Hilda Nyaboke - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Hilda Nyaboke
Aquatic Ecosystem Health & Management, Oct 1, 2022
There is a common agreement that establishment of co-management could be of benefit to fisher com... more There is a common agreement that establishment of co-management could be of benefit to fisher community and other stakeholders across the African Great Lakes. This could aid in promoting community livelihoods and sustainability of the fishery and lakes ecosystem. However, the effectiveness of established co-management regimes remains unknown. This study evaluated the effectiveness of established comanagement units, specifically Beach Management Units, along Lake Victoria, Kenya. Data was collected through site observations, and questionnaire led interviews involving the key informants and Beach Management Units' members. The study depicted presence of illegal gears (5.7%), pollution (10.2%), insecurity (3.4%) and targeting of undersized fish (1.1%) among others. The role of the management units in lessening aforesaid challenges was reported overall to be below 36%. Features donating to overall performance, enforcement, conflict resolution, welfare and awareness creation, were rated at 17.6%, 33.8%, 35.5% and 13.2% correspondingly. The low rating of such measurable attributes advocates lack of effectiveness of co-management in Lake Victoria, Kenya. Albeit key registers and records were known to most of the members, there were no signs of progressive growth in the management units. This was attributed mainly to lack of continuous awareness creation amid the changing lake environmental conditions and dynamics in the specific species fishery. There is need to sustain the achievements so far attained in promoting co-management and ecosystem sustainability, as enforcement of laws and regulations can be a challenging undertaking without government support. Governments should ensure financial and material provision in expanding capacity of co-management units in promoting community livelihoods and fishery sustainability.
Frontiers in Environmental Science
People residing in Lake Victoria’s basin and riparian countries benefit from ecosystem services p... more People residing in Lake Victoria’s basin and riparian countries benefit from ecosystem services provided by the lake. However, the lake’s resources, particularly fish, are under threat from pressures caused by humans such as overfishing, alien species invasion, rising eutrophication, and climate change. In this assessment, we look at how to maximize the lake’s benefits through product diversification, value addition, and sustainable use of its fisheries. We show that minimizing post-harvest losses of the silver cyprinid (Rastrineobola argentea), locally known as Dagaa, will provide more high-quality fish for human consumption, while significantly increasing fishing earnings. Furthermore, by utilizing biowaste (frames, skin, and fish mouth), revenues from Nile perch could be increased up to thrice. Furthermore, if fishing could target maximum sustainable yield (MSY), landings of Nile perch and Dagaa could increase significantly in the long run. These, combined with investments in oth...
Frontiers in Environmental Science, 2022
People residing in Lake Victoria's basin and riparian countries benefit from ecosystem services p... more People residing in Lake Victoria's basin and riparian countries benefit from ecosystem services provided by the lake. However, the lake's resources, particularly fish, are under threat from pressures caused by humans such as overfishing, alien species invasion, rising eutrophication, and climate change. In this assessment, we look at how to maximize the lake's benefits through product diversification, value addition, and sustainable use of its fisheries. We show that minimizing post-harvest losses of the silver cyprinid (Rastrineobola argentea), locally known as Dagaa, will provide more high-quality fish for human consumption, while significantly increasing fishing earnings. Furthermore, by utilizing biowaste (frames, skin, and fish mouth), revenues from Nile perch could be increased up to thrice. Furthermore, if fishing could target maximum sustainable yield (MSY), landings of Nile perch and Dagaa could increase significantly in the long run. These, combined with investments in other areas such as lacustrine tourism and recreation, as well as fish cage culture, can help the Lake Victoria region's blue economy expand.
Aquatic Ecosystem Health & Management,, 2022
There is a common agreement that establishment of co-management could be of benefit to fisher com... more There is a common agreement that establishment of co-management could be of benefit to fisher community and other stakeholders across the African Great Lakes. This could aid in promoting community livelihoods and sustainability of the fishery and lakes ecosystem. However, the effectiveness of established co-management regimes remains unknown. This study evaluated the effectiveness of established comanagement units, specifically Beach Management Units, along Lake Victoria, Kenya. Data was collected through site observations, and questionnaire led interviews involving the key informants and Beach Management Units' members. The study depicted presence of illegal gears (5.7%), pollution (10.2%), insecurity (3.4%) and targeting of undersized fish (1.1%) among others. The role of the management units in lessening aforesaid challenges was reported overall to be below 36%. Features donating to overall performance, enforcement, conflict resolution, welfare and awareness creation, were rated at 17.6%, 33.8%, 35.5% and 13.2% correspondingly. The low rating of such measurable attributes advocates lack of effectiveness of co-management in Lake Victoria, Kenya. Albeit key registers and records were known to most of the members, there were no signs of progressive growth in the management units. This was attributed mainly to lack of continuous awareness creation amid the changing lake environmental conditions and dynamics in the specific species fishery. There is need to sustain the achievements so far attained in promoting co-management and ecosystem sustainability, as enforcement of laws and regulations can be a challenging undertaking without government support. Governments should ensure financial and material provision in expanding capacity of co-management units in promoting community livelihoods and fishery sustainability.
Aquatic Ecosystem Health & Management, Oct 1, 2022
Sport fishing for Nile Perch and Tilapia are key attractions to recreational anglers on Lake Vict... more Sport fishing for Nile Perch and Tilapia are key attractions to recreational anglers on Lake Victoria. Existing hospitality establishments promote sport fishing with angling as the main form of recreational fishing. Development of this industry is expected to generate accrued benefits of eco-tourism and community empowerment by providing alternative sources of income from the already strangled commercial and subsistence fisheries calling for diversification within the fishing industry. Key informant questionnaires were administered to County tourism and fisheries representatives, hotel directors or managers, and officials of Beach Management Units while questionnaire-led-interviews were conducted at the beaches or community recreation sites. Seven tourist resorts, one yacht club, and seven beaches/fish landing sites were assessed. The study aimed to assess the current status of recreational fishing and identify growth opportunities within the industry. Recreational fishing was concentrated around Mfangano Island targeting Nile Perch using artificial baitfish as a tackle. On average, boat hire charges including fishing tackle were USD 30 per trip (< 3 hours) and USD 100 per day per fishing trip. “Blue tourism” rating was low across the respondents with the 2007 political unrest said to have heavily impacted the number
of tourists to the region. Water Hyacinth and poor water quality remain a key challenge within Winam gulf while overfishing posed a major concern in the open lake with the number of longline fishers reported to be on the rise. Resource spatial planning should be instituted to cater for the different players in the Blue Economy. The strict enforcement of the Nile Perch slot size is recommended and cooperation among
industry players on access and use of the products from recreational fishing. A national census survey on recreational catches should be conducted if its full potential is to be realized in promoting blue growth.
Scientific Data
Inland recreational fisheries, found in lakes, rivers, and other landlocked waters, are important... more Inland recreational fisheries, found in lakes, rivers, and other landlocked waters, are important to livelihoods, nutrition, leisure, and other societal ecosystem services worldwide. Although recreationally-caught fish are frequently harvested and consumed by fishers, their contribution to food and nutrition has not been adequately quantified due to lack of data, poor monitoring, and under-reporting, especially in developing countries. Beyond limited global harvest estimates, few have explored species-specific harvest patterns, although this variability has implications for fisheries management and food security. Given the continued growth of the recreational fishery sector, understanding inland recreational fish harvest and consumption rates represents a critical knowledge gap. Based on a comprehensive literature search and expert knowledge review, we quantified multiple aspects of global inland recreational fisheries for 81 countries spanning ~192 species. For each country, we ass...
Lakes & Reservoirs: Science, Policy and Management for Sustainable Use
Uganda Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Persistent organochlorine residues in the environment are a threat to ecological health of aquati... more Persistent organochlorine residues in the environment are a threat to ecological health of aquatic organisms and pose a health risk to both animals and human consumers. Organochlorine pesticides were determined in water and sediments collected during wet and dry season from selected riverine and earthen fish pond sites in high altitude catchment areas within Kuja River (Kenya) between August 2016–May, 2017. Analysis of DDT and metabolites, Hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) isomers and cyclodienes using a gas chromatograph (GC), and electron capture detector (ECD), confirmed using GC - Mass Spectrometry (MS). Mean (± Standard error) results of DDTs, cyclodienes and HCHs in pond waters were:- below detection level (BDL) to 0.27±0.03µg/L, BDL to 0.11±0.00µg/L, and 4.39±1.01µg/L respectively; and BDL to 0.23±0.01µg/L, 1.20±0.005µg/L, and 1.71±0.02µg/L in river water respectively. Sediment mean OCPs contents were significantly (p<0.05) higher for Dieldrin (3.043±0.43µg/kg), Endrin (2.56±0...
Aquatic Ecosystem Health & Management
Cage aquaculture has been on a steady rise in Lake Victoria, Kenya, since 2016, resulting in the ... more Cage aquaculture has been on a steady rise in Lake Victoria, Kenya, since 2016, resulting in the current culturing of over 3,600 cages of Tilapia (O. niloticus) (Orina et al., 2018). Unfortunately, there has been limited, if any, focus on fish health aspects. Rise in intensification and commercialization predisposes fish stocks to disease due to rise in stress levels and consequent reduction in the fish immunity. Nutrient rich surroundings create a conducive environment for rapid proliferation of bacterial and saprophytic fungal growth leading to net clogging and consequently a low biological oxygen demand. Such conditions predispose the stocks to infections. This study was conducted to provide a baseline analysis of the health conditions/status of the cultured fish in this region. It encompassed studies from 2016 to 2018 on tilapia of the genus O. niloticus using both experimental (using standard procedures and protocols) and socio-economic studies (using structured questionnaires,...
Persistent organochlorine residues in the environment are a threat to ecological health of aquati... more Persistent organochlorine residues in the environment are a threat to ecological health of aquatic organisms and pose a health risk to both animals and human consumers. Organochlorine pesticides were determined in water and sediments collected during wet and dry season from selected riverine and earthen fish pond sites in high altitude catchment areas within Kuja River (Kenya) between August 2016-May, 2017. Analysis of DDT and metabolites, Hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) isomers and cyclodienes using a gas chromatograph (GC), and electron capture detector (ECD), confirmed using GC-Mass Spectrometry (MS). Mean (± Standard error) results of DDTs, cyclodienes and HCHs in pond waters were:-below detection level (BDL) to 0.27±0.03g/L, BDL to 0.11±0.00g/L, and 4.39±1.01g/L respectively; and BDL to 0.23±0.01g/L, 1.20±0.005g/L, and 1.71±0.02g/L in river water respectively. Sediment mean OCPs contents were significantly (p<0.05) higher for Dieldrin (3.043±0.43g/kg), Endrin (2.56±0.460g/kg), Heptachlor (3.61±0.02g/kg) DDT (2.97±1.32g/kg), Endosulfan (6.31.27±1.051g/kg), Methoxychlor (2.15± 1.641g/kg) and Lindane (2.96±1.32g/kg), respectively. A longitudinal spatial distribution pattern was noted for both water and sediment OCPs contents, demonstrating that cyclodienes are predominant contaminants in point and non-point sources in water courses. The study recommends continuous monitoring of OCPs in upstream catchment areas for informed management and policy decisions on pesticide use.
To fully appreciate the ecological, social and economic benefits of wetland ecosystems, actions a... more To fully appreciate the ecological, social and economic benefits of wetland ecosystems, actions are needed to advocate for sustainable use. A study of Lake Kanyaboli, located the Yala swamp and are of great ecological significance to conservation and biodiversity. The challenges facing the wetland includes; pollution, water diversion, wetland encroachment and overfishing. It is a relatively shallow basin (mean depth 2.4 m), which increases towards the central basin. High water hardness and ammonium nitrogen were observed in the lake water, but lower than extreme values previously recorded for man-made dams in the same area. Oreochromis esculentus formed the bulk of the current commercial fishery. Other cichlids found in the lake include, O. variabilis, O. leucostictus O. niloticus and haplochromine species were observed. Length weight relationship for Oreochromis esculentus was W= 0.0135TL3.0698 and W=0.0025TL3.2557 for Clarias gariepinus. Four species of parasitic copepods; Ergasilus lamellifer sp., Lernaecyprinacea sp., Dolopsranarum sp., and Argulusafricanus sp. are found on the skin, fins, gills and opercula of 33 specimens of fish analyzed from the Lake Kanyaboli. Prevalence of infestation of the smooth skinned species; Clarias gariepinus and Protopterusa ethiopicus was 100%, whereas the scaled Haplochromis spp., and Oreochromis esculentus was 37.5% and 27.2%, respectively. High intensities of infestation can cause serious damage to individual fish both in wild and in the farmed populations such as in ponds and cages. A questionnaire and key-informant interviews were used to delve into the dynamics of the fisheries of the lake. Livelihood provisioning of wetlands should be balanced with conservation. Therefore, the study results forms part of the concerted efforts to further sensitize local communities and advocate for elimination of environmental problems of unsustainable water abstraction, encroachment for commercial and individual use; unplanned wetland agriculture, overgrazing, improper land use practices in the watershed and wildlife poaching.
Aquatic Ecosystem Health & Management, Oct 1, 2022
There is a common agreement that establishment of co-management could be of benefit to fisher com... more There is a common agreement that establishment of co-management could be of benefit to fisher community and other stakeholders across the African Great Lakes. This could aid in promoting community livelihoods and sustainability of the fishery and lakes ecosystem. However, the effectiveness of established co-management regimes remains unknown. This study evaluated the effectiveness of established comanagement units, specifically Beach Management Units, along Lake Victoria, Kenya. Data was collected through site observations, and questionnaire led interviews involving the key informants and Beach Management Units' members. The study depicted presence of illegal gears (5.7%), pollution (10.2%), insecurity (3.4%) and targeting of undersized fish (1.1%) among others. The role of the management units in lessening aforesaid challenges was reported overall to be below 36%. Features donating to overall performance, enforcement, conflict resolution, welfare and awareness creation, were rated at 17.6%, 33.8%, 35.5% and 13.2% correspondingly. The low rating of such measurable attributes advocates lack of effectiveness of co-management in Lake Victoria, Kenya. Albeit key registers and records were known to most of the members, there were no signs of progressive growth in the management units. This was attributed mainly to lack of continuous awareness creation amid the changing lake environmental conditions and dynamics in the specific species fishery. There is need to sustain the achievements so far attained in promoting co-management and ecosystem sustainability, as enforcement of laws and regulations can be a challenging undertaking without government support. Governments should ensure financial and material provision in expanding capacity of co-management units in promoting community livelihoods and fishery sustainability.
Frontiers in Environmental Science
People residing in Lake Victoria’s basin and riparian countries benefit from ecosystem services p... more People residing in Lake Victoria’s basin and riparian countries benefit from ecosystem services provided by the lake. However, the lake’s resources, particularly fish, are under threat from pressures caused by humans such as overfishing, alien species invasion, rising eutrophication, and climate change. In this assessment, we look at how to maximize the lake’s benefits through product diversification, value addition, and sustainable use of its fisheries. We show that minimizing post-harvest losses of the silver cyprinid (Rastrineobola argentea), locally known as Dagaa, will provide more high-quality fish for human consumption, while significantly increasing fishing earnings. Furthermore, by utilizing biowaste (frames, skin, and fish mouth), revenues from Nile perch could be increased up to thrice. Furthermore, if fishing could target maximum sustainable yield (MSY), landings of Nile perch and Dagaa could increase significantly in the long run. These, combined with investments in oth...
Frontiers in Environmental Science, 2022
People residing in Lake Victoria's basin and riparian countries benefit from ecosystem services p... more People residing in Lake Victoria's basin and riparian countries benefit from ecosystem services provided by the lake. However, the lake's resources, particularly fish, are under threat from pressures caused by humans such as overfishing, alien species invasion, rising eutrophication, and climate change. In this assessment, we look at how to maximize the lake's benefits through product diversification, value addition, and sustainable use of its fisheries. We show that minimizing post-harvest losses of the silver cyprinid (Rastrineobola argentea), locally known as Dagaa, will provide more high-quality fish for human consumption, while significantly increasing fishing earnings. Furthermore, by utilizing biowaste (frames, skin, and fish mouth), revenues from Nile perch could be increased up to thrice. Furthermore, if fishing could target maximum sustainable yield (MSY), landings of Nile perch and Dagaa could increase significantly in the long run. These, combined with investments in other areas such as lacustrine tourism and recreation, as well as fish cage culture, can help the Lake Victoria region's blue economy expand.
Aquatic Ecosystem Health & Management,, 2022
There is a common agreement that establishment of co-management could be of benefit to fisher com... more There is a common agreement that establishment of co-management could be of benefit to fisher community and other stakeholders across the African Great Lakes. This could aid in promoting community livelihoods and sustainability of the fishery and lakes ecosystem. However, the effectiveness of established co-management regimes remains unknown. This study evaluated the effectiveness of established comanagement units, specifically Beach Management Units, along Lake Victoria, Kenya. Data was collected through site observations, and questionnaire led interviews involving the key informants and Beach Management Units' members. The study depicted presence of illegal gears (5.7%), pollution (10.2%), insecurity (3.4%) and targeting of undersized fish (1.1%) among others. The role of the management units in lessening aforesaid challenges was reported overall to be below 36%. Features donating to overall performance, enforcement, conflict resolution, welfare and awareness creation, were rated at 17.6%, 33.8%, 35.5% and 13.2% correspondingly. The low rating of such measurable attributes advocates lack of effectiveness of co-management in Lake Victoria, Kenya. Albeit key registers and records were known to most of the members, there were no signs of progressive growth in the management units. This was attributed mainly to lack of continuous awareness creation amid the changing lake environmental conditions and dynamics in the specific species fishery. There is need to sustain the achievements so far attained in promoting co-management and ecosystem sustainability, as enforcement of laws and regulations can be a challenging undertaking without government support. Governments should ensure financial and material provision in expanding capacity of co-management units in promoting community livelihoods and fishery sustainability.
Aquatic Ecosystem Health & Management, Oct 1, 2022
Sport fishing for Nile Perch and Tilapia are key attractions to recreational anglers on Lake Vict... more Sport fishing for Nile Perch and Tilapia are key attractions to recreational anglers on Lake Victoria. Existing hospitality establishments promote sport fishing with angling as the main form of recreational fishing. Development of this industry is expected to generate accrued benefits of eco-tourism and community empowerment by providing alternative sources of income from the already strangled commercial and subsistence fisheries calling for diversification within the fishing industry. Key informant questionnaires were administered to County tourism and fisheries representatives, hotel directors or managers, and officials of Beach Management Units while questionnaire-led-interviews were conducted at the beaches or community recreation sites. Seven tourist resorts, one yacht club, and seven beaches/fish landing sites were assessed. The study aimed to assess the current status of recreational fishing and identify growth opportunities within the industry. Recreational fishing was concentrated around Mfangano Island targeting Nile Perch using artificial baitfish as a tackle. On average, boat hire charges including fishing tackle were USD 30 per trip (< 3 hours) and USD 100 per day per fishing trip. “Blue tourism” rating was low across the respondents with the 2007 political unrest said to have heavily impacted the number
of tourists to the region. Water Hyacinth and poor water quality remain a key challenge within Winam gulf while overfishing posed a major concern in the open lake with the number of longline fishers reported to be on the rise. Resource spatial planning should be instituted to cater for the different players in the Blue Economy. The strict enforcement of the Nile Perch slot size is recommended and cooperation among
industry players on access and use of the products from recreational fishing. A national census survey on recreational catches should be conducted if its full potential is to be realized in promoting blue growth.
Scientific Data
Inland recreational fisheries, found in lakes, rivers, and other landlocked waters, are important... more Inland recreational fisheries, found in lakes, rivers, and other landlocked waters, are important to livelihoods, nutrition, leisure, and other societal ecosystem services worldwide. Although recreationally-caught fish are frequently harvested and consumed by fishers, their contribution to food and nutrition has not been adequately quantified due to lack of data, poor monitoring, and under-reporting, especially in developing countries. Beyond limited global harvest estimates, few have explored species-specific harvest patterns, although this variability has implications for fisheries management and food security. Given the continued growth of the recreational fishery sector, understanding inland recreational fish harvest and consumption rates represents a critical knowledge gap. Based on a comprehensive literature search and expert knowledge review, we quantified multiple aspects of global inland recreational fisheries for 81 countries spanning ~192 species. For each country, we ass...
Lakes & Reservoirs: Science, Policy and Management for Sustainable Use
Uganda Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Persistent organochlorine residues in the environment are a threat to ecological health of aquati... more Persistent organochlorine residues in the environment are a threat to ecological health of aquatic organisms and pose a health risk to both animals and human consumers. Organochlorine pesticides were determined in water and sediments collected during wet and dry season from selected riverine and earthen fish pond sites in high altitude catchment areas within Kuja River (Kenya) between August 2016–May, 2017. Analysis of DDT and metabolites, Hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) isomers and cyclodienes using a gas chromatograph (GC), and electron capture detector (ECD), confirmed using GC - Mass Spectrometry (MS). Mean (± Standard error) results of DDTs, cyclodienes and HCHs in pond waters were:- below detection level (BDL) to 0.27±0.03µg/L, BDL to 0.11±0.00µg/L, and 4.39±1.01µg/L respectively; and BDL to 0.23±0.01µg/L, 1.20±0.005µg/L, and 1.71±0.02µg/L in river water respectively. Sediment mean OCPs contents were significantly (p<0.05) higher for Dieldrin (3.043±0.43µg/kg), Endrin (2.56±0...
Aquatic Ecosystem Health & Management
Cage aquaculture has been on a steady rise in Lake Victoria, Kenya, since 2016, resulting in the ... more Cage aquaculture has been on a steady rise in Lake Victoria, Kenya, since 2016, resulting in the current culturing of over 3,600 cages of Tilapia (O. niloticus) (Orina et al., 2018). Unfortunately, there has been limited, if any, focus on fish health aspects. Rise in intensification and commercialization predisposes fish stocks to disease due to rise in stress levels and consequent reduction in the fish immunity. Nutrient rich surroundings create a conducive environment for rapid proliferation of bacterial and saprophytic fungal growth leading to net clogging and consequently a low biological oxygen demand. Such conditions predispose the stocks to infections. This study was conducted to provide a baseline analysis of the health conditions/status of the cultured fish in this region. It encompassed studies from 2016 to 2018 on tilapia of the genus O. niloticus using both experimental (using standard procedures and protocols) and socio-economic studies (using structured questionnaires,...
Persistent organochlorine residues in the environment are a threat to ecological health of aquati... more Persistent organochlorine residues in the environment are a threat to ecological health of aquatic organisms and pose a health risk to both animals and human consumers. Organochlorine pesticides were determined in water and sediments collected during wet and dry season from selected riverine and earthen fish pond sites in high altitude catchment areas within Kuja River (Kenya) between August 2016-May, 2017. Analysis of DDT and metabolites, Hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) isomers and cyclodienes using a gas chromatograph (GC), and electron capture detector (ECD), confirmed using GC-Mass Spectrometry (MS). Mean (± Standard error) results of DDTs, cyclodienes and HCHs in pond waters were:-below detection level (BDL) to 0.27±0.03g/L, BDL to 0.11±0.00g/L, and 4.39±1.01g/L respectively; and BDL to 0.23±0.01g/L, 1.20±0.005g/L, and 1.71±0.02g/L in river water respectively. Sediment mean OCPs contents were significantly (p<0.05) higher for Dieldrin (3.043±0.43g/kg), Endrin (2.56±0.460g/kg), Heptachlor (3.61±0.02g/kg) DDT (2.97±1.32g/kg), Endosulfan (6.31.27±1.051g/kg), Methoxychlor (2.15± 1.641g/kg) and Lindane (2.96±1.32g/kg), respectively. A longitudinal spatial distribution pattern was noted for both water and sediment OCPs contents, demonstrating that cyclodienes are predominant contaminants in point and non-point sources in water courses. The study recommends continuous monitoring of OCPs in upstream catchment areas for informed management and policy decisions on pesticide use.
To fully appreciate the ecological, social and economic benefits of wetland ecosystems, actions a... more To fully appreciate the ecological, social and economic benefits of wetland ecosystems, actions are needed to advocate for sustainable use. A study of Lake Kanyaboli, located the Yala swamp and are of great ecological significance to conservation and biodiversity. The challenges facing the wetland includes; pollution, water diversion, wetland encroachment and overfishing. It is a relatively shallow basin (mean depth 2.4 m), which increases towards the central basin. High water hardness and ammonium nitrogen were observed in the lake water, but lower than extreme values previously recorded for man-made dams in the same area. Oreochromis esculentus formed the bulk of the current commercial fishery. Other cichlids found in the lake include, O. variabilis, O. leucostictus O. niloticus and haplochromine species were observed. Length weight relationship for Oreochromis esculentus was W= 0.0135TL3.0698 and W=0.0025TL3.2557 for Clarias gariepinus. Four species of parasitic copepods; Ergasilus lamellifer sp., Lernaecyprinacea sp., Dolopsranarum sp., and Argulusafricanus sp. are found on the skin, fins, gills and opercula of 33 specimens of fish analyzed from the Lake Kanyaboli. Prevalence of infestation of the smooth skinned species; Clarias gariepinus and Protopterusa ethiopicus was 100%, whereas the scaled Haplochromis spp., and Oreochromis esculentus was 37.5% and 27.2%, respectively. High intensities of infestation can cause serious damage to individual fish both in wild and in the farmed populations such as in ponds and cages. A questionnaire and key-informant interviews were used to delve into the dynamics of the fisheries of the lake. Livelihood provisioning of wetlands should be balanced with conservation. Therefore, the study results forms part of the concerted efforts to further sensitize local communities and advocate for elimination of environmental problems of unsustainable water abstraction, encroachment for commercial and individual use; unplanned wetland agriculture, overgrazing, improper land use practices in the watershed and wildlife poaching.