Management of Overfishing in the Inland Capture Fisheries in Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria is endowed with extensive inland water bodies that are very rich in fish and shell fish many of which are of commercial importance. These diverse fish resources with immense potential plays contributing role to the food security and improving livelihoods of local fishers, but in recent years, there has been serious concern about the poor status of the inland capture fisheries. Overfishing has been recognized as a major threat to sustainability of the fisheries. Overfishing has brought about changes in species composition, decline yield and fish stocks are being threatened with depletion because of ineffectiveness and weak regulations. This paper elucidates and analyses the causes, signs and types of overfishing in the inland capture fisheries in Nigeria. It also highlights current management measures, reasons for management failure and some of the procedure that could be adapted for sustainable management of inland capture fisheries.