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Modelling the effect of Nile perch predation and harvesting on fisheries dynamics of Lake Victoria
Author(s) -
Mugisha J. Y. T.,
Ddumba H.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
african journal of ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.499
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1365-2028
pISSN - 0141-6707
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2028.2006.00688.x
Subject(s) - nile tilapia , predation , perch , fishery , ecology , biology , fish <actinopterygii> , environmental science , oreochromis
We used a mathematical model to predict and explain the effect of harvesting combined with predation by the Nile perch on Nile tilapia. The model incorporates three developmental stages of each species. The findings show that uncontrolled human exploitation of the stock leads to loss of fish biodiversity in the lake. The results of the study also show that increasing harvesting rate of the mature Nile perch leads to stable stationary states of the system. However, increasing predation rates by Nile perch lead to unstable equilibria.