A QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE BIOTIC INTEGRITY OF THE OKAVANGO RIVER, NAMIBIA, BASED ON FISH

This is the first calculation of an index of biotic integrity (IBI) fo r the Okavango River to quantitatively assess the biological status of the river. The assessment indicated a definite degradation of the bio tic component of the Okavango River. Furthermore isolated problem area s were also identified such as habitat and trophic level degradation, increased pollution and the reduced fish stocks at several localities along the river. Several measures were proposed to counteract this tre nd to ensure a sustainable fisheries component of the Okavango River i n future.