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International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies
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Impact Factor RJIF: 5.69
P-ISSN: 2394-0506, E-ISSN: 2347-5129

International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies

2016, Vol. 4, Issue 2, Part E

First record of artisanal fishing effort and characteristics of the Nematopalaemon shrimp fishery in the Okoro river estuary, southeastern Nigeria


Author(s): Ukpatu John, Etim Lawrence, Ambrose Eyo

Abstract: Frame surveys were carried out in April 2011 to March 2012 to assess the effort statistics of the Nematopaleamon shrimp fishery of Okoro River estuary, Southeastern Nigeria. The survey covered the entire estuary from head to mouth. A total of 26 fishing villages were found in the study area. The effort units were run by a work force of 4457 fishers. The mean number of fishers per fishing community was 171. The mean number of crew men per canoe was 3±1. The total number of canoes was 1539 canoes, while the mean number of canoe per fishing community was 59±5. The ratio of operational to non-operational canoes averaged 4:1. Correlation between fishing inputs and environmental factors revealed how the environment and fishing effort governed the yield of the fishery. A total of 9 different fishing gears were in use in the area with fish weir (6%), traditional crayfish beam trawl (16%), stake / stow net (27.2%) and float / anchored trap nets (50.8%) being the most widely used. The study recorded an average of 10±5 nets per canoe unit. Anchored trap net was found to be the only unit of exploitation of the fishery that showed constancy and consistency. The fishing crafts were mainly dug-out motorized canoes (12m long) equipped with 8-45 Hp and non-motorized (8m long) canoes equipped with 3x3x3 polythene sail and paddles. This study recorded a mean value of 4±2 trips per week. The 1539 fishing canoes with 4457 fishers’ work force indicated heavy pressure on shrimp resources. Excessive effort should be reduced for optimal management and sustainability of the Nematopaleamon shrimp fishery in the Okoro River estuary Southeastern of Nigeria.

Pages: 347-354  |  1424 Views  78 Downloads

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How to cite this article:
Ukpatu John, Etim Lawrence, Ambrose Eyo. First record of artisanal fishing effort and characteristics of the Nematopalaemon shrimp fishery in the Okoro river estuary, southeastern Nigeria. Int J Fish Aquat Stud 2016;4(2):347-354.
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