A Study on the Environmental Impact of Fishers Activities in Kiri Dam, Shelleng Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the environmental impact of fishing activities in Kiri Dam, Shelleng Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria. Fishers were randomly selected through stratified sampling techniques using a structured questionnaire and a scheduled interview was administered to 360 respondents as sample size. Descriptive analysis such as frequency counts and percentage distribution were used for data analysis and 4-point Likert Scale rating was used to calculate the mean score. The highest respondents on educational level had 40% secondary education. 19.44% respondents had the highest combination of gear type used which was Gillnet and Hook and Line. Citharinus citharus species were found to be the most threatened (17.78%), while the cause of the disappearance of some species was attributed to water pollution (14.17%). The effectiveness rating of fishing regulations showed that ban on the use of poison was very effective with a mean score of 3.77 and payments of revenue mean score of 3.10. There is, therefore, the need for urgent involvement of the government to enforce regulations guiding such water bodies and dams to ensure conservation.