Sustainable Artisanal Fisheries Practices in Nigeria

Abstract

The paper attempts to examine the current trends of artisanal fisheries practices in inland waters of Nigeria. The paper discussed the potentials of inland fisheries resources, its advantages and the pressure on inland fisheries resources of Nigeria. Despites efforts by relevant agencies, bodies and institutions through regulations, control and monitoring, Unsustainable fisheries practices such as overfishing, use of destructive and damaging fishing methods as well as illegal, unregulated and unreported fisheries practices are still common practices among artisanal fishers in Nigeria. There is low adherence and compliance to fisheries regulations and sustainable fisheries practices among the artisanal fishers. These unsustainable fisheries practices are threatening the sustainability and benefits of the inland fisheries resources.The paper also highlights the current challenges facing and militating against the sustainable development of artisanal fisheries in Nigeria, fisheries sustainability objectives and ecosystem effects of fishing. There is need for swift adoption and implementation of measures that will ensure sustainable exploitation, development and management of the inland fisheries resources of Nigeria. The paper recommends the need for enlightenment campaign on sustainable fisheries practices, regular programmers of overfished and depleted water bodies and integrates artisanal fishers as key stakeholders in fisheries policy formulation, management. Diversifying or providing an alternative source of income for the artisanal fishers would reduce the pressure on the resources by engaging in non-fishing activities. The need to strictly implement the newly enacted Inland fisheries Act, 2014 cannot be overemphasized.

Physicochemical Parameters and Fish Catches of Zobe Reservoir in Katsina State, Nigeria

“…Boyd (1990) and Apollos et al (2016) noted that the ideal temperature range for warm-water fish growth is 25 to 32 0 C. The annual temperature range of Zobe reservoir based on this research is within sustainable range for fish production. The results are similar to the work of Sogbesan and Kwaji (2018); Yerima et al, 2017;Abdulakrim and Lamai, (2012); Bala and Bolorunduro (2011) and Adakole and Annue (2003). However, some authors reported lower minimum ranges: the report by Scheffer (1998) that the normal temperature in tropics that fish is adapted to be between 8°C and 30°C.…”

“…The dissolved oxygen falls above the recommended value of 5mg/l as reported by Viveen et al, (1985). Oniye et al, (2002) reported mean oxygen concentration of 0.17mg/l in Zaria dam, while the DO value of 4.8 -8.2mg/L has also been reported by various scientists from various reservoirs in Nigeria (Mustapha, 2008;Sogbesan and Baka, 2017;Sogbesan and Kwaji, 2018;Dan-kishiya et al, 2018, and…”

“…Overexploitation and inadequate water body management practices are to be blamed for the deterioration in Nigeria's fishing resources (Lawson and Olusanya, 2010). Understanding the species composition, diversity, and richness of the water bodies is essential for the sustainability of these resources (Nababa et al, 2022a &Kwaji, 2018). One of Nigeria's most significant sources of dependable animal protein is the capture fisheries (Federal Department of Fisheries, 2008).…”

Determinants of demand and supply of microcredit among fish farmers in Osun State

“…Nigerians' well-being is also significantly impacted by fish farming. When compared to other sources like beef, mutton, and chicken in Nigeria, fish is a less expensive form of animal protein (Omowa, 2016;Sogbesan and Kwaji, 2018;Olaleye et al, 2019). It is a significant food source that is priceless for the protein it offers and the industrial items it generates.…”