Water Level Fluctuations and Its Implications on Fish Breeding Nests in Lake Mutirikwi, Masvingo, Zimbabwe -

The study aimed at assessing the relationship between water level fluctuation and the number of fish breeding nests which were exposed along selected bays of Lake Mutirikwi in southeastern Zimbabwe. Data was collected between October 2014 and February 2015 through mapping of exposed fish nests on two selected bays. The results showed that water level fluctuation was in response to water inflows after rains or water withdrawal for the purposes of irrigation and consumption in Masvingo city. The fluctuating seasonal exposure of fish breeding nests had a negative impact on fish recruitment in the lake due to failure to optimise use of fish nests by both Tilapia rendalli and Oreochromis niloticus, in particular substrate spawners . This seasonal disruption of breeding activities calls for increased awareness and education on water resource conservation by lake users in order for the basic ecological needs of fish to be addressed. It was noted there was a general lack of knowledge by stakeholders on the relation that lies between water level and fish breeding. Enlightened stakeholders can support fish production through moderated water extraction particularly during seasons of poor rains.