Potential fish yield and biology of some fish in Lake Hertale, Afar regional state, Ethiopia

The Afar region is characterized by an arid and semi-arid climate with erratic rainfall prone to frequent droughts despite being endowed fresh saline water bodies along the Awash River Basin. Lake Hertale one of those located in middle Valley. lake's fishery presumed not have been exploited before. study attempted describe some physico-chemical parameters, fish species composition, estimate production potential which are relevant develop a lake prospect contributing food nutrition security. nutrient chlorphyl-a measurements indicated eutrophic state but apparently comparative low primary biomass. Conductivity, dissolved oxygen temperature were within optimal range for warm slightly alkaline pH. It was found that home four important species, namely, Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), barbs (Lebobarbus intermidus), African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Common carp (Cyprinus carpio), crocodiles, several birds hippopotamus. Labeobarbus constituted 56%, followed tilapia 31% total population. Catfish only 9% catch. mean lengths 47.2 38 cm respectively. 22.8 21.7 estimated from 94.3 238 tons per year, average 145.7 year. can support up 21 28 fishers, number 25 fishermen sustainably utilize potential. other adjacent lakes Ethiopia complement fight against hunger malnutrition. Besides, through appropriate development intervention, it possible create employment predominantly pastoralist community.