Protecting the endangered cichlids of Lake Tanganyika

The Threat

 

The current extraction of live cichlids from Lake Tanganyika for the worldwide ornamental aquarium trade is unregulated and is the most dangerous threat for the survival of a large number of these fish. The population of the more popular species are dwindling dramatically and extinctions will occur if regulations are not put in place soon. Most of these fish are found nowhere else on the planet and many of them have very small territories.

Our Project

 

Our project aims to offer exporters an alternative to wild caught cichlids for sale to the aquarium trade.

Practical Conservation Solutions

 

The project is structured in four steps:

  1. Creating a protected area around Nkondwe Island to safeguard the threatened cichlids of this biodiversity hotspot.

  2. Building a facility to breed the most endangered cichlids in tanks and make them available to exporters. In this way, the ornamental trade can still continue, people involved can remain employed and the Lake and her fish do not have to be exposed to extinctions.

  3. Studying the remaining wild populations of the most threatened species with the goal of working out sustainable levels of extraction for the future without affecting the overall environment (according to IUCN-guidelines) so that these species can continue to thrive in their ecosystems.

  4. Investing in local communities by establishing smaller breeding hubs in key areas of the Lake where villagers can breed the most popular cichlids for themselves therefore providing an alternative to wild caught fish and becoming guardians of those species.

Our Goals

 

  • Within 1 year create a Marine Reserve around Nkodwe Island working with the Kipili BMU, NEMC, TARIFI and local Government to protect this important biodiversity hotspot.

  • Within 3 years set up a Cichlid Rescue Centre in Kipili breeding 20 of the most threatened cichlids.

  • Within 3 years start research programs to study the most endangered cichlids.

  • Within 7 years establish breeding stations in key areas of the Lake breeding the most popular cichlids for the aquarium trade.