This gigantic freshwater fish grows up to 2 m long and weighs up to 200 kg. In the 1950s, it was introduced into Lake Victoria to provide for sport fishing tourism and commercial fishing for export – but against the advice of scientists.
It’s introduction was successful – for a time, until the damage the scientists predicted they would cause happened. The traditional fishermen don’t like the flesh and the fish are too far out for their small boats to reach and their poor nets to catch.
As large major predators, the Nile Perch have almost eliminated the smaller native species preferred by traditional fishermen, so their only source of protein and cash is now almost unobtainable.
Check out this website for more information about the ecology of Lake Victoria and the challenge for the traditional fishermen.
It’s introduction was successful – for a time, until the damage the scientists predicted they would cause happened. The traditional fishermen don’t like the flesh and the fish are too far out for their small boats to reach and their poor nets to catch.
As large major predators, the Nile Perch have almost eliminated the smaller native species preferred by traditional fishermen, so their only source of protein and cash is now almost unobtainable.
Check out this website for more information about the ecology of Lake Victoria and the challenge for the traditional fishermen.
