Fish biodiversity and fishing methods of some waterbodies in Katsina State of Nigeria

Abstract

Knowledge of the fishing methods and the fish stock of some major water bodies in Katsina State is important for use in appraising the fisheries potential in the areas and similar ecosystem subject to similar ecological pressure. The study was carried in three water bodies: Ajiwa dam, Ajiwa; Jibiya dam, Jibiya Local government and Zobe dam, Dutsinma Local government. During the study, the fishermen’s catches and fishing activities were recorded. The fish species at the landing site were identified using keys by Reed et al., (1967) and some pamphlets (species summary). Fish species composition recorded in Ajiwa dam belongs to 5 families: Bagridae (17.8%), Claridae (19.4%), Cichlidae (28.9%), Momyridae (13.8%) and Schilbedae (20.0%). In addition to the 5 families of fish species in Ajiwa dam, the catches in Jibiya dam composed of Characidae (3.0%), Cyprinidae (1.0%) and Mochokidae (7.5%), while those of Zobe dam composed of Characidae (2.5%). In all, the water bodies, Cichlidae made up the highest percentage of the composition accounting for 28.9%, 34.4% and 38.2% in Ajiwa dam, Jibiya dam and Zobe dam respectively. The fishing activities in the water bodies revealed that the gears being used were predominantly gill nets, cast nets, traps and hook and line. For sustainable management, enforcement of restriction should be adopted.