MORTALITIES AND EXPLOITATION RATES OF SOME COMMERCIAL FISHES LANDED BY ARTISANAL FISHERS IN EKPERIAM

The length-frequency data of 22 fish species were randomly obtained from artisanal fishermen's landings and analysed with the goal of calculating mortalities and exploitation rates of most landed fish species in Ekperiama along Ogbia Creek in the Niger Delta. FiSAT was used to process the data (FAO- ICLAM Fish Stock Assessment Tool). The many types of fishing gear used in the area were identified through personal encounters and talks with local fishermen (active and passive). Gill nets, drift nets, hook and line, and traps are the most common fishing equipment. The M/K (natural mortality to growth coefficient) was between 1.0 to 2.5, which is acceptable and allows for scientific interpretation and inference. Fishing mortality estimates for Lutjanus agennes and Ilisha africana were estimated to be around 0.7. The estimated exploitation rate (E) in this study is within the optimal range, indicating low fishing intensity. This means that other activities in the area, such as oil exploration and exploitation, illegal refineries, and sand drilling, are contributing to the depletion of fish stocks in the aquatic ecosystem. These factors may have an impact on the aquatic ecosystem's physic-chemical properties, as well as the physiology and metabolism of aquatic organisms. As a result, the government must monitor and oversee these activities in the Niger Delta.

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