CONSERVATION IN LAKE TANGANYIKA, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO UNDERWATERPARKS

Lake Tanganyika is outstanding among lakes because of the intrinsic va lue of its fauna and the significance of its natural resources, Reconc iliation of resource exploitation and con-servation is essential becau se of changes in the lake environment caused by human activities. Impo rtant new initiatives to shape national environmental policies for the lake are taking place. Regional cooperation is required for major lak ewide studies, especially in lake circulation and the prevention of po llution, and in adjustment of fisheries objectives to meet conservatio n as well as economic goals. Basic conservation aims proposed are (1) avoidance of gross changes in natural communities in the lake in gener al, and (2) retention of the fauna in some parts in an unexploited sta te, as in underwater parks. Early strategies suggested are the extensi on of four existing wildlife land parks further into the lake to form underwater parks, and reconnaissance of other potential park sites. In itial ecological and social surveys conducted from the four parks woul d provide baseline data for management Underwater park boundaries shou ld as far as possible be determined on an ecological basis to encompas s entire local distributions of species populations. A case of alterna tive boundaries is examined for the Nsumbu Park. Other important plann ing considerations are the multi-use of parks in addition to fundament al conservation, such as tourism, sport fishing, and specific traditio nal lake and land uses. Regional cooperation between parks will be imp ortant for tourism.