Wetland & Fish Ecology - Enviro Dynamics Namibia

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Decrease in water surface area by damming and filling in considerable areas
and constriction of iishana in Oshakati
Disturbance of natural bottom and compacted unproductive surfaces
Increased predation where natural cover has been removed or compaction
took place
Removal of diversity of habitats and featureless sides/ margins of the aligned
channel
Decrease in vegetation, sheltered margins and so habitat for fish food items
Increased fishing pressure.
This should be monitored and controlled by MFMR if needed.
Depending on how the system of sluices / floodgates on either side of the
town are operated, they can either reduce the amount of water entering the
town and decrease how long it remains, reducing the habitats available for
fishing in town or, by preventing water from leaving town, could increase the
time the water remains in the town oshana, so locally improving fishing
Draft Environmental Impact Assessment: Oshakati Flood Mitigation Project
Specialist Study: Wetland Ecology and Fish Ecology Imputs
July 2012