Research Paper an Update on the Fish and Fisheries of Lake Oguta, Nigeria

Research Paper

An update on the fish and fisheries of Lake Oguta, Nigeria

Accepted 18th January, 2017

ABSTRACT

The paper attempts to review the current trends in fisheries activities in Lake Oguta, Nigeria with the aim to finding a lasting solution to the declining fisheries of the Lake. Lake oguta is the largest standing freshwater body in South-Eastern Nigeria and is of immense importance to thousands of people in Oguta Local Government, Nigeria. The lake supports about 2, 403 full-time and 154 part-time fishers. About 80% of the fishers in the Lake obtain their protein from the Lake. Virtually, all the households in the Lake participates in fisheries activities from time to time. The fishers employ cast nets, gill nets, fish traps, seines, hooks and line etc most of which are locally made but increasingly, much of the gears are made locally using modern materials like nylon twine or rope in the case of gill nets. Recently, the fishers and fisheries of the Lake are faced with some challenges which include overfishing, pollution, eutrophication, aquatic weeds, decline in fish biodiversity, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, ineffective monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) and poverty, lack of alternative livelihoods and inadequate social legislation as well as, some destructive fishing methods. The free access to the resources of the lake has caused the resources to be biologically and Sanda MK, Kwaji BP, Ajijola KO, economically overfished. The paper recommends the need for regular restocking Sogbesan OA.* programs, effective conservation through controlling the intensity of fishing by

Department of Fisheries, Modibbo regulating mesh size of fishing gears, catch quota, closed season and closed areas. Adama University of Technology, Yola, Alternative income source for the fishers will reduce the pressure on the Nigeria. resources. There is need to strengthen the fishers as key stakeholders in the fisheries sub-sector. This will entrust commitment and compliance to regulations. *Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]. Tel: +2348161518298. Keywords: Fishers, biodiversity, fisheries resources, management, Oguta Lake.

INTRODUCTION

Oguta Lake is a fresh water lake. It receives perennial northern section of Imo State (Ahiarakwem and Onyekuru, drainage from Rivers Njaba, Utu and Awbuna, which have 2011). their sources from the Awka-Orlu Cuesta in North central Four rivers (Njaba, Awbana, Utu and Orashi) are Imo State, Nigeria. It also receives overflow from the Niger. associated with Oguta Lake (Ahiarakwem and Onyekuru, Lake Oguta drains into the River Orashi, a main river on the 2011). The Njaba and Awbana discharge into the lake all east bank floodplain of the Niger and which conveys River the year round while Utu Stream flows in during the rainy Niger’s floodwaters directly to the Niger delta. The lake season. The Orashi River flows past the lake in its receives huge volumes of sediment from its tributaries, southwestern portion. The total annual inflow from the particularly, the Njaba, a river that is actively and deeply rivers and stream is about 25,801.60 m3 (Ahiarakwem, incising into the poorly structured soils and unconsolidated 2006). Oguta Lake is one of the natural water resources of sedimentary rock (Ameki Formation, Ogwashi-Asaba non-marine habitat located in a low-lying (elevation < 50 Formation and the Benin Formation) underlying the m) platform. Lake Oguta is situated in Oguta Local Academia Journal of Environmental Science; Sanda et al. 014

Figure 1: Map of Lake Oguta. Source: (Ahiarakwem, 2006).

Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria. It is located season but declines to 0.61 m at the peak of the rainy approximately within latitude 5° 41’ and 5° 44’ North of the season consequent upon the inflow of sediment-laden Equator and longitude 6° 50’ and 6° 45’ of the Greenwich waters from the River Njaba/Alusi and Niger floodwaters. Meridian (Figure 1). Although, it is a very small lake The mean pH is 6.0 and ranges from 5.2 to 6.2 while compared to man-made and natural lakes in Nigeria like dissolved oxygen range of 4.8 to 6.0 and a mean Lake Chad, Kainji and Tiga, it is, however, the largest conductivity range of 5.5, 8.6 to 16.5 μS, respectively. The freshwater system in southeastern Nigeria (Anene et al., climate is the Koppen’s Af (that is, humid tropical rain 2010). forest) with a short dry season extending from December to The lake has a maximum depth of 8.0 m and a mean February and a long rainy season during the remainder of depth of 5.5 m, with a water surface area that varies from the year (Ahiarakwem, 2006). 180 ha in the dry season to 300 ha at the peak of the rainy Mean annual rainfall is 2,120 mm with a unimodal season (Njoku and Ejiogu, 2005). Water level varies over a distribution with the peak in September. The period range of 2.7 m between these two seasons. The length of between July and August is characterized by overcast skies the shoreline is approximately 10 km. Surface water and milder temperatures (mean: 25°C). Mean temperature temperature vary from 240°C in December to 31°C in ranges from 25 to 28°C (April). The dry season is March (Njoku and Ejiogu, 2005). A very weak thermal dominated by dusty, Harmattan winds. The catchment stratification occurs towards mid-day between February areas of the Lake comprise the drainage area of the Njabba and May which is as a result of the energy received from the River and a part of the River Niger floodplain in the region Sun. Secchi-disk transparency is 4.0 m early in the rainy south of Onitsha. Tertiary - Recent sediments of the Academia Journal of Environmental Science; Sanda et al. 015

Table 1: Species composition of Lake Oguta.

S/No Fish family Species 1 Pantodontidae Pantodon bucholzi

Polypterus senegalensis 2 Polypteridae Calmichthys calabaricus

3 Lepidosirenidae Protopterus annectens

Papyrocranus afer 4 Notopteridae Xenomystus nigri

5 Osteoglossidae Heterotis niloticus

Mormyrus rume Hyperopinus bee occidentalis 6 Mormyridae Gnathonemus petersii Petrocephalus bovei

Barbus spp. 7 Cyprinidae Labeo cubei

Phargo laricatus 8 Distichodontidae Distichodus rostratus Distichodus brevipinnis

Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus Chrysichthys filamentousus 9 Bagridae Auchenoglanis bicustatus Paraauchenoglanis ansorgii Clarotes laticeps

Schilbe mystus 10 Schilbeidae Eutropius niloticus

Synodontis clarias 11 Mochokidae Synodontis vermiculatus Synodontis schall

Source: (Njoku and Ejiogu, 2005).

Ogwashi-Asaba, Ameki and Benin Formations underlie the Synodontis sp., and Schilbe sp., etc (Omin, 1983). The Lake catchment area (Ahiarakwem and Onyekuru, 2011). Anene has a high phytoplankton community (258 species of et al. (2010) reported that the artisanal fishery of Lake phytoplankton which falls under 107 genera). The Oguta is lucrative. The gross margin analysis was reported estimated primary productivity of the Lake is 160, 279 to be ₦161, 444.52. mg/cm3 per day, which is generally low. This may be the reason for the low fishery production estimated at 12.5 metric tons/year. BIODIVERSITY OF THE LAKE The species diversity of the Lake contributes to the biological diversity of the Rain Forest ecological zone of The Lake supports 40 fish species such as Chrysichthys sp., southern Nigeria (Ita and Balogun, 1984). Table 1 shows Lates sp., Alestes sp., Tilapia sp.,Citharinus sp., Mormyrus sp., the species composition of Oguta Lake in a survey Academia Journal of Environmental Science; Sanda et al. 016

Table 1Contd: Species composition of Lake Oguta.

S/No Fish family Species 12 Malateruridae Malapterurus electricus

Hydrocynus lineatus Hydrocynus brevis Hepsetus odoe 13 Characidae Alestes baramose Alestes dentex Mircralestes spp.

Citharinus citharus 14 Citharanidae Citharinus latus Citharinus disticholdoides

15 Cyprinodontidae Epiplays bifasciatus

16 Chanidae Chana obscura

Heterobranchus bidorsalis Heterobranchus longifilis 17 Clariidae Clarias gariepinus Clarias anguillaris

Ophiocephalus forskali 18 Ophiocephalidae Paraophiocephalus africanus

19 Mastacemalidae Mastacembelus niloticus

Oreochromis niloticus Tilapia zilli Tilapia mariae 20 Cichlidae Hemichromis fasciatus Tylochromis spp. Hemichromis elongates

Source: (Njoku and Ejiogu, 2005).

conducted by Njoku and Ejiogu (2005). A survey of fish FISHERIES OF THE LAKE species conducted by Francis et al. (2014) (Table 2), shows a decrease in the families and fish species. Table 3 shows Njoku (2002) and Njoku and Ejiogu (2005) gives good some families and fish species reported by Njoku and accounts of the fishery of Lake Oguta and the transition in Ejiogu (2005) that were not reported by Francis et al. the fishery after 1991. The Lake is of immense value to the (2014). This indicates that many fish species are threatened people of Oguta Local Government area, especially, the and if an urgent measure is not taken, they may become villagers residing around the Lake. They obtain about 80% endangered species in the near future. Lake Oguta has of their protein from the Lake. Lake Oguta supports about 2, experienced loss of biodiversity in terms of fishery 403 full-time and 154 part-time fishers. Virtually, all the resources in recent times. Keke et al. (2008) reported that households in the Lake participate in fishing activities there has been an altitude of free access to the fishery as to alongside other activities like crop and animal farming there was no basic rules and regulatory measure for the (Keke et al., 2008; Njoku and Ejiogu, 2005). exploitation and conservation of the limited resources of The fishery of Lake Oguta is a multi-species and multi- the Lake. gear fishery. Many fishing gears are used in Lake Oguta. Academia Journal of Environmental Science; Sanda et al. 017

Table 2: Checklist of fish species of Oguta Lake, from June to January, 2013.

Order Family Genus Species Mormyrops Mormyrops deliciosus (Leach, 1901) Mormyridae Marcusenius Marcusenius senegalensis (Steindachner, 1870) Petrocephalus Petrocephalus bane ansorgii (Boulenger, 1902) Notopteridae Papyrocranus Papyrocranus afer (Gunther, 1868) Osteoglossiformes Polyterus senegalus senegalus (Cuvier, 1829) Polypteridae Polyterus Polyterus bichir bichir (Geoffrey Saint-Hilaire, 1802) Osteoglossidae Heterotis Heterotis niloticus (Cuvier, 1829) Gymnarchidae Gymnarchus Gymnarchus niloticus (Cuvier, 1829)

Citharinidae Citharinus Citharinus citharus (Geoffery Saint Hilaire, 1809) Alestes Alestes brevis (Boulenger, 1903) Characiformes Characidae Hydrocynus forskalii (Cuvier, 1819) Hydrocynus Hydrocynus brevis (Gunther, 1864)

Cyprinidae Labeo Labeo senegalensis (Valenciennes, 1842) Schilbeidae Siluranodon Siluranodon auritus Geoffrey Saint-Hilaire, 1827) Schilbe Schilbe mystus (Linne, 1758) Clariidae Clarias Clarias anguillaris (Linne, 1758) Siluriformes Chrischthys nigrodigitatus (Lacepede, 1803) Bagridae Chrysichthys Chrysichthys auratus (Geoffery Saint-Hailaire, 1808) Synodontis nigrita (Valenciennes, 1840) Mochokidae Synodontis Synodontis membranaceus (Gunther, 1864) Synodontis budgetti (Boulenger, 1911)

Cypriniformes Hepsetidae Hepsetus Hepsetus odoe (Bloch, 1794)

Anabantidae Ctenopoma Ctenopoma kingsleyae (Gunther, 1896) Tilapia mariae (Boulenger, 1899) Cichlidae Tilapia Tilapia galilaea (Linne, 1758) Perciformes Tilapia zilli (Gervais, 1848) Chromidotilapia Chromidotilapia guntheri (Sanvage, 1882) Hemichromis Hemichromis elongatus (Guichenot, 1861)

Source: (Francis et al., 2014).

Table 3: Fish species reported in 2005 but absent in 2014.

Family Fish species Notopteridae Xenomystus nigri Citharinus latus Citharinidae Cithrinus disticholdoides

Barbus spp. Cyprinidae Labeo cubei

Heterobranchus bidorsalis Clariidae Heterobranchus longifilis Clarias gariepinus

Academia Journal of Environmental Science; Sanda et al. 018

These include gill nets, cast nest, fish traps, seines and with mesh size of about 10.0 to 15.0 mm (stretched). This Hook and line. Most of these gears are made locally by the depends on the size of fish hunted. Netting material is PA fishers but increasingly, much of the gears are made locally multi-filament yarn with a twine size of 210D/12 and about using modern materials like nylon twine or rope in the case 0.10 mm in diameter. The mouth of the cast net is of gill nets (Njoku and Ejiogu, 2005). surrounded by sinkers which enable the net to sink fast upon casting. The net is cast over fish and catches then by encircling them in a pocket as it is withdrawn from the Gill net fishery water. The net is cast from the shore or from inside a canoe or boat paddled by a second fisher. Gill nets are more effective in the Lake fishery than other The net is operated by a single person who must be well gears. This was based on total biomass, species composition experienced in the act of casting. The operator remains and financial return (Njoku, 1991). The sizes of gill nets on poised with the net ready for action. As soon as a school of the Lake are highly varied. In most cases, the length of the fish is noticed, he quickly casts the net in such a way that head rope is 25 m while the depth range between 20 and 35 the net spreads out and encloses the fish. The net is then m depending on the mesh size of the net. The head ropes of retrieved from water using a draw string (retrieval rope), most bear improvised floats are disposed irregularly along which is an integral part of the net. As the net is withdrawn, the length of the head rope. This is common among the very the sinkers surrounding the mouth of the cast net come poor income group who cannot afford the conventional together and enclose the fish in a pocked so formed. plastic floats. The footrope bore various numbers of lead sinkers and the mesh size of the gill nets range from 2.5 to 6.0 cm (stretched). In exceptional cases, for example, in the Trap fishery case of gill nets for catching the African Perch, Lates niloticus, mesh size could be up to 10 cm. Traps are more or less crude implements that have not Essentially, the size of mesh is determined by the size of evolved in line with modern technological development. the target fish and sometimes the king of fish. Netting They are as varied as the specific ecological habitat of fish materials used is dominated by the PA multi-filament type sought. They are employed mainly in the bushy flood plains, with twine thickness in the order of 210 D/120 or 15. The stagnant pools covered with aquatic weeds, swamps and use of mono-filament yarn in the lake is minimal for such along tidal water ways. Devices used include trigger traps, gears, materials are usually the transparent polyamide (PA) basket traps, wire traps, drag basket, fish fences and monofilament netting of twine diameter 0.25 mm type. barriers. In surface-set gill nets, the number of floats increased while decreasing the number of sinkers. In the case of the Fishing traps are designed to allow the fish entry, but bottom-set type, the reverse is the case. The nets are not make escape difficult. It is made of lianas, palm fronds, reed allowed to drift freely in the water, rather they are attached or raffia palm fronds which are locally available. They are between two bamboo poles driven into the bottom or often single chambered and loaded chambered and loaded suspended between two tree trunks. In the case of bottom- with a spring device which when released by the entering set, the net is weighed down using two or more heavy fish closes the door of the trap behind it upon entry. The objects like anchor, stones or metal attached to the foot trap is a conically shaped device of about 2 m long with a rope. Sometimes the float line is suspended in the water cross-sectional of about 1.20 m around the mouth. The trap column with giant buoys meant to assist the small floats. is set in a narrow channel amongst bushy paths in such a Markers like colored materials are used to indicate the way that the mouth faces the opposite direction of the presence of the gill nets after setting. They are sometimes water current. The trap may or may not be baited. Baiting baited with worms, palm fruits, cassava tubers etc. the nest materials include the live worms, palm fruits or cassava is set from canoe or boat by one man at one end and the tubers. The traps are set at night and inspected the other paddles the canoe of drives the boat. The net is following morning. usually set at dusk, about 6:00 pm and inspected at dawn at Basket traps are similar to trigger traps but they are about 6:00 am. In most cases, after inspecting the net and bigger and often multi-chambered. While trigger traps are collecting the gilled fish, the net is lowered into the water provided with spring loaded trigger mechanism, the mouth again for another round. of the basket trap is closed with an internal ‘’non-return value’’ mechanism which allows the fish entry but prevents escape. Generally, basket traps which are cylindrical in Cast net fishery shape are varied in size, all tapper towards the posterior. They employed in swampy bushes during the receding Cast nets are very commonly employed due to the relatively flood against fishes migrating back to the River channel. In shallow nature of the lake (average depth of 5.5 m). Size of most instances, trap fishery was found to be relatively more cast nets used range from about 3.0 to 9.0 m in diameter effective and inexpensive. Academia Journal of Environmental Science; Sanda et al. 019

Table 4: Comparison of catch characteristics of gill net, cast net and traps in Oguta Lake.

Performance indices Gill net Cast net Traps Number of fish caught 1220 1002 1022 Yield (kg) 50.2 53.1 58.9 Average yield (g) 205.0 182.0 201.3

Source: (Njoku and Ejiogu, 2005).

Table 5: Reduction in average size and weight of fish caught from Oguta Lake between 1991 and 2002.

Njoku (1991) data Njoku (2002) data Fish species Number of fish Average weight of fish (kg) Number of fish Average weight of fish (kg) Gymnarchus niloticus 70 1.5 18 0.34 Labeo coubie 104 0.80 59 0.31 Lates niloticus 20 2.14 - - Distichodus rostratus 77 0.85 30 0.26 Citharinus citharus 38 0.66 61 0.25 Heterotis niloticus 17 0.68 1 0.52 Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus 21 0.50 22 0.31 Chrysichthys filamentosus 38 0.95 26 0.29 Oreochromis niloticus 27 0.56 53 0.24 Tilapia zilli 10 0.46 34 0.16 Channa obscura 20 0.75 32 0.30 Ophiocephalus forskali 11 0.73 13 0.25 Bargrus bajay 38 0.43 - - Schilbe mystus 39 0.38 42 0.15 Mormyrus rume 45 0.29 44 0.11 Synodontis batensoda 64 0.05 55 0.08 Synodontis schall 29 0.34 3 0.10 Hydrocynus brevis. 19 0.34 24 0.16

Source: (Njoku and Ejiogu, 2005).

Table 4 presents the catches from this Lake while Table 5 CHANGES IN THE BIOMASS, PRODUCTIVITYAND YIELD shows the reduction in the average size and weight of the OF THE FISHERY fish as a result of overfishing. Njoku and Ejiogu (2005) made an attempt to evaluate the state of the fishery using two basic criteria. For example, OTHER ACTIVITIES IN OGUTA LAKE the average size of different species and the biodiversity of fish fauna over the years. Table 5 compares the average size Main values of the lake include fishing and tourism. The of fish caught by Njoku in 1991 and 2002. In all the fish commercial fishery supports the livelihood of a significant caught, the average weights of individuals were section of the community. The Lake supports about 2, 403 consistently higher in 1991. For example, in 1991, the full time and 154 part-time fishers (Njoku and Ejiogu, average weight of individual Gymnarchus niloticus caught 2005). Community members most of whom are women was 1.50 kg but declined to 0.34 kg in 2002. The same goes smoke and sell the fish. A hotel, the Oguta Lake Motel and for Heterotis niloticus, which weighed 0.68 kg in 1991 on Tourist Resort (***) and a Scottish designed 18-hole golf the average as against 0.52 kg in 2002. The same trend was course was established to attract tourists. The on-going observed in almost all species examined (Njoku and Ejiogu, activities in the lake include transportation by paddle and 2005). dugout canoe, engine-powered boats; peeling, washing and Nwadiaro (1989) reported that 98 species of fishes were fermentation of cassava as well as, disposal of domestic caught in the Lake which belonged to 28 piscean families. waste and fishing (Francis et al., 2014). This is against just 41 species drawn from 18 families Academia Journal of Environmental Science; Sanda et al. 020

recorded in 2005 (Njoku and Ejiogu, 2005). Many fishery. This accounts for over-increasing number of fishers important fish species of commercial importance were on the Lake and the attendant pressure on the limited conspicuously absent in recent studies. These include the resource. Solutions to these problems is purely political and giant freshwater Perch, Lates niloticus, the Auchenoglanis outside the fishery. species, the Mastacembelids, the Lepidosirenids and the Eutrophication is prominent in Oguta Lake. This has freshwater Caranidseti. The average size of fish caught in resulted in high level of contaminantion, high turbidity the Lake progressively declined since 1991. This leaves the from algal bloom and it is reported to come from the use of economics of fishing on deficit side and the business chemicals during fishing activities. Another common unattractive. Njoku and Ejiogu (2005) reported that the problem in the lake is the growth of aquatic weeds in the fishery of the Lake is biologically and economically over- lake which hinders navigation and fishing due to their fished based on estimated maximum sustainable yield luxuriant growth (Ahiarakwem et al., 2012). (MSY) of 3.00 tons/km2 and the exploitation ratio (E) of Decline in fish biodiversity is another problem in the 0.780. Lake. Out of the fish biodiversity reported by Francis et al. (2014), eight (8) families have just a species each. These families include Notopteridae (Papyrocranus afer), CHALLENGES OF THE FISHERY Osteoglossidae (H. niloticus), Gymnarchidae (G. niloticus), Citharinidae (Citharinus citharus), Cyprinidae (Labeo senegalensis), Clariidae (Clarias anguillaris), Hepsetidae Like other inland waters in Nigeria, Lake Oguta is faced (Hepsetus odoe) and Anabantidae (Ctenopoma kingsleyae). with numerous challenges which if not swiftly and rightly These authors further stated that the decrease in number of tackled, will adversely affect the Lake and its resources. The these fish families might have been as a result of climatic challenges confronting the development of the fisheries of change, slow rate of anticipated change and negative the Lake are not unique to her alone but common to other impacts of too many anthropogenic activities, overfishing as inland water bodies across Nigeria. These challenges pose a well as, IUU in the Lake. threat to the environment, resources and the fishers as The fishery of the Lake was reported to be depleted and well. Overfishing is the major problem in the Lake as it is the true profit derivable from it dissipated (Njoku and stressing the lake’s resources. Unusual algal blooms were Ejiogu, 2005). The economic implication being that fishers observed on the lake, sand dredging and associated spikes consciously incur expenses in efforts than they gain from in turbidity and nutrient release from bottom sediment catch revenues since the fishery is operating at a loss. (Ogunkoya, 2008). Anene et al. (2010) and Njoku et al. (2010) reported that Ahiarakwem et al. (2012) reported that 38.8% of the the free and open access, and technological innovations lake’s area and its watershed was reported degraded. This (Motorized boats, mechanized outboard engines and has resulted in decline in the level of productivity of the sophisticated fishing gears like the purse seine nets and gill lake. There is no sewage/waste water treatment in the net-fleets etc) introduced in Lake have caused the fisheries urban area abutting the lake. Lake Oguta serves as a sewage resources of the Lake to be biologically and economically dump site. All sewage flows into the lake and consequently, overfished based on Maximum sustainable yield at 3.3 2 the lake has high NO3- concentration (0.76 mg/L) suspected tonnes/km and the exploitation ratio (E) of 0.71. Illegal, to significantly result from input of mineralized human unreported and unregulated (IUU) fisheries practices were excrement washed down from the catchment (Ogunkoya, reported in the Lake. 2008). The author further stated that, due to deforestation, Keke et al. (2008), Njoku and Ejiogu (2005) and Anene et weakly consolidated sediment and poorly structured soils, al. (2010) reported the use of beach seine nets, explosives and poor road and urban drainage design, there is massive (locally made grenades and dynamites), plant poisons and gullying and sediment deposition by the tributary rivers. gill nets with undersize mesh size as well as, long drag nets The underlying causes of over-exploitation in the Lake are in Lake by some fishers. Oguat and Egbema where the Lake of socio-economic, conservation and political origin (Njoku is situated are areas of active crude oil exploitation in Imo and Ejiogu, 2005). State with the resultant oil spillages and associated Solutions to such problems rest not only within the problems on the aquatic ecosystem (Njoku and Ejiogu, fishery sector but outside it, integrating all relevant 2005). In view of the wide range of problems encountered stakeholders. According to Cruz-Trinadad (1993), by artisanal fishers in the Lake, high cost of fishing gears, population growth exerts double pressure on the resources, irregular flood pulse, use of toxic chemicals like Gamalin 20 namely, increasing demand for food, and increasing and dynamite, oil spillage are reported as being very number of fishers as resource-dependent population. This serious problems (Anene et al., 2010). Anene et al. (2010) gives rise to Malthusian overfishing. Unemployment and revealed that artisanal fishing in the Lake is a profitable accessibility to basic human needs such as food and shelter venture and all the factors employed by most of the fishers increases the number of impoverished. As a result, are inefficiently utilized. These suggest that efficient marginalized farmers and unemployed seek refuge in the allocation of the employed resources which is vital to the Academia Journal of Environmental Science; Sanda et al. 021

sustainability of fishing in the Lake. implementation. These will entrust commitment and An NGO, Boreholes Organization has embarked on the ownership on their part because to some extent, the Oguta Lake Watershed Protection Project to protect and success of any management plan depends on the fishers. revitalize the Lake (Ogunkoya, 2008). The local inhabitants were integrated in the Project. The aim of the project is to promote sustainability through active involvement of local REFERENCES indigenes, maximization of social and health benefits Ahiarakwem CA (2006a). Impact of Gaseous Emissions from the ‘E’ Flow through training on sanitation and hygiene education. Station on the Oguta Lake and its Associated Tributaries. Isesco J. Sci. Government should also enact and implement laws to Technol. 9(16): 9-17. urgently prohibit improper land use activities in a tourist Ahiarakwem CA (2006b). Water quality assessment and some geochemical area like Oguta Lake (Ahiarakwem, 2006b) since there is no models of Oguta Lake,southeastern Nigeria. Unpubl. Ph.D Thesis, Federal University of Technology Owerri. pp. 225. proper management plans in the lake at present. Ahiarakwem CA, Nwankwor GI, Onyekuru SO (2012). An Assessment of the Physical and Environmental Aspects of a Tropical Lake: A Case Study of the Oguta Lake Watershed, Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria. Am. Int. STRATEGIES AND SUGGESSTIONS FOR A SUSTAINABLE J. Contemp. Res. 2(7): 56-60. Ahiarakwem CA, Onyekuru SO (2011). A Comparative Assessment of the FISHERY Physico-Chemical and Microbial Trends in Njaba River, Niger Delta Basin, Southeastern Nigeria. J. Water Resource Prot. 3(9): 686-693. Increase in yields from the Lake can be derived from Anene A, Ezeh CI, Oputa CO (2010). Resource use and Efficiency of fisheries enhancement activities through direct human Artisanal Fishing in Oguta Lake, Nigeria. J. Dev. Agric. Econ. 2(3): 94-99. Cruz-Trinadad A (1993). Economic Exploitation in the Philippine Small intervention. These may include: restocking the water body Pelagic Fishery and Implications for Management. NAGA (ICLARM with suitable and compatible species, habitat manipulation QUARTERLY). 4: 13-15 to make it habitable and conducive for many species, shore- Francis A, Sikoki FD, Agorua UN (2014). Fish Families of Oguta Lake, South based infrastructure as well as proper control and Eastern Nigeria and Sustainability Issues. J. Nat. Sci. Res. 4(9): 39-43. Keke IR, Ukwu OE, Njoku DC (2008). Conservation of Fisheries Resources; regulations by all relevant agencies. The solution to these A case Study of Oguta Lake Fishery. J. Aquat. Sci. 23(1): 23-28. problems should rest not only within the fisheries sector, Njoku DC, Ejiogu CO (2005). Fisheries and Wildlife of Nigeria. Okson but also outside the fishery sector with private and public Publishers, Owerri, Nigeria. pp. 20-41. sector participation. Njoku DC, Orji RC, Peter KJ (2010). Morpho- meristic Analysis and the Identity of the Moon Fish, Citharinus distichdoides (Pieces: There should be effective conservation strategies such as Citharinidae) of Lake Oguta, Nigeria; Towards a Restocking Programme restricting the intensity of fishing through fishing net size for a depleted Inland Fishery. J. Aquat. Sci. 25(1): 45-51. regulation, catch quota, length of fishing season etc. The Njoku DC (1991). Comparative Efficiency and Techno-economics of multi- growth theory of management (let them grow) and the filament and Monofilament gill nets on the Oguta Lake. Fish. Res. 12: 23- 30. propagation theory (let them spawn at least once) will go Ogunkoya OO (2008). Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (RIS) – on a long way in protecting the young fish. There should be 2006-2008 versions. closed seasons and closed areas etc; management strategies Omin VR (1983). The Diversity and Abundance of Phytoplankton of Oguta should protect young fish by prohibiting the catching of Lake. B.Sc. Thesis, Univ. of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. undersize fish, closing nursery areas to fishing and protect the environment by preventing reckless dumping of domestic and industrial effluents into the water, untreated sewage and oil spillage as well as, prevention of the use destructive and obnoxious fishing methods such as DDT, Gamalin 20 and explosives. There is need for alternative income source for the fishing communities. This will reduce the pressure on the fisheries resources. Government and even the private organizations concerned about the Lake’s fishery stock can grant interest-free loans to fishers and low income earners Cite this article as: to encourage them engage in alternative business (non- Sanda MK, Kwaji BP, Ajijola KO, Sogbesan OA (2017). An update on fishing activities) such as crop farming, animal rearing and the fish and fisheries of Lake Oguta, Nigeria. Acad. J. Environ. Sci. fish farming etc. Access to capital will encourage fishers to 5(1): 013-021. engage in non-fishing activities and thereby allow the fishery to recuperate. The formal institutions responsible Submit your manuscript at for the Lake need to strengthen the fishers as key http://www.academiapublishing.org/journals/ajes stakeholders in management policy development and