Grade 10 marine and fisheries technology Capture Fisheries – 3.1 Fundamentals of Capture Fisheries Notes

Specific Learning Outcomes

1. Identify and outline sub-sub-strands:
   • Types of capture fisheries
   • Types of artisanal / small-scale fisheries
   • Importance of capture fisheries in the Kenyan economy
2. Describe types of capture fisheries.
3. Explain types of artisanal / small-scale fisheries.
4. Recognise the importance of capture fisheries in the Kenyan economy.

What are capture fisheries?

Capture fisheries are the activities of catching naturally occurring aquatic organisms (fish, crustaceans, molluscs) from the wild, using boats, nets and other gears. They include both marine (ocean/sea) and inland (lakes, rivers, swamps) systems.

(a) Types of capture fisheries — quick outline

• By water body: Marine (Indian Ocean coastline), Inland (lakes such as Victoria, Turkana; rivers like Tana; small freshwater bodies)
• By scale: Artisanal / small-scale, Commercial / industrial, Recreational (sport fishing)
• By target species & method: Demersal (bottom species), Pelagic (surface/mid-water species), Shellfish fisheries (shrimps, crabs), Mixed fisheries

(b) Describe types of capture fisheries (details)

Marine capture fisheries

Occur along Kenya's Indian Ocean coast. Examples of targets: shrimps, prawns, octopus, reef fishes, tuna (offshore). Boats range from traditional dhows and canoes to motorized trawlers and commercial purse seiners (though Kenya's industrial fleet is limited).

Inland capture fisheries

Occur in lakes and rivers. Lake Victoria is the most important — home to Nile perch, tilapia and dagaa (silver cyprinids). Other important systems: Lake Turkana, Lake Naivasha, seasonal wetlands and river fisheries (Tana, Athi).

Artisanal / small-scale fisheries

Small boats, simple gear, local markets — described below in detail. Often the backbone of coastal and lakeside livelihoods.

Commercial / industrial fisheries

Larger vessels, mechanized gear, operating farther offshore or in large lakes. Focus on high-value species for export and national markets.

Recreational fisheries

Sport fishing tourism (catch-and-release in some cases), important near coastal resorts and some lake areas.

(c) Types of artisanal / small-scale fisheries — explanation and Kenyan examples

Artisanal fisheries are varied. Common categories used in Kenya:

• Beach/seine fisheries: Small boats or shore-based operations using seine nets (dragged to shore). Common on the coast and some lake shores. Quick to set and good for schooling fish.
• Gillnet fisheries: Nets set in the water that entangle fish by the gills. Widely used on Lake Victoria for tilapia and Nile perch and along the coast for some species.
• Hook-and-line (handline and longline): Simple, inexpensive — used from canoes or small boats for groupers, emperors, tuna (inshore). Good for selective fishing (less bycatch).
• Traps and baskets: Traditional basket traps and fish pots used in rivers, lagoons and sheltered coastal areas to catch crabs, small fish and shrimp.
• Diving and gleaning: Collecting shellfish, octopus and seaweeds by free-divers or people wading at low tide — important for coastal communities and women fishers.
• Small trawls and ring-nets: Small engine-powered boats may tow small trawls or ring nets in nearshore waters (careful management needed to avoid habitat damage).

(d) Importance of capture fisheries in the Kenyan economy

Capture fisheries are important in many ways for Kenya:

• Food and nutrition: Fish provide animal protein and micronutrients to coastal, lakeside and urban populations (important for household diets).
• Livelihoods & employment: Support fishers, processors, traders, boat builders and many service providers in landing sites and markets — a key source of income for communities.
• Foreign exchange & trade: High-value species (e.g., Nile perch fillets, prawns) are exported, earning foreign currency.
• Local economy & value chains: Fish processing, transport and markets stimulate local businesses from fuel sellers to ice suppliers and transporters.
• Cultural & social value: Fishing is part of traditions in many Kenyan coastal and lakeside communities (festivals, food culture).
• Tourism & recreation: Sport fishing and seafood tourism near coastal resorts and lakes attract visitors and support incomes.

Threats and the need for sustainable use (short)

To keep fisheries productive, we must manage threats:

• Overfishing and illegal gear
• Pollution (industrial, agricultural runoff)
• Habitat loss (mangrove clearing, wetland drainage)
• Climate change affecting water temperatures and fish distribution

Simple measures used in Kenya: gear restrictions, closed seasons, minimum size limits, local Beach Management Units (BMUs) that help communities manage their fisheries.

Key terms (short)

Capture fishery: Taking wild fish from natural waters.   Artisanal: Small-scale, low-technology fishing.   Gillnet: Net that traps fish by gills.   BMU: Beach Management Unit (community fishery group).

Suggested learning experiences (practical & classroom)

• Field visit: Visit a local landing site (e.g., Lake Victoria landing or a coastal village). Observe gear, boats, catches and local markets. Record three species names and how fish are sold.
• Guest speaker: Invite a small-scale fisher or BMU representative to speak about daily life and management practices.
• Group activity: Map local types of fisheries: inland vs coastal, list gears used, and discuss which need protection and why.
• Role-play: Class divides into fishers, fish traders, regulators (BMU), and discuss a rule (e.g., closed season) and negotiate outcomes.
• Short data task: Given sample catches, calculate catch per unit effort (CPUE = catch ÷ hours fished) to compare productivity of two gears.
• Poster or drawing: Draw common gears (gillnet, handline, trap) and label where each is used in Kenya.

Short assessment (for learners)

1. List three types of capture fisheries and give one Kenyan example for each.
2. Explain two differences between artisanal and industrial fisheries.
3. Why are fisheries important for the Kenyan economy? Give three reasons.
4. Describe one community rule (e.g., BMU measure) that could help protect fish stocks.

Safety and ethics during learning activities

• Wear life jackets if you go near boats or water.
• Ask permission before photographing or interviewing fishers.
• Respect local customs and do not disturb fishing gear.