Impact of Artisanal Fishing Gears on the Fisheries Stock of Lake Geriyo, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to ascertain the Impact of artisanal fishing gears on the fisheries stock of Lake Geriyo, Adamawa State, Nigeria. The study was conducted monthly for four months from August to November, 2023. In the conduct of this study, both primary and secondary methods of data collection were used. A total of Eighty (80) respondents were sampled with structured interview and questionnaire. Data obtained were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. There were seven different fishing gears employed by fishermen to exploit fish in Lake Geriyo. Most prominent of the gears are the gill net and Cast net. Fish are abundant during the rainy season but catch quantities and sizes are decreasing. There were some missing fish species in Lake Geriyo. Most fishermen were not aware of any law that forbids catching of small-sized fish. Among various reasons for catching smallsized fish include: abundance and monetary gains.  The study also revealed that thirteen (13) fish species from seven (7) families were caught by the seven artisanal fishing gears in the Lake. The study revealed the obvious neglect of the artisanal fisherfolks with regards to provision of infrastructural facilities despite the enormous contribution they give to the domestic fish output. Therefore, fishermen should be encouraged to fish responsibly for the sustainability of Lake Geriyo fisheries. Addressing these issues will require a combination of stricter fishing regulations, better enforcement mechanisms, and the promotion of selective fishing gear to prevent the depletion of fish populations.