Dabus Irrigation Development Project - Fishery Study Summary

1. Project Overview

The document presents a feasibility study and detailed design for fishery development as part of the Dabus Irrigation Development Project in Ethiopia. It includes assessments of existing fisheries, potential for development, and recommendations.

2. Key Components

2.1 Stakeholder Consultations

Extensive consultations were conducted with 74 individuals and institutions including:

• Local fishers and fishing groups
• Kebele (village) administrators
• Agricultural and livestock experts
• Research institutions (EIAR, NFALRC)
• Government officials (ARDD, BoFED)

2.2 Water Resources

The study area contains numerous perennial and non-perennial rivers:

River Type	Examples	Count
Perennial	Dabus, Abay, Didesa, Gilgel beles	16
Non-perennial	Gambela, Burzy, Ashina, Kuna	16

2.3 Fishing Practices

The study documented traditional fishing methods and equipment:

• Hook and line (Aljebad): 50% of fishers own 1, up to 20 owned by some
• Fish traps (Amershi): 44.7% own 1-2 traps
• Gill nets (Shebega): 70% own 1 net
• Fish poisoning using Gussala roots (ichthyotoxic plants)

Average fishing experience ranged from 1.5 years (Eda dabus) to 24 years (Dabus).

2.4 Fish Species Identified

• Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia)
• Labeo forskalli
• Mormyrus niloticus
• Various catfish species (up to 15kg specimens observed)

2.5 Aquaculture Potential

The study identified several aquaculture opportunities:

• Existing earthen and concrete ponds (SFALRC, ATVET College)
• BOMOSA cage fish farming
• Golda fish ponds (various sizes)
• Private fish ponds (e.g., Edris Abdul's pond in Bambasi Woreda)

2.6 Aquatic Vegetation

Documented aquatic plants that could support herbivorous fish species:

Submergent Plants	Floating Plants	Emergent Plants
Myriophyllum, Ceratophyllum, Hydrilla	Lemna, Azolla, Pistia	Typha, Phragmites, Cyperus

2.7 Potential Fish Species for Culture

The report lists herbivorous fish species suitable for aquaculture:

• Voracious herbivores: Grass carp, T. rendalli, Wuchang bream
• Omnivores: O. niloticus, O. mossambicus, Common carp
• Potential species: Silver dollar fish, Tambaqui, Pearl spot

3. Visual Documentation

The report includes numerous photographs documenting:

• Dabus River at various locations
• Different fish species caught
• Traditional fishing methods and equipment
• Fish processing and marketing
• Existing aquaculture facilities

4. Key Findings

• Significant existing fishery activity in the Dabus River region
• Traditional fishing methods are well-established
• Potential for expanded aquaculture development
• Abundant aquatic vegetation could support herbivorous fish species
• Existing infrastructure (ponds, cages) provides foundation for expansion

5. Recommendations

1. Expand aquaculture training and support for local communities
2. Introduce improved fish species for culture (e.g., herbivorous species)
3. Develop sustainable fishing practices to prevent overfishing
4. Rehabilitate and expand existing fish pond infrastructure
5. Establish monitoring programs for fish stocks and aquatic ecosystems