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Fish diversity in relation to water quality and livelihood economics of fishermen in river Benue,
Nigeria

1
1 Modibbo Umar, Alfian Zein*, Idris Mohd Hanafi, Abu Hena Mustafa Kamal, Sogbesan Olukayode
1
2
1
Amos

1 Faculty of Fisheries and Food Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus,
Terengganu, Malaysia.
2 Department of fisheries and Aquaculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Modibbo Adama University Yola,
652101, Girei Adamawa State, Nigeria.

* Corresponding author: Alfian.z@umt.edu.my

Abstract:

This study investigated fish species diversity and abundance in relation to water quality and livelihood
economic of fishers in river Benue, Nigeria. A multigear sampling method was used to study fish abundance
from July 2020-June 2021. Samples were obtained from five communities. Fishing gears includs various
nets of mesh size 18, 22 and 26mm. S/temperature, A/tempreture,dept, transparency, ph, DO, conductivity
and TDS were measured by the APHA, (1995) methods . Questionnaires and interviews were administered.
227 fishers were sampled. Livelihood-based analysis were used to determine their socio-economic status.
37 species in 15 families were identified. Family with >400 were the dominant: Claridae, Schilidae and
Mormyridae and the least was Chanidae with <50.Water quality revealed a mean value and SD of 27.2 ±
0.32, 34.8 ± 0.14, 1.5 ± 0,12, 0.55 ± 0.01, 6.45 ± 0.19, 4.7 ± 0.27, 106.8 ± 0.32, and 44.42 ± 0.25
respectively. Fish abundance indicated a positive correlation with water quality. Maximun Sustainable
Yield indicated a decline in stock with increasing effort. 69.1% of the respondents were males and 27.9 %
females. Age group of 26 to 45 ranks the highest and the lowest was age group between ≥50. 80.21%
respondents were illiterate. 67% depends on their personal savings. 90% had 15-45 years of fishing
experience. 65% were married and 35% were single. Family labour was 52.54% higher than the hired
labour. 35% and 37% of the respondents diversified their economy in crops and livestock production
respectively. 70% listen to radio because livelihood strategies were discussed often and was the cheapest
source of imformation. Livelihood-based analysis revealed a sustainable livelihood amongst fisher. All
assistances were sustainable to support the livelihood with a fair financial flow due to season of the year,
Governmental policies, inflation and Covid-19 pandemic. Information emerged ultimately useful and
enhances sustainable resources management and improved livelihood.

Keywords: Abundance, Diversity, Overfishing, Fish species, Cast nets