Wednesday September 24, 2025
FAO —
Kigoma, Tanzania – A landmark fish stock assessment has begun on Lake Tanganyika, the first of its kind in nearly 30 years. Hailed as an example of regional scientific collaboration, it marks a milestone in conserving the lake’s massive aquatic resources that are a lifeline to millions of people.
Between 31 August and 22 September 2025, a team of 28 researchers surveyed the lake using hydroacoustic and length-based methods to evaluate the abundance and spatial distribution of three important pelagic fish species, sardine, sprat, and perch.
The researchers collected data on fish length and weight, water quality, geo-spatial distribution, hydro-acoustic signals, and catch assessments.
Their findings will update the information from the last comprehensive survey of the lake conducted in 1996 under FAO’s Lake Tanganyika Research Project (LTRP) supported by the Finnish International Development Agency (FINNIDA).
Testament to the sustainability of the FINNIDA-funded project, the research vessel that is currently undertaking the assessment, is the same RV ECHO acquired under the Lake Tanganyika Research Project in 1996.
“This initiative strengthens our technical capacity and ensures that Lake Tanganyika’s resources are managed based on sound scientific evidence,” said Ismael Kimirei, Director General of the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI), which is operating the research vessel.
Organized by the global aquatic value chain development programme FISH4ACP in collaboration with the TAFIRI, the Lake Tanganyika Authority (LTA) and the Belgian agency for international cooperation (ENABEL) through its Tanganyika and Kivu water management project (TAKIWAMA), the assessment aims to generate robust scientific data to inform policies for sustainable fisheries management on Lake Tanganyika.
A second phase of the assessment is scheduled during the wet season early next year, complementing the current exercise which is taking place in the dry season. The results of the assessment are expected to be available by June 2026.
Lake Tanganyika, one of Africa’s most vital freshwater ecosystems, is the deepest lake in Africa and holds the greatest volume of fresh water on the continent. Shared among four countries – the United Republic of Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Burundi, and the Republic of Zambia – the lake provides millions of people with a source of food and income.
Sylvain Tusanga, Executive Director of LTA, emphasized the importance of regional unity. “Lake Tanganyika is shared by four countries. Its sustainable management requires joint action, and this assessment reflects our commitment to that goal,” he said.
In preparation for the current assessment, researchers received training on hydroacoustic techniques, limnological and environmental data collection, geo-spatial mapping, and fish biometric analysis at the TAFIRI premises in Kigoma.
“The hydroacoustic techniques we’ve learned will greatly enhance our ability to monitor fish stocks and promote regional data sharing,” said senior fisheries researcher Ceaser Katulwende from Zambia.
With support from FISH4ACP, Conductivity, Temperature and Depth (CTD) instruments and transducer devices were acquired and calibrated, alongside existing TAFIRI equipment to ensure data accuracy and consistency.
“This exercise is part of FAO’s Blue Transformation strategy,” said Hashim Muumin, FISH4ACP’s National Professional Officer for Tanzania, adding: “By investing in equipment, training, and collaboration, we’re laying the foundation for informed decision-making and sustainable fisheries development.”
The assessment complements efforts by PROFISHBLUE, which promotes fisheries management across 16 Southern African countries with support from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
FISH4ACP is an initiative of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) implemented by FAO with funding from the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
It is active in two countries on Lake Tanganyika, Tanzania and Zambia. In Tanzania, FISH4ACP helps to strengthen the Lake Tanganyika sardine, sprat and perch value chain, and in Zambia it works to upgrade the small pelagics sector.