An Investigation on Industrial Fishery in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study essentially evaluated and analyzed the state of industrial fishery sector in Lagos State Nigeria. The catch composition, by-catch composition fishery activity, threat to fisheries resources and constraints of the industrial fishery was investigated. The instrument of the study was structured questionnaire administered between May and August, 2010 on member of staff of the six fishing companies in Lagos State. The findings showed that majority (75%) of the respondents target fishes while the remaining 30% of the respondents target shrimps. Most (81.7%) of the respondents rated fishing activities low with average tonnes per vessel per fishing trip put between less than 1tonne and 10 tonnes tonnes and average fish catch per year put between 1 tonne and 200 tonnes. Further result showed that a total 15 fish species listed as predominant Pseudotolithus sp Galeoids decadactyles and Arius sp were in abundance while predominant shell fish were Panaeus notialis, Parapenoeopsis atlantica and Penaeus karathurus and by-catch associated with the industrial fishery were carb, turtle, octopus and dolphin. The study further revealed inadequate monitoring and enforcement of laws, over fishing, pollution and water hyacinth were the threats to fisheries resources while high cost of AGO, insecurity, high cost of fishing vessels, lack of machineries spare parts, taxation and poor shore-based infrastructural facilities were responsible for low performance of the sub sector. It was therefore recommended that government should put in place appropriate specific policies, legislation and regulation, institutional support for development of sub-sector.