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Fishing sustainably
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These waters have fed multitudes for millennia In addition to the Indian Ocean, Tanzania has many lakes. Three are particularly noteworthy as they can boast the largest diversity of fish in the world. Lake Victoria, on the northern boarder, is the second largest freshwater body in the world (surpassed only by Lake Superior in Canada). Unhappily, it has been invaded by foreign entrepreneurs who have introduced a non native species that has upset the balance and is devouring other species. That plus over fishing, pollution from agricultural projects and raw sewage from habitation have combined to ring the death knoll for Lake Victoria. Then there is the jewel-Lake Tanganyika. It is the longest freshwater body in the world, and the second deepest after Lake Baikal in Russia. It is 3 million years old, and has the lowest pollution of any lake in the world. It hosts 500 species of fish. And lastly, there is Lake Nyasa, inaccessibly nestled in the Rift Valley, reputed to be the most beautiful lake in Africa. Perhaps the presence of cerebral malaria in the area has kept it safe! |