Dynamism and abundance of water hyacinth in the Winam Gulf of Lake Victoria: evidence from remote sensing and seasonal‐climate data

Abstract

Aquatic plant infestations impede lake traffic through navigable waterways, block ports and passenger ferry terminals. Timely, accurate information on aquatic plant dynamism, distributions and density is required both by public agencies and by private companies engaged in aquatic plant control efforts and the local population whose economic livelihood depends on the lake. This study combined the interpretation of remote sensing and climatic variability data in understanding the seasonal dynamism and abundance of water hyacinth in Winam Gulf of Lake Victoria. The results showed a direct relationship between the hyacinth geographic and density distribution and seasonal‐climatic patterns. Gentle currents, moderate rainfall and modest but stable temperatures propagated the rapid blooming and aggregation of the hyacinth mats especially in the sheltered bays. Relatively high rainfall and high temperatures do not favor the proliferation of the weed; hence disintegration and mobility as the strengths of the currents increase in magnitude.

Keywords:

• Remote sensing (RS) data
• Water hyacinth
• Seasonal climate data
• Lake Victoria
• Winam Gulf

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to acknowledge the United States Geological Survey (USGS) for making available the quick view Landsat data used in this study. The local authorities, which contributed to the collection of the climatic data, are all acknowledged for the success of this research. Suggestions by the manuscript reviewers are thankfully acknowledged as they helped shape this manuscript.