheries in Uganda; Details of the functions of the organization are provided for in the agreement but for the purpose of iii. The National Fisheries Policy 2004 that FBAs, the organization will specifically: provides for - “Decentralization and community involvement in fisheries a. develop, approve and adopt: management”. i. strategies and management plans that 64 ensure the long-term operations and government and development partners for sustainability of FBAs in Lake Edward management of FBAs; and Lake Albert; ii. joint or coordinated plans and viii. Promote regional collaboration and harmonization of management of FBAs; measures for the conservation and management of FBAs Lake Edward ix. Intervene where local efforts to protect FBAs and Lake Albert; have failed, or where local resources are iii. joint or coordinated measures and insufficient to meet the policing compliance. procedures relating to monitoring, control and surveillance of activities 7.3.2.3 Local/Provincial Governments of fishers in demarcated FBAs; i. Make and pass ordinances and by-laws iv. joint or coordinated measures and regarding, management of FBAs procedures concerning the collection, ii. Approve and support community led by-laws provision and dissemination on FBAs of information and data on the performance of FBAs; iii. Mobilize communities to support b. identify activities that have adverse impact implementation FBAs guidelines on the FBAs, and adopt measures or make iv. Participate in identification and demarcation recommendations to prevent, reduce or eliminate of FBAs any such risks or impacts; c. take measures to achieve the development and v. Regular supervision, monitoring and harmonization of national policies and legislation, reporting on FBAs necessary for the management of FBAs; d. facilitate monitoring, control, surveillance and vi. Implement guidelines, and Rules on FBAs enforcement of national legislation and applicable vii. Reviewing and approving FBA management measures to protect FBAs; plans proposed by user communities e. raise awareness of responsible practices for fishers through facilitation of education, training viii. Put in place mechanisms to ensure and advocacy. integrated and effective participation of all key players at the LG level e.g. fisheries, 7.3.2.2 National Directorates Responsible forestry agriculture and environment staff Fisheries Resources Management towards protection of FBAs; The directorates are national institutions mandated 7.3.2.4 Fishing Community manage and develop fisheries resources and in i. Comply with the guidelines on the respect to FBAS will specifically: management of FBAs

i. Review and update guidelines for ii. Develop by-laws on protection of FBAs management of FBAs; iii. Participate in identification, mapping and ii. In consultation with other government marking of FBAs agencies, local governments, traditional fishermen and elders in fishing iv. Monitoring and reporting on performance of communities, demarcate and gazette FBAs as FBAS no fishing zones; v. Developing management plans for FBAs iii. Install devices/marks/beacons and other physical signals for demarcating FBAs; vi. Establish Landing site/beach FBA management committees (user committees) iv. Raise awareness on functions, to conduct community policing responsibilities and management of FBAs; 7.3.2.5 Research institutions (e.g. NaFIRRI, v. Enforce Rules on protection and CRH, ICCN) management of FBAs and monitor i. Identify, characterize, zone and map FBAs compliance; ii. Monitor the bio-physical-chemical vi. Develop Rules and Regulations on FBAs and environment of FBAs routinely update them; iii. Provide regular guidance on the vii. Lobby and mobilize resources from both 65 management and protection of FBAs f. Observation tools for monitoring, control and surveillance (e.g. CCTV cameras, iv. Disseminate bio-physical- chemical binoculars, observation posts); environment survey results to stakeholders g. Financial and human resources for v. Document indigenous knowledge of the implementation and marking, monitoring locals about FBAs and appropriate management,

vi. Routinely evaluate effectiveness of protection h. Training and capacity building (e.g. training and provide trends in benefits of performing in construction/fabrication of markers/ FBAs sinkers, monitoring of marked areas),

7.3.2.6 Other Ministries Departments and i. Lifesaving equipment (life jackets, flairs, Agencies (MDAs) whistles) i. Provide support in enforcement of Rules FBAs through their statutory mandates j. Depth finders /echo sounders for estimation of depth during buoy anchoring ii. Collaborate with Directorates responsible manipulations for fisheries and other key stakeholders to protect FBAs 7.3.3.2 Physical Marking

iii. Provide sector specific information Using the maps provided for the characterized and and technical backstopping to support zoned FBAs, physical markers are erected to show demarcation, gazettement and management the boundaries through the following three state of FBAs process. 7.3.2.7 NGOs/CBOs Community sensitization and engagement: i. Advocacy and awareness creation about Before embarking of construction and erecting FBAs boundary markers, work closely with stakeholders and agencies in the region when planning to mark ii. Support formulation of legislation for a given FBA, taking care of the affected groups and protection of FBAs their concerns. Participation of all stakeholders, iii. Mobilize resources to support protection and including the local community, is critical if FBAs are management to be effective. Involvement of stakeholders has the following advantages: 7.3.3 Demarcation, marking and management 7.3.3.1 Requirements a. Stakeholders are an important source of information particularly indigenous For effective marking and protection of fish breeding knowledge; and nursery areas the under listed materials and equipment are required: b. Stakeholders who have been engaged in the process are more likely to accept the a. Sensitization materials such as leaflets, resulting decisions. fliers, brochures and other diverse information communication and outreach c. Stakeholder participation can be a strategy to outlets that can be used to sensitize the manage or minimize conflicts among users. communities; d. Stakeholder participation can be an b. Geographical information system (GPS) opportunity to advertise or foster ongoing handsets to estimate boundaries of the support for a management plan or decision. characterized and zoned areas; Involve the public to a greater extent than what is c. Physical buoy markers/beacons with ability required by law or enforcement tools. Assess the to be seen and accurately interpreted at history of a community (e.g., stakeholder dynamics) reasonable distance, and consider the social, political, and economic environments affecting various stakeholder d. Heavy duty anchorages with ability to hold groups. Assess the capacity of the lead agency and buoys and resist currents, stakeholders so that factors such as time, money, and e. Fairly flexible but resistant strainers (e.g. expertise do not become barriers later in the process of manila ropes or galvanized steel warps) to marking. Establish goals for the participation process hold the buoys, early and communicate them clearly. Cultivate 66 leadership at all levels (political, agency, interest using unambiguous terms and precise locational group). Communicate the big picture about FBAs references preferably using standard GPS positions so that participants do not lose sight of the goals, or and associated physical/relief/geographical features. develop unrealistic expectations about the results of Review any existing boundaries and rules in the area their input. Consider how the maps to be used were of interest. Pay special attention to boundaries, or developed, what information they contain, and how parts of a boundary, that are ambulatory. If these and when they are used. Commit key staff members pieces move (for example, state seaward boundaries), to the process from start to finish; they must be able then the boundary may need to be revised. Ensure to understand and influence the evolution of the that you are using the proper source data and name of process. Design evaluation measures into the process the feature. Ensure the marked FBAs (positions and to evaluate decisions and improve future efforts. names) are submitted to an agreed repository (may be national institutions responsible for mapping or Boundary creation: Create boundaries that are the RFMO) for collation and custody. clearly defined and easy to interpret. Keep the user and intent of the boundary in mind, and make the Some of the markers used may include but not limited boundaries and boundary information as simple as to the examples given below: possible. Develop legally defensible boundaries by

67 Management and compliance: Form a User 7.4. Cost estimates and requirements for Management Committee to oversee the protection, demarcation, gazettement and management monitoring and conducting compliancy checks. of the FBAs on lakes Edward and Albert The committee will take the lead in formulation of This study identified a total of 66 FBAs on the two ordinances and by-laws aimed at protection the lakes Edward (37) and Albert (29). The cost estimates FBAs. Organize capacity building sessions through and requirements for demarcation, gazettement and provision of technical training to equip the users with management of the priority FBAs identified on lakes appropriate skills and vigour to enforce compliance. Edward and Albert are presented in (Annex 8). The Encourage the user committee to conduct compliance costs estimated at US$ 1,766,280 (One Million checks and have committee led ways of handling Seven Hundred Sixty Six Thousand Two offenders. Formulate clear communication channels Hundred Eighty Dollars) are divided into five through all institutions provided in section 7.3.2 major parts; and empower them to play their respective roles. As interim measures, restrict fishing activities to a i. Community engagements on awareness distance of 500 m from the gazetted areas. Prohibit creation and sensitization (US$ 418,320) other destructive activities (e.g. sand mining, ii. Materials and logistical requirements (US$ harvesting of papyrus, cultivating to the marginal 753,720) shorelines) that compromise the integrity of these habitats. Strengthen the enforcement of existing iii. Installation of markers and demarcation of fisheries laws and regulations. Prepare appropriate boundaries (US$ 167,640) legislation to gazette all sites marked FBAs and iv. Protection, surveillance and compliance sensitize the fisher folk and other lake users about the monitoring (US$ 307,000) importance of protecting fish breeding and nursery areas and the need for their support for success. v. Research monitoring of bio-physical-chemical Continuously monitor and patrol. parameters and responses (US$ 119,600)

68 REFERENCES

Ali, S.S., Salam, A. Azeem, A., Shafique, M. and Khan, B.A., 2000. Studies on the effect of seasonal variations on physical and chemical characteristics of mixed water from Rivers Ravi and Chenab at union site in Pakistan. J. Res. B. Z. Univ. Multan, 2: 1–17 Aura, C.M., Nyamweya, C.S., Njiru, J.M., Musa, S., Ogari, Z., May, L. &Wakwabi, E. 2018. Exploring the demarcation requirements of fish breeding and nursery sites to balance the exploitation, management and conservation needs of Lake Victoria ecosystem. https://doi.org/10.1111/fme.12311 Boyd, C.E., and C.S. Tucker. 1998. Pond aquaculture and water quality management. pp: 44–8. Kluwer Academic Pub., London Christophe, B. & Damien, G. 2014. Baseline Report DR Congo. SmartFish Programme of the Indian Ocean Commission, Fisheries Management FAO component, Ebene, Mauritius. 24 pp. Conover, D.O. and Munch, B.S. 2002. Sustaining fisheries yields over evolutionary time scales. Science 297: 94-96. Law, R. (2000). Fishing, selection and phenotypic evolution. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 57: 659-669. NEMA, 2012. The environmental monitoring plan for the Albertine graben 2012-2017. Kampala, Uganda. Nkalubo, W., Balirwa J., Bassa S., Muhumuza E, Nsega, M. and Mangeni, R. 2018. Fish Breeding Areas as a Management Tool for Fisheries Resources in Lake Victoria, East Africa. African Journal of Tropical Hydrobiology and Fisheries (16): 1-9. Sharpe, D.M.T. and Hendry, A.P. (2009). Life history change in commercially exploited fish stocks: an analysis of trends across studies. Evolutionary Applications 1: 260-275. Wesige, J.E., Groen, T.A., Smaling, E., Jetten, V. 2013. Monitoring basin-scale land cover changes in Kagera Basin of Lake Victoria using ancillary data and remote sensing International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation. 21, 32-42.

69 ANNEX 1: TERMS OF REFERENCE

1. OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT in both DRC and Uganda. Key activities under this task will include (i) conducting The main objective is to identify, characterise and reconnaissance surveys along the lake map fish breeding areas (FBAs) on lakes Edward and shorelines to geo-reference and describe key Albert (in both DRC and Uganda), in order to guide aspects of the identified fish breeding areas, their gazettement and protection for sustainable such as their vegetation cover and type, and management of the transboundary fisheries estimation of key FBA ecological parameters; resources. (ii) characterization of the geographical The study is expected to draw from existing features, environmental factors, and fish national experiences in fish breeding areas and community parameters associated with the from international best practices. It will involve fish breeding areas/grounds; (iii) conducting close consultation and interfacing with several key gillnetting surveys to collect data on seasonal stakeholders, such as DRC’s Centre de Recherche patterns of different fish parameters and to en Hydrobiologie/ Centre for Hydrobiological determine the breeding periodicity of key Research (CRH at Uvira),PNVi/ICCN, Service fish species; (iv) mapping and delineating National de Développement et de Promotion de the fish breeding areas and description of the la Pêche/ National Service for Development and FBA characteristics. Promotion of Fisheries (SENADEP), Directorate (iii) Stakeholder consultations and of Rural Fisheries (PEMIRU), Ituri and North awareness raising shall be done to identify Kivu Provinces, etc; Uganda’s National Fisheries and consult the proximate communities and Resources Research Institute (NaFIRRI) and the relevant stakeholders of the identified FBAs, Directorate of Fisheries Resources (DiFR), Ministry to understand their perceptions. Where of Water and Environment, Ministry of Energy and necessary, awareness will be created of the Mineral Development – Petroleum Exploration and importance of safeguarding and protection Development Authority, National Environment of the FBAs; Management Authority (NEMA), district local governments, private sector associations; as well as (iv) Further analysis shall be done for the the LEAF II Project teams. FBAs, including (a) identification of potential 2. TASKS OF THE ASSIGNMENT environmental and social risks and impacts, and prescribing mitigation measures for The detailed tasks of the assignment include: the adverse impacts; (b) identification of any envisaged challenges and impediments (i) Situational analysis: This task shall to the demarcation and gazettement of the among other things include: (a) overview FBAs. of the relevant national and regional institutions and key actors, laws, policies (v) Cost estimation: The costs and and development strategies pertaining to requirements for demarcation and the fisheries sub-sector, in both DRC and gazettement of the FBAs will be estimated. Uganda; (b) identification of policy and (vi) Preparation of guidelines: This shall institutional weaknesses and gaps to be include (a) preparation of guidelines and strengthened/ improved to safeguard FBAs; requirements for demarcation, gazettement (c) review of the status and geo-referencing and management of critical FBAs on of any existing, known or planned fish both lakes; (b) preparation of actionable breeding areas (FBAs) on Lakes Edward and recommendations to guide formulation/ Albert; (d) identification and synthesis of revision of laws and policies that would constraints, opportunities and lessons in the ensure protection of FBAs in Lakes Albert past identification and gazettement of fish and Edward. breeding areas within the LEA basin that can inform the next stages of the study. These will be drawn from the Consultant’s experience and international best practices (ii) Identification of fish breeding areas but should be tailored to suit the context of (FBAs): This will include the identification, the Lakes Edward and Albert. characterization and mapping of at least twenty (20) potential breeding areas for key fish species on Lakes Edward and Albert,

70 3. EXPECTED DELIVERABLES The Consultant will produce different quality reports in both English and French, including:

Planned stakeholder workshop 4. DATA AND SERVICES TO BE The Client will arrange and finance the one regional PROVIDED BY THE CLIENT stakeholder workshop to review the Draft Final Report, and thereafter share comments to the Responsibilities of the Client will include: (i) provision Consultant within 2 weeks after the workshop. of relevant reports, data and documentation for The Consultant will revise and re-submit each the assignment as and where available – however final deliverable within 2 weeks after receipt of the Consultant has the ultimate responsibility for the comments, including a matrix of how each collecting the required data and documentation which comment was addressed. The Final Report shall cannot be made availed by the Client; (ii) linkage to then be submitted in both English and French, relevant institutions; (iii) making comments on work as an electronic editable Word version and in the progress, consolidation of stakeholder comments and number of hard copies indicated in the table above. submitting them to the Consultant; (iv) Assistance in obtaining visas, permits, clearances for the Consultant’s experts and equipment; (v) Arranging The Consultant will however be required to budget the one stakeholder workshop to review and validate for their participation in this stakeholder workshop, the Draft final report. and to facilitate the workshop and document key proceedings and resolutions. The Consultant will also budget for any other meetings they may intend The Consultant is responsible for arranging and to hold with communities and other stakeholders budgeting for their project office (if required), during their data collection and reconnaissance accommodation, transportation, visas, and other efforts. costs necessary to carry out the assignment. 71 5. SUPERVISION ARRANGEMENTS DR Congo and Uganda, and any other nominated national relevant experts/ agencies. Results from the The Client is the Nile Basin Initiative/ Nile Equatorial study will be regularly communicated to the funding Lakes Subsidiary Action Program (NBI/NELSAP). agencies (AfDB and GEF), and countries through the The Consultant will be directly supervised and NELSAP-CU. The Client will hold discussions with report to the Project Coordinator – NELSAP LEAF the Consultant at various stages of the assignment II Project on behalf of the NELSAP Program Officer to assess work progress, discuss constraints and Water Resources Management & Development. possible interventions to ensure quality and meet At the national level, the Consultant shall liaise deadlines. with the LEAF II National Project Coordinators of

72 ANNEX 2: FIELD SURVEY (DATA COLLECTION) TOOLS

______Annex 2A: A Checklist of indicators to be District name ______used in scoring FBAs ______FBA name: ______Form No. _____ Date ______Nature of shoreline ______A CHECKLIST OF INDICATORS TO BE USED ______IN SCORING FISH BREEDING GROUNDS Photo reference Nos ATTRIBUTES ______Fish breeding ground habitat (A) Wetland (B) River Substratum/bottom type 1. Muddy 2. Sandy 3. mouth (C) Island (D) Rocky outcrops (E) Sheltered Rocky bay (F) Cultural/Heritage/Sacred site (G) Intact Distance from the shore for 5 m depth natural forest/wooded shoreline areas (H) Sudds ______Lake ­­­­­­­­­­

73 74 Annex 2B: Fish data Capture Forms

FORM A Catch Composition Data Longitude______Habitat______Sheet Sheet No____ Season – [D] [W] Moon – [Q1] [M] [Q2] Setting Country______Date_____Lake______time ______Hauling time______Station______Latitude______

Additional notes………………………………

75 FORM B Biometric Data Sheet for Fish Studies Sheet No____

Country______Date______Species______Catch [Com] [Exp] Station______

Season [D] [W]

76 Annex 2C: Tools for Socio-economics studies FGD checklist for fishing communities Constitute the group: With the help of the community leaders, constitute the FGD that should comprise of a minimum of (5) boat crew, four (4) boat owners and two (2) fish traders. Please take note that the total number of FGD members should not exceed fourteen (14) people. Ensure that at least 2 of the FGD members are women. Before beginning the interview, kindly introduce yourself to the FGD members and tell them that you are a research team that is conducting a study to examine the perceptions of fisher communities towards gazetting and protection of FBAs on this lake on behalf of NELSAP; then request for their consent to participate in the study failure of which you should not continue with the FGD. Thank them for accepting to be part of this study and tell them that the FGD will take not more than 2 hours to complete. Ensure the respondent that the information that they will give will be treated with maximum CONFIDENTIALITY and that all responses shall be kept anonymous during the reporting process. Also ensure that you do the following:

1. Record location details (District, sub-county, parish, villages, and location of interview) 2. Record number of participants in each group including number of males and females 3. Take attendance list: Name of participant, parish, village, telephone contact (where applicable) and signature 4. Create rapport 5. Conduct discussion in a participatory and interactive way that encourages balanced participation of all participants 6. Be observant of the non-verbal expressions and take note of them 7. Ensure that there is a Team Facilitator and Note taker 8. Ensure that you record the discussions so ensure that you move to the field with a recorder on top of having a note taker 9. Ensure that you do a lot of probing . After all the above, start the FGD that should be guided by the questions below.

Guiding questions 1. Are you aware of any fish breeding areas on this lake? Do fishers fish in the FBAs?How far do fishers move aware from onshore to fishing grounds?

2. What makes you to think that they are fish breeding/nursery grounds? Do all the fish species breed in the same fish breeding area?

3. Do you know the importance of fish breeding areas?

4. What is your view on gazettement and protection of fish breeding areas in order to stop fishers from fishing there?/do you agree and why/do you disagree and why?

5. How would recommend the gazetting and protection to be handled?Who should play which role and why?

6. Are there any breeding areas that are gazetted and protected/How long have they been protected and who gazetted and protected them? Any historical perspectives of protection of fish breeding areas

7. What can be done to ensure that FBAs are fully protected? Mitigation and reactive measures

8. What conflicts (nature and type) do you think can arise from protection of FBAs?

9. Whom do you think are the key stakeholders to deal with to effectively manage the fish breeding areas? Stakeholder, how will he be of use/fail the protection and how the stakeholder should be dealt with.

10. Apart from fishing, what other major activites/things are carried out/done near or in the fish breeding areas that threaten the effective and effcicient functionality of FBAs?

11. What do you think could be the likely effects of the above mentioned activities on the FBAs? And how can they be controlled/stopped?

Thank you for your time 77 KII FOR DISTRICT FISHERIES OFFICER/FISHERIES OFFICERS (DFO/FOs), DISTRICT ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER (DEO)/DISTRICT NATURAL RESOURCES OFFICER (DNR), WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES AND LOCAL LANDING SITE LEADERS

Introduction by the interviewer(s) Before beginning the interview, kindly introduce yourself to the respondent and tell him/her that you are a research team that is conducting a study to examine the perceptions of fisher communities towards gazetting and protection of FBAs on this lake on behalf of NELSAP; then request for his/her consent to participate in the study failure of which you should not continue with the interview. Thank the respondent for accepting to be part of this study and tell him/her that the interview will take not more than 2 minutes to complete. Ensure the respondent that the information that he/she give will be treated with maximum CONFIDENTIALITY and thatall responses shall be kept anonymous during the reporting process. Please take note of the fact that you willbe allowed to have more than one (1) key persons for an interview for example at a district headquarter or at a landing site although the number should not exceed five (5).

Guiding questions 1. Are you aware of any fish breeding areas on this lake? Do fishers fish in the FBAs?

2. What makes you to think that they are fish breeding/nursery grounds? Do all the fish species breed in the same fish breeding area

3. What is your view on gazettement and protection of fish breeding areas in order to stop fishers from fishing there?/do you agree and why/do you disagree and why

4. Are there any breeding areas that are gazetted and protected/How long have they been protected and who gazetted and protected them? Any historical perspectives of protection of fish breeding areas

5. How would recommend the gazetting and protection to be handled?Who should play which role and why?

6. What can be done to ensure that FBAs are fully protected? Mitigation and reactive measures

7. What conflicts (nature and type) do you think can arise from protection of FBAs

8. Whom do you think are the key stakeholders to deal with to effectively manage the fish breeding areas? Stakeholder, how he can be of use/fail the protection and how the stakeholder should be dealt with.

9. Apart from fishing, what other major activites/things are carried out/done near or in the fish breeding areas that threaten the effective and effcicient functionality of FBAs?

10. What do you think could be the likely effects of the above mentioned activities on the FBAs? And how can they be controlled/stopped?

11. Any other issues of concern not discussed here?

Thank you for your time

78 QUESTIONNAIRE FOR FISHING COMMUNITIES (BOAT OWNERS AND BOAT CREW ONLY) Introduction by the enumerator Before beginning the interview, kindly introduce yourself to the respondent and tell him/her that you are part of the research team that is conducting a study to examine the perceptions of fisher communities towards gazetting and protection of FBAs on this lake on behalf of NELSAP; then request for his/her consent to participate in the study failure of which you should not continue with the interview. Thank the respondent for accepting to be part of this study and tell him/her that the interview will take not more than 30 minutes to complete. Ensure the respondent that the information that he/she give will be treated with maximum CONFIDENTIALITY and that all responses shall be kept anonymous during the reporting process. Background information Date of interview: ______

Name of Interviewer: ______

Name of respondent: ______

Name of landing site: ______

Mobile tel number: ______

District: ______

Sub-county: ______

Parish: ______

GPS Loon______

SECTION A: SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS 1. Sex of respondent: [1] Male [2] Female

2. Age of respondent ______(Years)

3. Education level of respondent [1] Incomplete primary [2]complete primary [3]complete O level [4]Incomplet O level [5]complete A level [6] Incomplete Alevel[7] No formal Education [8] Tertiary [9] University

4. Where were you born [1] Within this village [2] Not this village but this district [3] Another district [4] Another country (specify______)

5. Marital Status of respondent [1] Never Married/Single [2] Married [3] Separated/Divorced [4] Widow/Widower

6. Provide information on the number of dependants that you have in your household by sex and age?

7. How many years have you stayed at this landing site ______

79 SECTION B: FISHERIES PRODUCTION 8. How many years have you spent carrying out fisheries activites on this lake?______

9. What is the main fish species that you deal in?

[1] Tilapia [2] Protopterus [3] Cat fish

[4] Bagrus [5] Nkejje [6] Angara [7] Ragoge

[8] Muziri [9] Nile Perch [10] Ngassia

[11] [6] Others specify______

10. How far is the fishing area from the on-shore? (Kms) ______(Miles) ______?

11. Provide information on the type and number of gears used

12. How many boats do you have/own? ______

13. What is the average length of your boat(s) in meters/feet? ______(Specify unit of measure)

14. Do you own any outborad engines? [1] Yes [2] No

14(a). If yes, what is the horsepower of your engine(s) ______

80 15 (a). Provide information on the average daily fish catches and prices. Please note that unit of measure is strictly Kilograms

15 (b). What amount of catch did you get the last day that you carried out fishing? ______and how much did you earn from the catch? ______

16. What has been the trend of the catch over the time that you have been engaged in fishing? [1] Increased

[2] Decreased

[3] Stayed about the same

17. What do you think could be the cause of the trend above? ______

18. What do you think can be done to boost your fish catches?

[1] Protect fish breeding areas

[2] Enforce fisheries regulations

[3] Reduce number of fishers on the lake

[4] Reduce the number of boats

[5] Ensure that Congolese don’t work on the Ugandan waters

[6] Others (Specify)

81 SECTION C: PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS GAZETTING AND PROTECTING FBAS 19. What is your view on gazettement and protection of fish breeding areas in order to stop fishers from fishing there?

[1] I agree with gazetting and protection of fish breeding areas

[2] I disagree with gazetting and protection of fish breeding areas

[3] Not sure

19 (a). If no, why do you disagree with the gazetting and protection of fish breeding areas? ______

20. Are you aware of any fish breeding areas on this lake?

[1] Yes [2] No

20 (a). If no go to question. 24

21. If you are aware of any FBA, do you think most members of this fishing community think that those sites are fish breeding/nursery grounds?

[1] Yes [2] No

22. What makes you to think that they are fish breeding/nursery grounds? [1] Presence of young fish [2] Presence of adults with eggs [3]Presence of breeding nests [4] Presence of rocks /Rocky bottom [5] Shelter for fish[6] Sandy bottom [7] Vegetation cover [8] Shallow waters [9] Presence of wetlands [10] Sudds [11] wetland presence [12] Others (Specify)______

23. Do fishers fish in the fish breeding areas?[1] Yes [2]No

23 (a) If no, why? [1] FBAs are gazetted and protected`[2] fishers are aware that they shouldn’t operate on breeding areas [3] Others (Specify) ______

24. What do you think can be done to curb down the fishing in fish breeding areas? [1] Sensitisation [2] Prosecution [3] By-laws [4] Fence it off [5] Banning fishers for some time [6] Intensify lake patrols [7] Legislation on FBAs [8] Others specify

25. What penalty do you recommend for fishers who can be found fishing in FBAs? ______26. Do you anticipate any conflict that may arise out of gazetting and protecting the FBAs [ 1 ] Yes [2] No

26(a) If yes, give details of the anticipated conflicts ______27. How can the conflicts be mitigated ______28. How can the conflicts be resolved? ______

82 SECTION D: AVAILABILITY OF FISH BREEDING AREAS

29. Are you aware of any fish breeding areas that are gazetted on this lake? [1] Yes [2] No

29(a) If no, go to section E

30. If yes, how many FBAs are you aware of?

30(a) If yes, who gazetted them? [1] Uganda Wild life Authority (UWA) [2] Fisheries department [3] Beach Management Unit (BMU) [4] Community protection [5] Others specify______

31. Are those gazetted areas mentioned above protected from any fishing? [1] Yes [2] No [3] Some of them [4] Not sure [5] Some parts of the breeding areas are protected [6] Others, Specify______

31(a) If yes, how many protected FBAs are you aware of?______(Number)

31 (b) If no, go to question 35

31(c) If yes who protects those FBAs? [1] Uganda Wild life Authority (UWA) [2] Fisheries department [3] Beach Management Unit (BMU) [4] Community protection [5] others specify______

32. What mechanisms are used to stop fishers from fishing in the protected FBAs? ______

33. What changes in the fishery can you attribute to the gazetting and protection of fish breeding areas? ______

34. What punishment do they enforce to someone who has been found fishing in a breeding area? ______35. Have you noticed any conflicts over usage/operations in the fish breeding areas? [1] Yes [2] No

35 (a) If no go to section E

35 (b). If yes, give details of the conflicts ______36. How have such conflicts been resolved? ______

83 SECTION E: AWARENESS ABOUT THE REGULATIONS GOVERNING FBAs

37. Are you aware of any regulations that prohibit fishers from fishing in breeding areas? [1] Yes [2] No

37 (a) If no go to question 38

37(b) If yes, explain the regulations ______

37(c) If yes, how did you get to know of such regulations governing FBAs [1] Radio [2] Television [3] Barazas [4] Fellow fishermen [5] Local fisheries leaders [6] politicians [7] Leaflets/brochures [8] Others (Speci fy)______

38. What mechanism would you prefer to receive information regulating FBAs [1] Radio [2] Television [3] Barazas [4] Fellow fishermen [5] Local fisheries leaders [6] politicians [7] Leaflets/brochures [8] Others (Speci fy)______

39. What punishment do you recommend for anyone found to be fishing in fish breeding areas? ______

84 SECTION F: THREATS TO FISH BREEDING AREAS

40. Apart from fishing, what other major activites/things are carried out/done near or in the fish breeding areas that threaten the effective and effcicient functioning/sustainability of FBAs? [1]Shells harvesting [2] Sand mining [3] crop Farming [4] Fish farming [5] Household Waste disposal [6] Human wastes disposal [7] Tourism activities (specify______) [8] Vegetation harvesting [9] Forest cultural practices [10] Water extraction [11] Others specify

41. What do you think could be the likely effects of the above mentioned activities on the FBAs?

42. Is there any penalties for people who are found carrying out the above FBA endangering activities? [1] Yes [2] No

42 (a) If no, go to question 43

42 (b). If yes, give some details of the penalties ? ______43. What do think can be done to regulate the FBA endangering activities? ______44. In your opinion, how best do you think fish breeding ares can effectively be managed? ______

Thank you for your time

85 ANNEX 3: LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TO SELECTED FBAS ON LAKE EDWARD

STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TO KAYANJA, LUBIRIHA (UGANDA AND DRC) ON LAKE EDWARD. LAND LUBIRIHA IS BUT THE LOWER REACHES OF KAYANJA ARE ADJACENT TO A HUMAN SETTLEMENT AT KABAHONGO.

STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TO KARUBUGO, NYAMUGASANI AND KATAKO ON LAKE EDWARD (UGANDA). 86 STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TO KISENYI, RWENSHMA AND LWANDAGAADI/ MUKIYINJA ON LAKE EDWARD (UGANDA).

STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TO KAGEZI, KIHANGIRO AND KIBAHARI ON LAKE EDWARD (DRC). 87 STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TO KUMUHORORO, CHONDO, AND MITIMATSANDA (DRC) ON LAKE EDWARD.

STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TO RUTSHURU LAKE EDWARD (DRC). 88 STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TO MWIGA AND MUGERA ON LAKE EDWARD (DRC).

STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TO KAMANDI AND TALIHA ON LAKE EDWARD (DRC).

89 STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TO ISHANGO ON LAKE EDWARD (DRC). THE AREA IS ADJACENT TWO HUMAN SETTLEMENTS OF ISHANGO AND KYAVINYONGE.

STATUS OF LAND COVER USE AND THE EXTENT OF BWENDA BAY NEAR KATWE LANDING SITE, UGANDA 90 THE LOCATION OF OMUKANJURA, A NEW SITE PROPOSED IN RUKUNJIRI AND ASSOCIATED WITH A SMALL RIVER ENTERING THE LAKE. NOTE THE LOCATION IN RELATION TO THAT OF RWENSHAMA

91 ANNEX 4: LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TO SELECTED FBAS ON LAKE ALBERT

STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TO THE NILE DELTA AND KATALA ON LAKE ALBERT, UGANDA AND ASSOCIATED HUMAN SETTLEMENTS. 92 STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TO KABOLWA ON LAKE ALBERT, UGANDA AND ASSOCIATED HUMAN SETTLEMENTS.

STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TO BUGOIGO AND NYAMUKUTA ON LAKE ALBERT, UGANDA AND ASSOCIATED HUMAN SETTLEMENTS.

93 STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TO BUTIABA AND WAAKI ON LAKE ALBERT, UGANDA AND ASSOCIATED HUMAN SETTLEMENTS

STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TO RUNGA ON LAKE ALBERT, UGANDA AND ASSOCIATED HUMAN SETTLEMENTS AND FARMLANDS 94 STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TO KYABARANGWA AND SONGAGAGI ON LAKE ALBERT, UGANDA AND ASSOCIATED HUMAN SETTLEMENTS

STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TO KAISO AND HOHWA ON LAKE ALBERT, UGANDA AND ADJACENT HUMAN SETTLEMENTS 95 STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TO KANARA AND MUZIZI ON LAKE ALBERT, UGANDA AND ADJACENT HUMAN SETTLEMENTS

STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TO SEMLIKI ON LAKE ALBERT, DRC. ADJACENT VEGETATION IS PRISTINE. 96 STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TO DRIGI ON LAKE ALBERT, DRC, ADJACENT TO A NEARBY SETTLEMENT.

STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TO NYAMAMBA AND CAFÉ ON LAKE ALBERT, DRC. BOTH SITES ARE ADJACENT TO HUMAN SETTLEMENT 97 STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT KAKOI ON LAKE ALBERT, DRC.

STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT ARUKO ON LAKE ALBERT, DRC

98 STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT AJII ON LAKE ALBERT, DRC

STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT URI ON LAKE ALBERT, DRC

99 STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT KISINJA ON LAKE ALBERT, DRC

STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TINDI-KOLOKOTO ON LAKE ALBERT, DRC 100 ANNEX 4: LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TO SELECTED FBAS ON LAKE ALBERT

STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TO THE NILE DELTA AND KATALA ON LAKE ALBERT, UGANDA AND ASSOCIATED HUMAN SETTLEMENTS.

101 STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TO KABOLWA ON LAKE ALBERT, UGANDA AND ASSOCIATED HUMAN SETTLEMENTS.

STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TO BUGOIGO AND NYAMUKUTA ON LAKE ALBERT, UGANDA AND ASSOCIATED HUMAN SETTLEMENTS. 102 STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TO BUTIABA AND WAAKI ON LAKE ALBERT, UGANDA AND ASSOCIATED HUMAN SETTLEMENTS

STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TO RUNGA ON LAKE ALBERT, UGANDA AND ASSOCIATED HUMAN SETTLEMENTS AND FARMLANDS

103 STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TO KYABARANGWA AND SONGAGAGI ON LAKE ALBERT, UGANDA AND ASSOCIATED HUMAN SETTLEMENTS

STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TO KAISO AND HOHWA ON LAKE ALBERT, UGANDA AND ADJACENT HUMAN SETTLEMENTS 104 STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TO KANARA AND MUZIZI ON LAKE ALBERT, UGANDA AND ADJACENT HUMAN SETTLEMENTS

STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TO SEMLIKI ON LAKE ALBERT, DRC. ADJACENT VEGETATION IS PRISTINE.

105 STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TO DRIGI ON LAKE ALBERT, DRC, ADJACENT TO A NEARBY SETTLEMENT.

STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TO NYAMAMBA AND CAFÉ ON LAKE ALBERT, DRC. BOTH SITES ARE ADJACENT TO HUMAN SETTLEMENT 106 STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT KAKOI ON LAKE ALBERT, DRC.

STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT ARUKO ON LAKE ALBERT, DRC 107 STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT AJII ON LAKE ALBERT, DRC

STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT URI ON LAKE ALBERT, DRC 108 STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT KISINJA ON LAKE ALBERT, DRC

STATUS OF LAND COVER/USE ON LAND ADJACENT TINDI-KOLOKOTO ON LAKE ALBERT, DRC 109 ANNEX 5: LIST OF KEY STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTED DURING THE SURVEY ON PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS FBAS ON THE UGANDA PORTIONS OF LAKES EDWARD AND ALBERT.

110 111 112 113 ANNEX 6: LIST OF KEY STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTED DURING THE SURVEY ON PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS FBAS ON THE DRC PORTIONS OF LAKES EDWARD AND ALBERT.

114 ANNEX 7: NAMES OF LANDING SITES (BEACHES) SAMPLED FOR COMMUNITY CONSULTATIONS ON FBAS, PRESENTED BY DISTRICT (UGANDA)/ TERRITORY (DRC).

115 ANNEX 8: COST ESTIMATES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEMARCATION AND PROTECTION OF FBAS

ANNEX 8A: COST ESTIMATES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEMARCATION AND PROTECTION OF IDENTIFIED FISH BREEDING AND NURSERY AREAS ON LAKES EDWARD AND ALBERT

116 ANNEX 8B: COST ESTIMATES FOR THE DEMARCATION AND PROTECTION OF IDENTIFIED FISH BREEDING AND NURSERY AREAS ON LAKES EDWARD AND ALBERT BY WATER BODY, CATEGORY, COUNTRY AND AREA

117 ANNEX 9: FBAS ON LAKE ALBERT, UGANDA AND DRC, LOCATION, AREA, AND ESTIMATED COST OF DEMARCATION (HIGH PRIORITY BREEDING AREAS ARE MARKED BY TWO STARS (**) HIGH PRIORITY, MEDIUM PRIORITY AREAS BY ONE (*) AND ALL THE OTHER AREAS ARE LOW PRIORITY)

118 ANNEX 10: FBAS ON LAKE EDWARD, UGANDA AND DRC, LOCATION, AREA, AND ESTIMATED COST OF DEMARCATION (HIGH PRIORITY BREEDING AREAS ARE MARKED BY TWO STARS (**) HIGH PRIORITY, MEDIUM PRIORITY AREAS BY ONE (*) AND ALL THE OTHER AREAS ARE LOW PRIORITY)

119 120 ANNEX 11: CHECKLIST OF FISH SPECIES RECORDED ON THE UGANDAN PORTIONS OF LAKES EDWARD AND ALBERT PRESENTED BY COMMON AND LOCAL NAMES

121 ANNEX 12: CHECKLIST OF FISH SPECIES RECORDED ON THE DRC PORTIONS OF LAKES EDWARD AND ALBERT PRESENTED BY COMMON AND LOCAL NAMES

122 ANNEX 13: FISH BREEDING AREAS PROPOSED BY STAKEHOLDERS DURING THE NATIONAL CONSULTATION MEETINGS

123 ANNEX 14: THE CONSULTANT TEAM AND THEIR EXPERTISE

124 125 © 2018 NILE EQUATORIAL LAKES SUBSIDIARY ACTION PROGRAM (NELSAP-CU) / NILE BASIN INITIATIVE (NBI)

IDENTIFICATION, CHARACTERISATION AND MAPPING OF FISH BREEDING AREAS ON LAKES EDWARD AND ALBERT REPORT WAS PREPARED BY THE NATIONAL FISHERIES RESOURCES RESEARCH INSTITUTE (NAFIRRI) - UGANDA AND THE CENTRE FOR RESEARCH IN HYDROLOGY (CRH) - UVIRA, D.R CONGO FOR THE NILE EQUATORIAL LAKES SUBSIDIARY ACTION PROGRAM (NELSAP-CU) / NILE BASIN INITIATIVE (NBI)

ONE RIVER ONE PEOPLE ONE VISION

Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program (NELSAP-CU) Kigali City Tower, 5th Floor, P. O. Box 6759, KN 81 Street Kigali, Rwanda Tel: (250) 788 307 334 Twitter: NelsapCu, Facebook: NelsapCu/ Email: [email protected] www.nelsap.nilebasin.org