The reservoir created by the grand ethiopian renaissance dam construction has caused a significant decline in fish stock development in the benishangul-gumuz region. Dr. Birhanu iticha, head of the animal and fisheries development sector at the regional agriculture office, stated that the lake has greatly decreased the region's fish productivity. However, it has also generated broad job opportunities and organized cooperatives.
On tikimt 26, 2018 (fmc), a fana media report from addis ababa indicated that the reservoir created during the grand ethiopian renaissance dam construction has significantly decreased fish productivity in the benishangul-gumuz region. Dr. Birhanu iticha, head of the animal and fisheries development sector at the regional agriculture office, told fana digital that the lake has greatly reduced the region's fish productivity.
No explanation was given on the specific causes of this decline, but 78 cooperatives have been organized for fish production on the lake. These cooperatives have 889 members, including 735 men and 154 women. Thirty-five cooperatives, with 557 members, have started operations after receiving necessary inputs. They reported producing 1,435 tons of fish in the first quarter of the 2018 budget year.
Better production is expected in the second and third quarters due to favorable conditions for fish farming in the coming months. The regional government is collaborating with the ministry of agriculture and the zone to expand fish production and develop market linkages. To meet the cooperatives' input needs, 48 wooden boats, 6 motor boats, 1,600 net sets, and 1,000 nets have been provided. The importance of a refrigerated and processed transport vehicle to make the fish product accessible to consumers was highlighted, with ongoing collaborative efforts to acquire one.