Manyara Tilapia (Oreochromis amphimelas)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 222530530

Towards Biodiversity “No Net Loss”; Conservation of endangered Manyara Tilapia (Oreochromis amphimelas) and its ecological habitat in Lake Manyara, Tanzania

The objectives of this study are: (i) To establish the current stock size of Manyara Tilapia and condition of its ecological habitat. Oreochromis amphimelas is reported to be declining by IUCN, However, for more than 20 years there has been no updated information on whether the population of Manyara Tilapia is increasing or decreasing. Therefore, in order to get the current population status of the endangered species, its stock size and habitat condition will be assessed to come up with the current data to update local, and IUCN databases for informing direction of conservation efforts. (ii) To restore the population and ecological habitat for Oreochromis amphimelas through fishery management and dissemination of conservation education. Following habitat condition and stock assessment for Oreochromis amphimelas, education on the significance of sustainable fishing and compliance with fishery management initiatives will be provided to the communities. (iii) To train communities on diversification of income-generating activities including tree nursery and beekeeping small projects. The villagers will raise and plant tree seedlings in their own farms to conserve soil and extra be sold, while honey produced from beekeeping will be sold due to high demand of honey in Tanzania and East Africa.