The significance of community-based management in the structure and sustainability of the fisheries in Cross River Estuary, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract. Antigha AA, Armah AK, Nyarko E. 2021. The significance of community-based management in the structure and sustainability of the fisheries in Cross River Estuary, Nigeria. Indo Pac J Ocean Life 5: 29-41. Given the unsustainable fishing practices in the Cross River estuary, this study examined its fisheries' structure and sustainability. Water quality and fish health in the research area were evaluated by analyzing the water's physicochemical parameters. Surface measurements included pH, DO, turbidity, salinity, alkalinity, phosphate, and nitrate levels. In addition, researchers looked into the exploitation rates, fish sizes, and socioeconomic elements in the estuary's multispecies gillnet fishery to ascertain its susceptibility to human and environmental influences. The turbidity of the water in the area varied significantly between the study sites, with values ranging from 21.8 to 52.2 NTU (normalized turbidity units) at Esuk Anansa, 30.3 NTU at Esuk Okon, and 21.8 NTU at Esuk Anantigha. Nevertheless, fish could tolerate the water quality during the research period. Sampled monthly catches averaged 21.2 kilograms in weight (range 15.3 kg to 27.0 kg). CPUE averaged 7.1 kg per vessel per journey. Pseudotolithus elongatus made up 56.69% of the catch by weight, followed by Ethmalosa fimbriata at 30.28% and Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus at 7.53%. The study found that certain fish species are in danger because of unsustainable fishing practices that result in the taking of predominantly small fish (less than 15 cm in length). To update knowledge on socioeconomic indices, fishing equipment, and prime captures of the fishes in the area and to propose management methods for the fisheries and environment, the socioeconomic situation of artisanal fishermen, traders, and mangrove loggers in the estuary were determined. The study suggests implementing a community-based coastal resource management strategy for the long-term health of the region's fisheries and ecology.