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Environmental Factors Influencing Artisanal Fisheries in Asari- Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

Ikeogu, C.F, Akinrotimi O. A, and Omodu, F.A

Abstract

This study examined the environmental factors influencing artisanal fisheries in Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. The study was conducted in four fishing communities namely Buguma, Ido, Abalama, and Ilelema. Structured questionnaires were used to collect primary data from 80 respondents comprised of fishers, fish processors, and fish marketers, with 20 respondents selected from each community. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequencies, and percentages. The results revealed that males dominated artisanal fisheries activities, accounting for 68.75% of respondents, while the majority (30.00%) were within the age range of 31–40 years. Most respondents were married (70.00%) and possessed either primary or secondary education. Fishing constituted the major occupation of respondents (52.50%). The study identified oil pollution as the major environmental factor affecting artisanal fisheries, accounting for 50.00% of responses, followed by mangrove destruction (22.50%) and climate variability (15.00%). Decline in fish catch (47.50%) and loss of income (27.50%) were the major perceived effects of environmental degradation on fisheries activities. To cope with these environmental challenges, respondents adopted strategies such as change of fishing location (43.75%) and increased fishing effort (23.75%). Financial support to fishers (47.50%) was the major measure suggested by respondents for improving fisheries sustainability. The study concluded that environmental degradation significantly affects artisanal fisheries productivity and livelihoods in Asari-Toru Local Government Area. The study therefore recommends effective pollution control measures, mangrove restoration programmes, environmental awareness campaigns, and financial support for artisanal fishers to enhance sustainable fisheries development in the study area.

Keywords

Artisanal fisheriesEnvironmental factorsFishersSustainabilityRivers StateNiger Delta.

References

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