The Okavango Delta: Fisheries in a fluctuating floodplain system

The Okavango Delta's fisheries are sustained by the dynamic interplay between seasonal flooding and drying, which drives significant variability in fish species assemblages. High floods enhance connectivity and nutrient dispersal, supporting robust aquatic ecosystems, while low floods can fragment habitats, leading to local extirpation of stranded fish. The study highlights that the periodicity, magnitude, and predictability of flows are critical for maintaining persistent fisheries production and ecosystem services. It advocates for a balanced fishing regime, inspired by traditional practices, to ensure sustainable exploitation aligned with system productivity, thereby securing food and nutritional value for marginalized communities.

Mosepele, K., Kolding, J., Bokhutlo, T., Mosepele, B. Q., & Molefe, M. (2022). The Okavango Delta: Fisheries in a fluctuating floodplain system. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2022.854835