PRODUCTION OF THE AFRICAN CATFISH (CLARIAS GARIEPINUS) II. POPULATION PRODUCTION AS ESTIMATED FROM SURPLUS PRODUCTION MODELS FOR LAKE MCILWAINE, ZIMBABWE

Abstract

The population production of Clarias gariepinus was studied by Schaefer type surplus production models. The maximum sustainable yield of African catfish in Lake McIlwaine, Zimbabwe was found to be in the range of 33 000 to 41 000 kg (13,46 to 15,77 kg ha⁻¹ a⁻¹) with the total catch (of all species) in the range of 72 000 to 77 000 kg (27,69 to 29,62 kg ha⁻¹ a⁻¹). Overfishing, although present, in the traditional ‘temperate zone’ sense, does not appear to be a serious problem.