Innovated fishing trap in relation to species diversity and catch per unit effort (CPUE) in Epe Lagoon

Abstract

In this study, an innovated fishing trap with increased longevity was designed to investigate the effectiveness with that of traditional traps in relation to species diversity and total monthly catches (CPUE). The innovated trap was developed using plastic with an escape gap of 8cm for better efficiency. Four fishing sites within Epe Lagoon were selected which include: Ebute-Afuye, Erepoto, Ejirin, and Igbonla. At each station, forty (40) fishing traps made up of 10 of each design (3 traditional and 1 innovated) were set for the field operation from May 2014 to April 2016 and a total of 22 species from 15 families were recorded across the four sampling stations. Highest number of Sarotherodon melanoptheron (35), Cynoglossus senegalensis (19) and Tilapia zilli (14) were recorded from the innovated trap at Ejirin more than the other traditional traps. The highest mean value (CPUE) in both dry (68.64±20.69) and rainy (94.76±17.60) seasons were recorded from the innovated trap while the least (37.08 ± 16.29) during the dry season and (48.92 ± 16.92) rainy season was recorded from the traditional (pot) trap. Innovated fishing trap is recommended to fisherfolks based on its ability to retain fish species in good counts for sustainable fish production.