The Lake Tanganyika sprat (Stolothrissa tanganicae), locally known as "dagaa," is a small, pelagic freshwater fish endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. This species forms a crucial part of the lake's ecosystem and is a staple protein source for millions of people living around the lake. The top countries engaged in Lake Tanganyika sprat fishing are Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi, and Zambia, as all four nations share the lake’s shoreline. Tanzania is the leading harvester, particularly from the Kigoma region, followed by the DRC, with significant catches also coming from Burundi and Zambia. The fishing industry for this species is dominated by artisanal and small-scale fishers who use light attraction at night and lift nets to catch the sprat. The dried fish is widely traded and consumed locally and regionally, making it an important economic and nutritional resource for the riparian communities.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Burundi | 8,635 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.