Research Article
Amos S.O and Linus B.G
Abstract
This study assesses the fish catches at Njoboliyo lake, Adamawa state. Investigation was carried out from the months of May to August, 2014 to determine the demographic profile of the fishing communities, species of fish harvested, economic impact on the fishing communities and contributions of other livelihoods activities to the overall economy of the fishers. Weight of fish caught was recorded at landing sites using weighing balance and the price of fishes was determined to be four hundred and fifty naira (450) per kilogram. Seventeen (17) species from fifteen (15) families were identified during the period of study. The family Claridae has more species appearance with 54.8%, while the least species appearance with 1.6% was Citharinidae. The fishes were caught with mesh nets and hooks by the fishers. Drag net has highest gear utilization, while gill net lowest. The month of June has highest weight catch of 58 kg valuing N26,100; July has lowest catch of 35 kg valuing N15,750. Farming after fishing has highest contributing activities to the economy of the fishers with 59.4%, while civil servant has lowest of 3.1%. The traditional co-management system ‘Mburkache’ is used at Lake Njoboliyo.