Implications of Environmental Pollutions on Ethiopian Fisheries: Review Study

Abstract

The objective of this review article was to summarize the current impacts and its implications of environmental pollution on the fisheries sector in Ethiopian fisheries. The materials for this review were kinds of literature (published and unpublished) including internet access and personal experiences were used for the source to obtain applicable data. Ethiopia has a potential source of water used for fisheries and irrigation-based agriculture. The Ethiopian Rift Valley is one of the potential sources used for fisheries purposes and it is also the most environmentally vulnerable water source in the country. Climate changes and environmental pollutions affect the fisheries and aquaculture sector directly by influencing the fish stocks and the comprehensive supply of fish for consumption. In Ethiopia, environmental pollutions are significantly affected the fisheries sector, especially in the Rift valley areas which come from different sources. 92.8% of the liquid sewages released from Addis Ababa city enter into rivers and rain-water channels having a chain with Lakes along with the downstream with above the maximum permissible levels of BOD and COD. And, applications of commercial agricultural fertilizers including pesticides and floriculture significantly affected the water qualities of Ethiopian water bodies especially the central Rift Valley lakes and, currently, the affluence and availabilities including the fish quality and the ecosystem services under the down streams are found at risk. The accumulation of nutrients affects biodiversity and fisheries. Under Rift valley lakes, 73% of the fish landing is sold nearby markets and the consumption of fish that are contaminated through different concentrations of heavy metals above permissible levels is going to be toxic for human beings. Therefore, the government and respective bodies should give more emphasis on the mitigations and management’s especially with agricultural, floriculture, and urbanization related waste entered into the water bodies; affects the ecosystem and the fishery sector in the country.

Keywords: Environment, pollution, climate change, fisheries, water bodies, Ethiopia

DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/11-17-02

Publication date:September 30^th 2021