Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) proposed to develop a hydroelectric project on the Kabompo River, Mwinilunga District, Northern Zambia. AES was appointed by CEC Kabompo Hydro Power Limited (KHPL) to undertake a baseline fish and fisheries survey, and to design and implement a five year monitoring programme on the Kabompo Floodplain, below the Kabompo Gorge. The proposed hydroelectric project involved the construction of a 47m high dam wall and underground power station of 40MW, which will have an annual energy production of 160GWh. The aim of the fish and fisheries monitoring programme was to obtain pre-impact baseline data and develop a programme to monitor future changes in biodiversity or fishers’ livelihoods occur as a result of the construction of the dam.

AES was awarded the contract in 2013 with the programme being completed in 2019. The study involved bi-annual Fisheries Dependent Surveys (FDS) which included conducting Catch Assessment Surveys (CAS) and a household and livelihoods assessment spanning 120km of the upper Kabompo River. FDS data was collected using tablets on forms specifically designed for the project. A Fisheries Independent Survey (FIS) was undertaken annually at the commencement of the wet season and involved the use of several complimentary scientific gears to monitor ichthyofaunal diversity and abundance.