The management of water and fisheries resources in Nigeria is undertaken by all levels of government – federal, state, and local governments. The federal government is involved in fisheries management through the activities of the Federal Department of Fisheries, while the states have edicts promulgated to regulate activities in the fisheries sector under their jurisdiction.
Roles of the Federal Government in Fisheries Management
The federal government plays its role in fisheries management mainly through the Federal Department of Fisheries. These roles include:
- Supply of inputs to fishers and provision of fisheries extension services.
- Enactment of laws, policies, and guidelines
- Promulgation of decrees such as the Inland Fisheries Decree for inland fisheries, and the Sea Fisheries Decrees of 1971 and 1992 for coastal marine areas.
- Registration and licensing of fishermen.
- Mesh size regulation. A mesh size of 7.5 cm was recommended for all inland water bodies in Nigeria to exclude fry, fingerlings, and juveniles from capture (Ita, 1985).
- Gear size regulation. The objective of regulating fishing gear is to control fishing effort. Catch quotas can also be introduced for the same reason.
- Prohibition of harmful fishing methods. Use of poison, explosives, and electricity in fishing is prohibited as these methods indiscriminately kill all aquatic organisms within their reach.
- Closed season and area management:** Areas of importance, such as spawning grounds, wetlands, mangrove forests, and shallow floodplain areas, should be designated as closed during specific periods. The water body should be closely monitored before selecting areas to close.
- National fisheries statistics, resource monitoring, control, and surveillance** are the responsibility of the Federal Department of Fisheries (FDF).
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Roles of State and Local Governments in Fisheries Management
State governments also play crucial roles in fisheries management. Some states have enumerators in Local Government Areas responsible for accurate statistical collection. Each state is expected to set up surveillance units to enforce different aspects of fisheries edicts, such as licensing, mesh, and gear size regulations. Each state should have an Inspectorate Unit of Fishery Guards to enforce the edicts through a Resource Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance System.
The Inspectorate Zones are responsible for overseeing Fisheries Guards and Assistant Guards per unit number of fishermen in each zone or Local Government Area.
These are supervised by Area/Block Fisheries Supervisors, who report offenses directly to Zonal Fisheries Officers. In states with Fisheries Edicts, field extension staff enforce regulations, collect licensing fees, and record fisheries statistics. Extension services also involve fishery development efforts, such as demonstration and training for fishermen.
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Promulgation and Enforcement of Fisheries Edicts in Nigerian States
Some states, such as Sokoto, Niger, Kwara, Benue, Plateau, Lagos, Delta/Edo, Ondo, and Oyo States, have promulgated Fisheries Edicts (Ita, 1985). A typical state fisheries edict in Nigeria states that:
i. No fisherman shall catch any freshwater fish species below the size specified in Schedule I of the edict.
ii. No one shall fix stationary fishing structures across rivers for the purpose of cultivating, culturing, or propagating fish.
iii. The use of explosive substances, electricity, poisonous or noxious matter, or inappropriate fishing nets with mesh sizes below specified standards is prohibited.
iv. Fish preservation using insecticides or other toxic chemicals is prohibited.
v. No person shall transport, display, or sell fish under unhygienic conditions.
vi. Fishing within the state’s territorial waters requires obtaining a valid license.
The edict elaborates on the licensing procedures, fees, and penalties for any offenses stipulated.
Three levels of government in Nigeria are involved in fisheries management. The federal government, through the Federal Department of Fisheries, provides regulatory oversight and support, while state governments enforce specific regulations through Fisheries Edicts, and local governments support with statistical collection and surveillance activities.
Each level of government works together to promote sustainable fisheries development and management across Nigeria.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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