International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies 2022; 10(4): 194-199

E-ISSN: 2347-5129
P-ISSN: 2394-0506
(ICV-Poland) Impact Value: 76.37 Influence of fishing gears used by fisherfolks on fish
(GIF) Impact Factor: 0.549
IJFAS 2022; 10(4): 194-199 yield in River Benue, Nigeria
© 2022 IJFAS
www.fisheriesjournal.com
Received: 22-04-2022 Tizhe SI, Peter KJ, Maradun HF and Kutte MM
Accepted: 07-06-2022

Tizhe SI DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/fish.2022.v10.i4c.2712

Department of Fisheries and
Aquaculture, Adamawa State
Abstract
University Mubi, Nigeria
This study was carried out to ascertain the influence of fishing gear used by fisherfolks on the yield of
Peter KJ
fish in River Benue, Nigeria. The study was conducted in three fishing villages that are also landing sites.
Department of Fisheries and They are within Adamawa State axis with the Benue River passing through them. The selected villages
Aquaculture, Adamawa State are Boranji (Site 1), Damare (Site 2) and Hayin gada (Site 3). The study was conducted bi-monthly for
University Mubi, Nigeria three months from the month of July to September 2021. In the conduct of this study, both primary and
secondary methods of data collection were used. A total of One Hundredand Forty (140) respondents
Maradun HF were sampled with structured interview and questionnaire. The study showed that the fishing gears
Aquaculture and Biotechnology employed and operated in the study sites are used to capture different species of fish. Most prominent of
Programme, National Institute the gearsu is the gill net and Malian trap. The study also revealed that Sixteen (16) fish species from
for Freshwater Fisheries seven (7) families were caught by the six artisanal fishing gears in all the sites. The study revealed the
Research, New Bussa, Nigeria obvious neglect of the artisanal fisherfolks with regards to provision of infrastructural facilities despite
the enormous contribution they give to the domestic fish output.
Kutte MM
Department of Fisheries and
Keywords: Fish catch, fishing gear, fisherfolks, river Benue
Aquaculture, Adamawa State
University Mubi, Nigeria
1. Introduction
Artisanal fisheries constitute the most important fisheries sector in the world and contributes
majorly to the fish supply in the developing world. However, all attempts to explore the full
potentials in this sector have always failed due to the enormous poverty level of the fisherfolk,
which always put them in economic stagnation and incapacitation (FAO, 2002) [7].
Artisanal fish production statistics in Nigeria is poor; the data is unreliable. Effective
management requires information not only on fish stocks and how best to maximize yields, but
also on their relative economic importance to the dependent community. Thus, the full
economic and sociological impact of scientifically based management alternatives needs to be
realistically evaluated and the best compromises sought regarding allocation of resources.
Fishing regulations especially mesh size regulations and regulations of the use of chemicals
should be taken into serious consideration. According to Ibrahim, et al. (2015) [10] Nigeria is
blessed with abundant waterbodies amounting to over14 million hectares of reservoirs, lakes,
ponds, and rivers and these water bodies can produce over 980, 000 metric tons of fish
annually (Ibrahim et al., 2015) [10].
Despite abundance in fisheries resources and the underlying potentials in Nigeria, the country
remains a large importer of fish (Sotolu, 2011) [14]. Despite efforts by relevant agencies and
institutions, there is still a wide gap between demand and supply in the fisheries sector that has
not been bridged. Fish supply was put at just over 0.4 million tons compared to the 0.8 million
tons demand (FAO, 2006) [6] and of supply of 1.7 million tons in 2010 (FDF, 2010) [8]. This
makes Nigeria a large importer of fish in the developing countries, importing about 600 to 700
metric tons annually at a cost of US$0.4 billion, resulting in serious loss of domestic jobs
(Peter et al., 2015) [12]. These have been partly blamed on the fisher’s use of unsustainable
fishing practices and lack of knowledge of sustainable fishing practices (Nwabeze and Erie,
Corresponding Author:
Tizhe SI 2013) [11]. The fishermen are not rich neither are they educated. They do not know or
Department of Fisheries and understand sustainability in the water body.
Aquaculture, Adamawa State Fishes are a renewable resource that should be exploited rationally on sustainable manner. To
University Mubi, Nigeria derive maximum benefits from fish resource, it is important to apply rational effective
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management that will make the resources available now, and imperative, to pay closer attention to artisanal fisheries now
in the future, any time they are needed in a very good and more than ever. Fisheries resources have been depleting for
healthy condition, at affordable prices, and should improve some years now. Fisheries statistics is the basis in policy
the socio-economic well-being of the resource users and making and fisheries management. It is necessary for Nigeria
should be environmentally friendly. to improve artisanal fisheries statistics so as to improve
The amount of catch in River Benue has depleted drastically management of the fishery resource.
over the years due to the use of some inappropriate gears. The aim of the present work, therefore, is to ascertain the
This is a big threat to the capacity of the ecosystems to effects of fishing gear used by fisherfolks on the yield of fish
continue to provide for the livelihood of many communities in River Benue.
which are highly dependent on their harvest. The low catch
has also affected the family of the fisherfolks. There is great 2. Materials and Methods
divergence in the efficiency of different forms of fishing gear, 2.1 The study area
in their adaptability to certain conditions, and their River Benue originates in the Adamawa mountains of the
desirability for specific jobs. Over the years, traditional Central Cameroon and flows west-ward about 1,400 km
fishing methods have been developed to adapt to local meeting Niger River at about 450 km above the delta, near the
conditions; fish species desired and targeted size. city of Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria (Ashley, 2010) [2]. During
Fisheries resources are renewable so, appropriate rainy season, the Benue River overflows its banks and
management strategies must be adopted to ensure their inundates the grassy riparian zones. However, during dry
sustainability if fisheries must continue to play its role in food season the water level in river Benue recedes considerably to
and nutrition security, job creation, income and foreign leave a silted river bed with clear shallow water (Solomon, et
exchange earner and others in the Nigerian economy. It is al., 2009) [13].

Fig 1: Map representation of the study area

2.2 Sampling units 2.4 Population of the study

The study was conducted in three fishing villages that are also A total of One Hundredand Forty (140) respondents were
landing sites. They are within Adamawa State axis with the sampled with structured interview and questionnaire. Thirty
river Benue passing through them. The selected villages are fisherfolks were also selected for the focus group discussion
Boranji (Site 1), Damare (Site 2) and Hayingada (Site 3). The (FGD) in each of the study sites. Each of the stratified groups
study was conducted bi-monthly for three months from the had two sessions of five discussants, at a time.
month of July to September 2021.
2.5 Sampling method
2.3 Methods of data collection Simple random sampling technique was used to select the
The method of data collection adopted for the study was the sampled population from each of the communities.
use of both primary and secondary sources of data. The Respondents were identified through household listing after
primary data included the use of structured interview and which they were randomly selected. Samples were taken of
questionnaires, while the secondary data include the use of the different kind of gears used at the landing sites, and also
journals, textbooks, bulletins, magazines, etc. the catch that was made using those gears.
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2.5.1 Semi-structured questionnaire percentages, which was used to determine differences

One hundred and forty (140) respondents were randomly between the sample attributes. Means of data that was
selected after several visits to the community specifically generated was represented using tabular and graphical
twice every month and a questionnaire administered to them. representations. The coefficient of variation (CV) analysis
The questionnaire requested for data on the type of fishing assessed the variability in the CPUE by gear types.
gears used by the fisherfolk in the community, as well as
management practices being undertaken in the area. 3. Results
3.1 Demographic characteristics and fishing livelihood of
2.5.2 Focus group discussion fisherfolks in the study area
Focused group discussion of thirty fisherfolk was organized. The result of the demographic characteristics and fishing
Using a checklist, data on the types and number of fishing livelihood of fisherfolks in the study areas is presented in
gears, as well as management practices in the study area was Table 1. According to the result, majority of the respondents
validated. in the study area were males (82.15%) while females were
only 17.85%. Fisherfolks with age range between 20-30 years
2.6 Catch per unit effort old recorded the highest value (25.71%) while fisherfolks
The catch per unit effort (CPUE) for the gears were taken with age range between 50 and above obtained the least value
based on the weight of fish caught during a fishing day (kg (20.00%). Majority of the respondents (45.00%) were single
day-1 fishing unit-1) for the different species combined. The while divorcees were the least (7.1%) of the fisherfolks
catch efficiency of each gear employed in each fishing site analyzed. Household size range of 4-6 recorded the highest
was analyzed by comparing different gear on the basis of value (54.28%) while that of 7 and above recorded the least
CPUE, i.e., the amount of fish caught for a certain period, (16.44%). With respect to language spoken in the study area,
(e.g. amount of fish caught per day). Fluctuations in the fish most of the fisherfolks speak Hausa (59.29%) but only 7.85%
catch were also compared. The CPUE value was extrapolated speak English language which recorded the least.
to the mean catch gear-1 day-1 person-1, mean catch crew-1 day- Most of the fisherfolks in the study area practice small-scale
1
(MCCD) and mean catch boat-1 day-1. method of fish farming with 67.85% representation while
only 8.57% practice the large-scale farming. Just about
2.7 Statistical analysis 23.58% of the fisherfolks practice both large-scale and small-
All the data collected during the study was analyzed using scale farming.
descriptive statistics; frequency distribution, total and

Table 1: Demographic characteristics and fishing livelihood of the respondents

Variable Category Frequency Percentage
Gender Male 115 82.14
Female 25 17.86
Age <20 5 3.57
20 - 30 36 25.71
31 - 40 30 21.45
41 - 50 41 29.28
51 and above 28 20.00
Marital status Single 63 45.00
Married 50 35.00
Divorce 10 7.1
Widow 17 12.9
Household size 1-3 41 29.28
4-6 76 54.28
7 and above 23 16.44
Language spoken English 11 7.85
Hausa 83 59.29
Others 46 32.86
Method of fishing Small scale 95 67.86
Large scale 12 8.57
Both 33 23.57
How long have you been fishing? 1 year 36 25.71
2 - 5 years 57 40.72
6 years and above 47 33.57
How many fishing trips embarked? Once 83 59.29
Twice 42 30.0
Thrice and above 15 10.71
Duration of fishing trips 1 - 2 hours 18 12.86
3 - 4 hours 53 37.85
5 hours and above 69 49.29

3.2 Types of fishing gears used in river Benue fisherfolks at the different study sites were lift net (Akauji),
The different types of fishing gears used by fishermen in the longline (Rincha), fishing spear (Mashi), Malian trap
study area is presented in Table 2. A total of six (6) different (Gura/Malia), gill net (Taru) and cast net (Birgi). Of these 6
gear types were identified and the most common ones used by artisanal fishing gear types, four (4) are commonly used in
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site A (Boranji) except for lift net and cast net. In site B commonly used. Fig. 1 shows the occurrence/proportion of
(Damare), only cast net and gill net were not commonly used the different gears sampled in the different sites during the
of the six gears identified, while five (5) gears were used in study period.
site C (Hayin Gada) where only fishing spear was not

Table 2: Fishing Gears used by Fisherfolk in the Study Area

Gear Local Name Site A (Boranji) Site B (Damare) Site C (Hayin Gada)
Lift nets Akauji - + +
Longline Rincha + + +
Fishing spears Mashi + + -
Malian Trap Gura/Malia + - +
Gill net Taru + - +
Cast net Birgi + + +

Fig 1: Distribution of fishing gears across the study sites

3.3 Determination of different catch made using the gears were identified. Site 2 (Damare) landing site had the highest
The different catches made using the different six (6) gears number of fish catch followed by site 1 (Boranji) while site 3
identified in the study sites is presented in Table 3. A total of (Hayin Gada) had the least number of catches.
seven (7) families of fish and sixteen (16) species of fishes

Table 3: Common catches of the different fishing gears used in the study areas
Family/species Gill net Cast net Lift net Long line Malian trap Spear Abundance
Site 1
Cichlidae
Oreochromis niloticus + + + + + + 300
Sarotherodon galileus + + + + + + 200
Claridae
Clarias gariepinus + + + + + + 320
Heterobranchus bidorsalis + - + - + - 10
Claroteidae
Auchenoglanis occidentals + + + + - - 22
Alestidae
Alestes spp + + + + - - 540
Site 2
Cichlidae
Oreochromis niloticus + + + + + - 415
Coptodon zilli + + + + + - 100
Claridae
Clarias gariepinus + + + + + + 400
Heterobranchus bidorsalis + - - - + + 2
Citharinidae
Citharinus citharus + + - + + - 22
Mormyridae
Mormyrops anguivoides + + + - + - 10

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Mormyrus rume + - - - + - 5
Mochokidae
Synodontis schall + + + + + - 40
Synodontis budgetti + + + - + - 12
Alestidae
Alestes spp + + + - - - 652
Hydrocynus forskalii + + + - - - 436
Site 3
Cichlidae
Oreochromis niloticus + + + + + + 295
Coptodon zilli + + + + + + 70
Tilapia zilli + + + + + + 100
Claridae
Clarias gariepinus + + + + + + 235
Heterobranchus bidorsalis - + + - - - 15
Citharinidae
Citharinus citharus + + + + - - 24
Mormyridae
Mormyrus rume + + + - + - 17
Mochokidae
Synodontis schall + - + + - - 62
Synodontis budgetti + + + - - - 15

3.4 Fishing Yield in the Study Area persons per household, which is in line with the report of
The effect of the different fishing gears on the yield of the Dauda et al. (2015) [3]. Majority of the respondents (59.30%)
catch in the different study sites is presented in Table 4. The speak Hausa, this may be due to the fact that the sites are
average yield (kg) obtained in the sampled sites showed that predominantly Hausa communities. Also, majority of the
the Cichlidae family had the highest value (785.43 kg) while respondents’ method of fishing were small-scale with
Mochokidae family had the least value of (180.83 kg). 67.85%.
However, there was a variation between the % number and % As indicated in Table 1, fish artisans in the study sites used
weight of the different catch. The Differential weight (gm) of different gears ranging from cast nets, gill net, lift net, fishing
the fish catch was highest in Mochokidae family and least in spear, Malian trap, and long line for their fishing activity.
Alestidae. Usually, fishing gear usage is a function of fish species
diversity, fish abundance, and the nature of water body. Due
Table 4: Variations in fishery yields across the study sites of River to different habits and habitats of the different fish species in
Benue a particular environment, different gears are also employed
Yield % % Differential weight for fish capture (Tagago et al., 2011) [15]. The findings of this
Family study are in line with the findings of Ibrahim et al. (2015) [10]
(kg) Number Weight (gm)
Cichlidae 785.43 30.84 20.87 729.5 who opined artisanal fisheries activities in Benue River of
Claridae 693.5 21.14 16.9 1318.7 Nigeria are majorly noted with diverse species and multiple
Citharinidae 305.8 13.7 11.2 754.3 gear activities.
Mormyridae 415.3 12.4 15.94 582.6 Cast net and long line were widely used among the fish
Mochokidae 279.85 4.84 5.38 793.4 artisans who attest to their availability and within their reach;
Alestidae 458.98 12.43 11.58 250.0 they are effective for catching small bait or forage fish, and
Claroteidae 298.10 2.8 14.37 237.3 have been in use for thousands of years, even though with
Bagridae 180.83 1.85 3.76 439.7 various modifications. Alegbeleye et al. (2003) [1] asserted
Total 3,417.79 100 100 5,105 that cast nets are used all year round, night and day and the
Mean 427.22 12.5 12.5 638.19
catch per unit effort could be great, though the operation is
S. Deviation 317.93 23.9 9.7 541.9
somehow very exerting. Reports however showed that gillnet
is the most important gear used by fishermen in the Northern
4. Discussion part followed by long lines and cast nets (Emmanuel, 2019)
According to results obtained of the demographic [5]
. Generally, Malian traps are not destructive for the water
characteristics of the respondents in Table 1, majority of the body except fishing with setting up of barrier on the
respondents in the study sites were males (82.15%), which path/migratory route of fish movement which does not allow
reveal the predominance of the male gender in fishing
selectivity and could cover a large area. This result agrees
business in the study area. This could be related to the with the findings of Ibrahim et al. (2009) [9] who reported the
associated risk involved, masculine, and tough nature of use of gillnet, cast net, hook and line, Malian/Gura, clap net
artisanal fishing. This agrees with the findings of Dauda et al.
and Giwa net in Northern Nigeria. The dominance of these
(2018) [4]. Most of the respondents in the study area (29.28%) gears widely used in artisanal fisheries could be adduced to
were within their active age (41-50 years), which could their result in efficiency, relatively inexpensive and capable of
enhance productivity since age is an important factor that
catching higher amount of economically valuable fish.
affects fishing productivity (Nwabeze and Erie, 2013) [11]. At Sixteen (16) fish species from seven (7) families were caught
this age range, fishers have been reported to be more active
by the six artisanal fishing gears in all the sites including
and fishing becomes attractive business as reported by Boranji, Damare and Hayin Gada (Table 3). Majority of the
Nwabeze and Erie (2013) [11]. Majority of the respondents species caught in the study areas are of high commercial value
(45.00%) were single and 35.00% were married with 4-6
while only a few were of low value. The target fishes caught
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by the gears are primarily Bagrids, Schilbeids, Clariids, of sustainable fishing practices in Nigeria. A review
Mochokids, Characids, Citharinids, Heterotis and host of Adamawa State University Journal of Agricultural
others. These findings is similar to that of Dauda et al. (2018) Sciences. 2015;3:140-149.
[4]
. Also, the findings shows that Cichlidae family had the 13. Solomon SG, Ataguba GA, Baiyewunmi AS. Study of
highest weight (kg), and number of fish catch while the least dry season zooplankton of lower River Benue at
were Mochokidae family. This agrees with the findings of Makurdi, Nigeria. J Ani Pl. C. 2009;1(3):42-50.
Solomon et al. (2009) [13]. 14. Sotolu Akeem. Sustainable Fisheries Management
through Efficient Fisheries Resources Data Statistics.
5. Conclusion Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science. 2011;6:202-
The fishing gears employed and operated in the study area are 211. 10.3923/jfas.2011.202.211.
used to capture different fish species. The most prominent of 15. Tagago TA, Ahmed YB. Fishing gear survey of Tatabu
the gears is the Gill-net and Malian trap. Cast net is used and floodplain. In: Koko RJ and Orire AM (Eds.).
selects suitable water body and thus fishermen at the study Proceedings of the 26th annual conference of the Fisheries
area enjoy its usage during the high-water level with low Society of Nigeria (FISON). 28th November-2nd
current. Most of the fishing gears have significant variations December, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria; c2011, p 109-
and modifications aimed solely to capture targeted species. 116.
Sixteen (16) fish species from seven (7) families were caught
by the six artisanal fishing gears in all the sites. The study
revealed obvious neglect of the artisanal fisherfolks in terms
of infrastructural facilities despite their immense contribution
to the domestic fish output.

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