The Dynamics of Shoreline Wetlands and Sediments of Northern Lake Victoria

This book presents the results of research conducted between 2000 and 2004 on Lake Victoria (East Africa). The research examined the spatial spread of shoreline wetlands and found their distribution to be strongly influenced by the action of wind and waves. Evidence also pointed to a strong influence of wind-induced waves and currents on within-lake transport of surficial sediments. Paleolimnological reconstructions from bottom sediments confirmed earlier studies demonstrating the occurrence of eutrophication, and suggested that climate change was a co-driver of lake ecosystem change. It is argued that eutrophication could have led to destruction of a number of littoral plants species and has induced changes in fish populations. The study concludes by recommending the introduction of catchment management measures to reduce the export of nutrients to the lake.