Fish types, breeding grounds and migratory routes in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

Akwa Ibom State is one of the six maritime states in Nigeria and has a shoreline of approximately 129km. Three important rivers (Cross, Imo and Kwa Ibo) transiting through some Nigerian states, terminally pass through the state before discharging into the Atlantic Ocean. Despite the extensive drainage systems and huge fisheries potentials of the state, very little is known about her role in the sustainable productivity of major fish populations. This study was undertaken to bridge information gap on fish type, migratory path and breeding sites of some fish fauna in order to protect fish populations and diversity. The study revealed that Characidae, Cyprinidae, Cichlidae, Clariidae, Schilbeidae and Bagridae dominated the freshwater fauna, while Clupeidae, Carangidae and Ariidae dominated marine piscifauna. Mbo, Udung Uko, Oron Urbuan and Itu in the state serve as major migratory path for several diadromous fishes. The floodplains of the major rivers at Itu, Uruan, Okobo and Ibiono (Cross River), Oruk Anam, Ikot Abasi and Ukanafun (Imo River) and Eket, Onna Nsit Ubium and Etinan Local Government Areas (Kwa Ibo River) serve as major breeding sites. Consequently, the state hosts hundreds of fishermen that depend solely on fishing for their livelihood. However, fish diversity and productivity are threatened by pollution, unorthodox fishing techniques, over exploitation, deforestation and replacement of mangrove plants with exotic nypa palm. This study shows that Akwa Ibom State occupies a prime position in the sustainable fish productivity and biodiversity of the entire Niger Delta region and Nigeria. It is suggested that a well-coordinated strategy that should involve fishers, community leaders, researchers, non-governmental organizations (NGO) and governmental agencies be adopted to protect fish productivity and diversity of the major drainage systems that pass through the state.