Dataset Name:

Fish species occurrence and composition in environmental change hot spots (Lakes Wamala and Kawi), Uganda

Description:

This dataset contains species occurrence data collected from field observations during the implementation of the climate change project in two environmental change hotspots (Lakes Wamala and Kawi) between 2011 and 2013.

Purpose:

This data was collected to examine the changes in species composition, size structure, length–weight relationship and condition of fishes in Lakes Wamala and Kawi in relation to changes in climatic conditions (temperature, rainfall, and lake depth). This data can reveal the the possible role of changing climatic conditions on fisheries in environmental change hotspots.

Temporal Scope:

2011-2014: Seasonal sampling every three months, depending on availability of funds.

Methodology:

Experimental fish sampling was conducted every three months, from December 2011 to April 2014, covering all four conventional seasons: short dry (December–February), long wet (March–May), long dry (June–August) and short wet (September–November). Experimental fishing was carried out using three fleets of multimesh gill nets (90 m long and 26 meshes deep) of mesh sizes ranging from 25.4 to 152.4 mm, in increments of 12.7 mm. The first fleet of gill nets was set along the shoreline, the second 50 m from the shoreline and the third in open waters (200 m from the shoreline), to assure adequate and representative sampling sites in the lake. The fleets of gill nets were set in the evening between 1700 and 1800 h and retrieved at dawn between 0600 and 0700 h. After retrieval, the fish were sorted to the lowest taxon to obtain information on fish species composition. The total length (TL) of each specimen was measured to the nearest 1 mm, from the most anterior part of the head (with closed mouth) to the furthest tip of the caudal fin, using a measuring board. Each specimen was weighed to the nearest 0.1 g with a digital scale (model CS-10KWP-IP65). More details on selection of sampling sites and methods can be found in Natugonza et al. (2015)