The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) has observed encouraging signs of adaptability of new fish species introduced into Burera and Ruhondo twin lakes in the Northern Province. According to Solange Uwituze, Deputy Director General for Animal Resources Development at RAB, Lamprichthys tanganicanus, locally known as Rwanda Rushya, has thrived in both lakes and is now being caught in significant quantities. However, Limnothrissa miodon, or Isambaza, has shown slower adaptation. ALSO READ: Rwanda moves to boost research in aquaculture, cut fish imports In 2019, RAB introduced 650,000 fry of both species, sourced from Lake Kivu, into the twin lakes. While Limnothrissa miodon exhibited signs of adaptation in Ruhondo Lake within four months, Lamprichthys tanganicanus quickly established itself in both lakes. In Burera Lake, Lamprichthys tanganicanus was successfully adapted, with significant quantities captured while fishermen report no catches of Isambaza. “Lamprichthys tanganicanus adapted well and is regularly captured,” said Uwituze. Fishing trials conducted in January 2020 revealed small quantities of Limnothrissa miodon alongside the dominant Rastreneobola argentea (Indagala) in Ruhondo, suggesting potential for its adaptation. However, catches in Burera Lake have been minimal. Data suggests that Limnothrissa miodon and Rwanda Rushya may perform better in Ruhondo Lake compared to Burera Lake, stated Uwituze. Although both lakes offer suitable natural food sources for Limnothrissa miodon, its adaptation has been slower than anticipated. Despite the two twin lakes having been identified as having the right natural food for Isambaza, “it’s still early days to assess their [Isambaza's] adaptation.” “The trials have shown that although suitable food is available, the Isambaza’s adaptation has been slow. It will take more time and careful observation to fully understand whether they can thrive in these new environments. The situation remains uncertain, and we’re closely monitoring the catch rates in both lakes to gather more data,” she added. RAB data indicates that average weekly fish production in Burera Lake is approximately 21,720 kilograms, with Rastreneobola argentea (Indagala) constituting 60-70% of the catch. In Ruhondo Lake, weekly production averages 63,940 kilograms, with Indagala also dominating the catch. The twin lakes are also home to other fish species such as Haplochromis, Oreochromis niloticus, and Clarias gariepinus. Burera District, despite being considered a national food basket, faces a high prevalence of stunting (41% according to the 2020 Rwanda Demographic Health Survey), partly attributed to low consumption of animal-based products. In collaboration with district partners, we aim to address this gap by empowering vulnerable households through initiatives like promoting small livestock, said Soline Mukamana, the district mayor. Eugene Hamuremye, a fisherman in Ruhondo Lake, recommends further research and increased stocking to enhance production from the twin lakes. We catch around 500-300 kilograms of Indagara every night, but Isambaza is not caught in large quantities. We believe stocking more fish species in the two lakes will increase production, but more studies and field trips from other productive lakes are needed, said Hamuremye, with over ten years of fishing experience. ALSO: Burera registers decline in smuggling, drugs — officials Rwanda aims to significantly increase fish production from the current 4,000 tonnes to 80,620 tonnes annually by 2035. The National Aquaculture Strategy for Rwanda (2023-2035) targets an overall fish production of 106,000 tonnes by 2035, with 80,620 tonnes from aquaculture and approximately 26,000 tonnes from wild fisheries.
