A COMPARISON OF BOTTOM TRAWL CATCH RATES IN THE KENYA WATERS OF LAKE VICTORIA

A comparison of mean trawl catch rates (kg/h) from 128 collections in 1969 and 1970 and 63 collections in the 4th 1/4 of 1976 showed 3 changes. A reduction in mean total catch rates at all 7 depth intervals from 1970-1976. Reductions of 6.8, 6.1, 3.9, 6.2, 1.5, 2.9 and 5.9 times from shallow to deepest 10 m depths, respectively. No Tilapia esculenta were collected in 1976. The trend that emerges shows a marked reduction in mean total trawl catch rates in the Kenya waters of Lake Victoria which should sound a note of caution for proponents of a mechanized fishing industry.