Considerations for the conservation of African fish genetic resources for their sustainable exploitation
1999
Abban, E.K. (Water Resource Inst., P.O. Box 38, Achimoto (Ghana))
There is great concern for fish and other aquatic genetic resources in various regions of the world, including Africa. The range of aquatic ecosystems in Africa, which are located approximately between latitudes 30 deg N and 30 deg S, is as wide and complex as are the ecological conditions between these latitudes. The fish fauna of Africa, compared to other aquatic organisms, is fairly well known at conventional taxonomic levels down to species and is considered rich and complex. However, the aquatic genetic resources of Africa at the population and gene levels have not been extensively studied and documented. Concern for African fish genetic resources has come about mainly due to declines in fish catches. This paper links the activities that threaten African aquatic genetic resources (e.g., overfishing, changing of the biophysical features of aquatic environments, habitat degradation and destruction, and transfers and introductions of alien species and genotypes) to genetic resource erosion and catch declines. It is suggested that policies must provide for the enhancement of conservation of fish and other aquatic genetic resources, for their sustainable use in Africa. This will require the study and documentation of these genetic resources, a gradual but sustained ecosystem-based approach to the use and management of natural resources, and support for development and sustainability of community-based management
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