{"title":"Featured Cover: Cover Image, Volume 5, Issue 4","authors":"","doi":"10.1002/aff2.70112","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.70112","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The cover image is based on the Original Article by <i>Earthworm (Eisenia fetida) Meal as Fishmeal Replacement in the diet of Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) fingerlings</i> by Belay Abdissa et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.70105.\u0000\u0000 <figure>\u0000 <div><picture>\u0000 <source></source></picture><p></p>\u0000 </div>\u0000 </figure></p>","PeriodicalId":100114,"journal":{"name":"Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries","volume":"5 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aff2.70112","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144869983","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Erratum to “Stakeholder Perspectives on the 2023 Ghana National Aquaculture Development Plan: An Integration Within the Ecosystem Approach Framework”","authors":"","doi":"10.1002/aff2.70109","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.70109","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Original citation: Zornu, J., Oyih, M., Binde, M., Viglo, J., Agbekpornu, H., Nkansa, M., Tavornpanich, S., Norheim, K., Brun, E., & Cudjoe, K. S. (2023). “Stakeholder Perspectives on the 2023 Ghana National Aquaculture Development Plan: An Integration within the Ecosystem Approach Framework.” <i>Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries</i> 3(6), 459–471. https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.135</p><p>This erratum corrects our article (https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.135), which was based on stakeholder perspectives grounded in ecosystem-based principles during the development of the new Ghana National Aquaculture Development Plan (GNADP). Upon publication, the new GNADP was tentatively scheduled for gazetting in 2023, with implementation planned for 2023–2028. Accordingly, our article referred to the plan as ‘GNADP 2023’. However, the official launch and publication were postponed to 2024, thereby shifting the operational period to 2024–2028. This erratum reconciles all mentions of the plan in our article with the official plan, updating them to ‘GNADP (2024–2028)’ as published by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development (MoFAD <span>2025</span>). In addition, minor edits were made to sentence structures. These corrections do not affect the materials and methods, results, discussions or policy perspectives presented in the earlier publication. We apologize for any miscommunications.</p><p><b>The corrections effected in the article are</b>:</p><p>Original title (Page 459)—Stakeholder perspectives on the 2023 Ghana National Aquaculture Development Plan: An integration within the Ecosystem Approach Framework</p><p>Corrected to: Stakeholder perspectives on the Ghana National Aquaculture Development Plan (2024–2028): An integration within the Ecosystem Approach Framework</p><p><b>Abstract changes</b>:</p><p>Page 459—This study reviewed the 2012 Ghana National Aquaculture Development Plan (GNADP) and sought inputs from industry stakeholders to inform GNADP 2023 using the ecosystem approach to aquaculture (EAA).</p><p>Corrected to: This study reviewed the Ghana National Aquaculture Development Plan (2012–2016) and sought input from industry stakeholders to inform GNADP (2024–2028) using the ecosystem approach to aquaculture (EAA).</p><p>Page 459 (continuation)—The findings suggest that GNADP 2023 must be strategized to address industry sustainability bottlenecks identified as input availability and quality, permitting, regulation and enforcement, financing schemes and technical expertise.</p><p>Corrected to: The findings suggest that GNADP (2024–2028) should be strategically designed to address industry sustainability bottlenecks identified as input availability and quality, permitting, regulation and enforcement, financing schemes and technical expertise.</p><p><b>1. Introduction</b></p><p>Page 460 (Paragraph 1)—It is essential to reflect on GNADP 2012 to incorporate its lessons into the new GNADP, planned for operationalization from 2023 for the next","PeriodicalId":100114,"journal":{"name":"Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries","volume":"5 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aff2.70109","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144861677","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Khrystyna Kurta, José Beirão, Benjamin Thomason, Christos Palaiokostas
{"title":"Assessing Sperm Quality Parameters in Mass-Spawning Norwegian Arctic Charr","authors":"Khrystyna Kurta, José Beirão, Benjamin Thomason, Christos Palaiokostas","doi":"10.1002/aff2.70111","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.70111","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Gaps in knowledge exist regarding sperm quality in farmed fish and its variation with age. The literature shows differing results among populations with diverse genetic backgrounds. Data collected from captive mass-spawning Norwegian Arctic charr were analysed to investigate sperm quality parameters and their age-related variations. We conducted a retrospective review of 63 milt analysis records from broodfish aged 2–9 years. Sperm motility and kinetic parameters decreased significantly (<i>p </i>< 0.05) with advancing age, whereas no significant changes were observed in sperm concentration. A regression model explaining approximately 30% of the variation (adjusted <i>R</i><sup>2</sup> ≈ 0.3) suggested a significant and negative effect of age on sperm swimming velocities (<i>p </i>< 0.05). Finally, the analysis of the ddRAD data did not reveal significant genetic associations. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into age-related trends and may serve as a foundation for further investigations into the sperm quality performance of populations with varying reproductive strategies and genetic structures.</p>","PeriodicalId":100114,"journal":{"name":"Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries","volume":"5 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aff2.70111","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144861913","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Optimizing Culture Protocols for Cyclops sp.: Innovations in Density, Feed Composition and Dietary Strategies for Freshwater Aquaculture","authors":"Sadia Momota Hena, Jinnath Rehana Ritu, Md. Abu Sayed, Md. Al-Amin, Md. Mahfuzul Haque, Saleha Khan","doi":"10.1002/aff2.70110","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.70110","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Developing optimized feeding strategies for copepods is essential in contemporary aquaculture, as they serve as a highly nutritious live feed for numerous aquatic organisms. Three experiments were conducted to enhance the development and reproductive success of the copepod, <i>Cyclops</i> sp., to support sustainable aquaculture practices. The first experiment examined the effect of different initial stocking densities of <i>Cyclops</i> sp. (250 (CD250), 500 (CD500), 1000 (CD1000), 3000 (CD3000) and 6000 (CD6000) indv. L<sup>−1</sup>) on the final growth where CD1000 supported the most favourable growth compared to CD6000 and CD500 (<i>p</i> = 0.008 for all comparisons) as well as CD3000 and CD250 (<i>p</i> < 0.001 for all comparisons). The second experiment evaluated the population responses of the <i>Cyclops</i> sp. to varying concentrations of <i>Chlorococcum</i> sp. (1 × 10<sup>5</sup> (AC1), 3 × 10<sup>5</sup> (AC3), 5 × 10<sup>5</sup> (AC5), 7 × 10<sup>5</sup> (AC7) and 9 × 10<sup>5</sup> (AC9) cells mL<sup>−1</sup>). The highest density of the <i>Cyclops</i> sp. was observed at AC5 than other concentrations (<i>p</i> < 0.01 for all comparisons). The third experiment investigated the influence of different dietary regimes (live <i>Chlorococcum</i> sp. (Alg), live <i>Chlorococcum</i> sp. + commercial yeast (<i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i>) (Alg + Y) and only commercial yeast (Y)). The significantly highest copepod density was achieved with the supplementation of the Alg + Y diet than others (<i>p</i> < 0.01). These results suggest that optimizing initial stocking densities and using relatively high concentrations of <i>Chlorococcum</i> sp. can effectively promote the growth and abundance of <i>Cyclops</i> sp. Furthermore, incorporating <i>Chlorococcum</i> sp. into the feeding regimens, either alone or in combination with other diets, improves the copepod growth and reproduction, providing valuable insights for optimizing aquaculture practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":100114,"journal":{"name":"Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries","volume":"5 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aff2.70110","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144869484","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Daniel Ferreira R. Oliveira, Antonio Cesar Godoy, Marcos Paiva Scardua, Micheli Zaminhan Hassemer, Vanessa Lewandowski, Joab Dutra Pereira, Karen Maiuli O. Amorim, Murilo Machado Ramos, Joyce Zanella, Claucia A. Honorato, Dacley H. Neu
{"title":"Diet Supplemented With Tribulus terrestris Improves Hepatoprotection and Oxidative Stress in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Fingerlings","authors":"Daniel Ferreira R. Oliveira, Antonio Cesar Godoy, Marcos Paiva Scardua, Micheli Zaminhan Hassemer, Vanessa Lewandowski, Joab Dutra Pereira, Karen Maiuli O. Amorim, Murilo Machado Ramos, Joyce Zanella, Claucia A. Honorato, Dacley H. Neu","doi":"10.1002/aff2.70098","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.70098","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Phytogenic additives such as <i>Tribulus terrestris</i> are known to promote various beneficial effects. Although most well-documented benefits relate to reproductive performance, their consumption may also induce positive physiological effects. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementing Nile tilapia diets with different concentrations of <i>T. terrestris</i> (200, 400, and 600 mg kg<sup>−1</sup>) compared to a control group (0 mg kg<sup>−1</sup>). The 32-day experiment was conducted in a recirculation system with 12 tanks, each treatment replicated three times, with 15 fingerlings per tank. We assessed zootechnical performance, enzymatic activities—including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), amylase and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)—fish proximate composition (moisture, crude protein, crude fat and ash), and histomorphometric analyses of liver and intestine. Results showed no significant differences in zootechnical performance or carcass composition. However, enzymatic activities varied significantly: <i>T. terrestris</i> enhanced amylase and ALP activities at all supplementation levels; SOD activity increased at 200 mg kg<sup>−1</sup> but decreased at 600 mg kg<sup>−1</sup>; ALT and AST levels were reduced across all supplemented groups compared to control. Muscle histomorphometric showed decreased fibre diameters with supplementation, suggesting inhibition of muscle hypertrophy. Overall, <i>T. terrestris</i> exhibited hepatoprotective effects and improved amylase activity but did not affect zootechnical performance. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with <i>T. terrestris</i> influenced enzymatic activities and muscle histomorphometry in Nile tilapia, notably enhancing amylase and ALP activities, which may improve dietary nutrient absorption.</p>","PeriodicalId":100114,"journal":{"name":"Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries","volume":"5 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aff2.70098","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144832925","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Devin N. Jones-Slobodian, Daniel Wieferich, Noah Fierer, Joseph Craine, Adam Sepulveda
{"title":"Turning Trash Into Treasure: Leveraging Discarded Filters for National-Scale Aquatic eDNA Biomonitoring","authors":"Devin N. Jones-Slobodian, Daniel Wieferich, Noah Fierer, Joseph Craine, Adam Sepulveda","doi":"10.1002/aff2.70104","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.70104","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Monitoring biodiversity changes over large spatiotemporal scales is critical for effective ecosystem conservation and management. This study investigates the potential of environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to enhance national-scale biomonitoring of freshwater diversity by leveraging discarded filters associated with routine water quality sampling from the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) National Water Quality Network (NWQN). We tested 375 samples from 103 NWQN sites for eDNA of native and non-native fish and found that 52% of the filters yielded fish eDNA for a total of 70 fish species detections. Of the filters that had fish eDNA present, an average of 3.7 species were detected. Benchmarking these results to USGS's Aquatic Gap Analysis Project (AGAP)—which includes both field-verified observations along with predictive models derived from fish capture and landscape predictor datasets—we found that eDNA from these filters detected only a fraction of the observed and expected fish diversity for these sites. Our results indicate that these discarded filters may not be sufficient for eDNA sampling of fish communities and posit that alternative filter types more appropriate for eDNA sampling may yield more valuable biomonitoring data. Nevertheless, we tested the efficacy of two novel approaches to facilitate large-scale biomonitoring. Though these filters did not yield adequate fish eDNA, the AGAP database provides a useful method for ground truthing fish species presence. The potential of integrating eDNA sampling into existing monitoring frameworks, which, when paired with more optimal eDNA methods, could be a cost-effective strategy to enhance biodiversity monitoring at large scales.</p>","PeriodicalId":100114,"journal":{"name":"Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries","volume":"5 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aff2.70104","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144832924","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Integrated Fish Farming Practices for Sustainable Food Production and Income Generation in Ethiopia: A Comprehensive Review","authors":"Negese Kebtieneh, Gashaw Tilahun, Akewake Geremew, Belay Abdissa, Alayu Yalew","doi":"10.1002/aff2.70106","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.70106","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Integrated fish farming systems are gaining recognition in Ethiopia as a sustainable way to boost productivity, income and food security. However, there is a noticeable lack of scientific analysis regarding the operations and conditions of these systems in the country. This review dives into the various types and components of integrated fish farming, examining aspects like productivity, yield benefits, profitability, economic value, resource efficiency, environmental advantages and challenges, and limitations faced in Ethiopia. We gathered information from a range of sources, including databases like PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, as well as documents from the FAO, WorldFish and Ethiopian agricultural research institutes reports. To assess the feasibility of integrated fish farming for optimizing resources, enhancing soil fertility through fishpond effluent and boosting agricultural output and rural livelihoods, we reviewed 90 articles published between 2010 and 2025. The findings indicate that the most commonly used models in integrated systems include fish–vegetable, fish–rice and fish–livestock integrations, candidate fish species like Nile tilapia, African catfish and common carp. Yet, several challenges hinder widespread adoption, such as a lack of technical expertise, limited access to quality inputs, water management issues and legislative gaps. To overcome these challenges, a collaborative effort is essential to build capacity, improve infrastructure and establish market connections. In summary, integrated fish farming system has the potential to transform smallholder farmers in Ethiopia into sustainable food producers, generating income, while also contributing to climate resilience, sustainable aquaculture production and poverty alleviation in the country.</p>","PeriodicalId":100114,"journal":{"name":"Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries","volume":"5 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aff2.70106","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144815057","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Earthworm (Eisenia Fetida) Meal as Fishmeal Replacement in the Diet of Oreochromis Niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) Fingerlings","authors":"Belay Abdissa, Melkamu Gete, Endalew Alemu","doi":"10.1002/aff2.70105","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.70105","url":null,"abstract":"<p>With the rising cost and ecological impact of traditional fishmeal, there is an urgent need for sustainable and locally available alternative protein sources in aquaculture. This study evaluated the effectiveness of <i>Eisenia fetida</i> meal as a sustainable protein substitute for fishmeal in the diets of <i>Oreochromis niloticus</i> fingerlings under controlled conditions. A 90-day feeding trial tested diets with 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% fishmeal replacement. Growth performance, feed utilization, survival rate, and production cost were assessed. Partial replacement at 50% and 75% significantly improved final body weight, daily and specific growth rates, and feed conversion ratios (FCR) compared to the control. The 75% replacement diet achieved the best balance between biological performance and economic benefit, reducing production costs by up to 24.7 ETB/kg while maintaining high survival (82.22%) and growth outcomes. Complete replacement (100%) reduced costs further but compromised growth. The study confirms that <i>Eisenia fetida</i> meal, when properly processed, offers a viable alternative to fishmeal for intensive aquaculture operations, with the potential to improve sustainability and profitability.</p>","PeriodicalId":100114,"journal":{"name":"Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries","volume":"5 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aff2.70105","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144815058","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Charlene Bwiza Simataa, Frans Carel Persendt, Christopher Gomez
{"title":"Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing in Africa: A Systematic Review of Challenges and Management Strategies","authors":"Charlene Bwiza Simataa, Frans Carel Persendt, Christopher Gomez","doi":"10.1002/aff2.70107","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.70107","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Given the rich marine biodiversity in African waters, IUU fishing continues to be a persistent problem throughout these regions. While existing studies have sought to deepen our understanding of this problem, data are still limited in developing countries. Many studies focus on specific areas, primarily emphasising either economic losses or enforcement challenges, without providing a comprehensive overview of the broader issues faced by African countries. This systematic review examines the challenges and management strategies of IUU fishing in African waters, using Namibia as a case study. Understanding these challenges and the current management strategies is vital for safeguarding the valuable fishery resources of African countries. The review analysed relevant literature sourced from the Scopus and Google Scholar databases. Key findings reveal socio-economic drivers, weak enforcement and surveillance, limited data availability, insufficient collaboration among stakeholders and governance gaps. In response, various countries have implemented management strategies, such as strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks, enhancing current monitoring and surveillance systems, engaging communities and stakeholders and fostering regional and international cooperation. Namibia's case shows that with strong political will, a robust legal framework and strategic investments in fisheries monitoring and enforcement, it is possible to significantly reduce the prevalence of IUU fishing. Namibia's progress offers a valuable model for other neighbouring Southern African coastal countries, especially those facing challenges related to weak enforcement, fragmented governance and external exploitation. The findings of this review emphasise the need for stronger regional cooperation, improved monitoring and surveillance technologies and active community engagement in sustainable fishing practices. By addressing these challenges through comprehensive management frameworks and international collaboration, African countries can better preserve their marine resources for future generations.</p>","PeriodicalId":100114,"journal":{"name":"Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries","volume":"5 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aff2.70107","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144782791","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Richard S. Komba, Chacha J. Mwita, Esther G. Kimaro
{"title":"Cage-Cultured Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Farming: A Third Generation of Pollution in Lake Victoria, Tanzania","authors":"Richard S. Komba, Chacha J. Mwita, Esther G. Kimaro","doi":"10.1002/aff2.70108","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/aff2.70108","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This study was carried out along the Mwanza Gulf, Lake Victoria, Tanzania, where water samples for the determination of physico-chemical parameters were collected from March to October 2023. NH<sup>4+</sup>-N, NO<sup>3−</sup>-N, NO<sup>2−</sup>-N, and PO<sup>4+</sup>-P were analyzed using standard methods. Temperature (°C), electrical conductivity (µS/cm), dissolved oxygen (mg/L), pH, and turbidity were measured in situ. Water temperature ranged from 27.9°C at Misungwi to 29.1°C at Nyamagana. Dissolved oxygen (DO) was high at Ilemela (6.70 mg/L) and declined (5.78 mg/L) at Nyamagana. Electrical conductivity and water turbidity increased as the number of cages sampled increased. Nitrate increased from 0.09 mg/L (90 µg/L) at Ilemela to 0.15 mg/L (150 µg/L) at Nyamagana, ammonia concentration from 0.26 mg/L (260 µg/L) to 0.45 mg/L (450 µg/L) at Nyamagana, and phosphate increased from 0.26 mg/L (260 µg/L) to 1.41 mg/L (1410 µg/L). When the results of this study were compared to those reported before 2015, the variations were significant at all levels. We conclude that inputs from cage fish farming are contributing immensely to nutrients loading and thus pollution in the lake. The riparian governments around the lake are urged to take measures that will ensure sustainable cage fish farming without jeopardizing the environmental quality of Lake Victoria with the consequential collapse of the existing fishery.</p>","PeriodicalId":100114,"journal":{"name":"Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries","volume":"5 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aff2.70108","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144773695","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}