The controversy over Nile perch, Lates niloticus, in Lake Victoria, East Africa

Abstract

A discussion is presented on the topic of introductions of Nile perch (Lates niloticus ) into Lake Victoria. Introductions were mainly conducted to increase fish populations for the ever increasing human population followingthe collapse of the endemic tilapia fisheries. An examination is made of the events which have taken place in the lake regarding its fisheries in order to understand better the controversy which currently exists. The decline of thehaplochromines of the lake, most probably due to overfishing, is believed by some to be as a result of the piscivorous habits of adult Nile perch. Advantages of the L. niloticus and Oreochromis niloticus fisheries over that of thehaplochromines are examined.