Common water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes) invades Lakes Edward, George, and Kazinga Channel: A call for immediate action

Common water hyacinth, Pontederia (former Eichhornia) crassipes is a notorious aquatic invasive species. In African Great Lakes, the species is known for deleterious social, economic, and environmental impacts in lakes such as Victoria, Kyoga, Albert, Malawi, Tanganyika, Tana, and Naivasha. We report invasion and establishment of the species in Lake Edward, Kazinga Channel and possibly in Lake George. Lake Edward is one of the African Great Lakes. Common water hyacinth was observed at multiple locations on Lake Edward and Kazinga Channel. Presence of ‘mats’ of the weed with flowers is a sign of successful establishment. We observed free floating Common water hyacinth plants, indicating that the invasion is spreading. The invasion and establishment of the weed threatens a fishery of significant importance to rural livelihoods, fish species of conservation importance and tourism among others. At the current extent of invasion, mechanical removal and use of water hyacinth weevils, if expedited, could be adequate for stopping the expansion of the invasive weed. We recommend immediate action by government agencies responsible for the management of fisheries and protected areas to control the weed.