The use and abuse of Ethiopia's fishery resources
Fish resources in Ethiopia come exclusively from inland sources. In 2008, fish catch was estimated at around 17,000 tons 74 per cent of which originating from the six main lakes: Tana, Zeway, Langano, Hawassa, Abaya and Chamo; and 26 per cent from the other water bodies. Fish potential of the country is estimated at 45,000–51,500 tons per year, according to studies Thus, with less than 38 per cent of the potential currently exploited, there is a considerable room for further exploitation of fish resources. Fish as a source of human food has a long history in Ethiopia. People consume large amount of fish in fasting days, in big cities, around production areas and towns, especially in Zeway, Arba Minch, Bahir Dar and Addis Ababa. Outside these areas, however, the domestic market for fish is small. According to Assefa Mitike, a researcher, the factors which account for this low level of local fish consumption are the following. First, fish has not been integrated into t