Limnological variability and pelagic fish abundance (Stolothrissa tanganicae and Lates stappersii) in Lake Tanganyika
dc.contributor.author | Plisnier, P-D. | |
dc.contributor.author | Mgana, H. | |
dc.contributor.author | Kimirei, I. | |
dc.contributor.author | Chande, A. | |
dc.contributor.author | Makasa, L. | |
dc.contributor.author | Chimanga, J. | |
dc.contributor.author | Zulu, F. | |
dc.contributor.author | Cocquyt, C. | |
dc.contributor.author | Horion, S. | |
dc.contributor.author | Bergamino, N. | |
dc.contributor.author | Naithani, J. | |
dc.contributor.author | Deleersnijder, E. | |
dc.contributor.author | André, L. | |
dc.contributor.author | Descy , J-P. | |
dc.contributor.author | Cornet , Y. | |
dc.date | 2009 | |
dc.date.accessioned | 2016-03-15T10:03:30Z | |
dc.date.available | 2016-03-15T10:03:30Z | |
dc.identifier.uri | https://orfeo.belnet.be/handle/internal/565 | |
dc.description | The abundance of two main pelagic fish species in Lake Tanganyika (S<i>tolothrissa tanganicae</i> and<i> </i><i>Lates stappersii</i>) has always been observed to fluctuate considerably at different time scales. The inverse correlation between the abundance of these species has often been interpreted as the consequence of predator-prey relations (avoidance behaviour by the prey). However, currently the two species often appear spatially segregated in the lake, <i>S. tanganicae</i> dominating in the north while <i>L. stappersii </i>is generally abundant in the south where it feeds mostly on shrimps. A fluctuating abundance of the species is nevertheless observed. As these fish species have a major importance for the fisheries, we investigated the limnological variability in relation to the shortterm variability of fish catches. The abundance of <i>S. tanganicae</i> was positively correlated to plankton biomass (r = 0.65), while water transparency (r = 0.56), depth of mixed layer (r = -0.70) and oxygenated water appeared important drivers for the abundance of <i>L. stappersii.</i> Alternating mixing and stable states of the epilimnion related to seasonal and internal waves variability are probably determinant for the short-term variability in abundance of <i>S. tanganicae</i> and <i>L. stappersii</i>. In the framework of this study, remote sensing has shown a potentially interesting application for fisheries research at Lake Tanganyika. We observed a close correspondence between phytoplankton blooms at the time of trade winds changes and increased catches of <i>S. tanganicae</i> in the south. The anti-correlated abundance of <i>S. tanganicae </i>and <i>L. stappersii </i>probably mainly reflects the underlying fluctuating limnological environment. Fisheries studies need to integrate limnological and planktonic monitoring to better understand large and complex ecosystems such as Lake Tanganyika.</p> | |
dc.language | eng | |
dc.publisher | Springer | |
dc.title | Limnological variability and pelagic fish abundance (<i>Stolothrissa tanganicae</i> and <i>Lates stappersii</i>) in Lake Tanganyika | |
dc.type | Article | |
dc.subject.frascati | Earth and related Environmental sciences | |
dc.audience | Scientific | |
dc.subject.free | Surface environments and collection management | |
dc.source.title | Hydrobiologia | |
dc.source.volume | 625 (1) | |
dc.source.page | 117-134 | |
Orfeo.peerreviewed | Yes | |
dc.identifier.doi | 10.1007/s10750-009-9701-4 | |
dc.identifier.rmca | 618 |