Estimates of maximum sustainable yield of artisanal fisheries resources of Rivers Niger and Benue in Kogi state, Nigeria

Abstract

The paper investigates estimates of maximum sustainable yield and corresponding efforts of artisanal fisheries resources along Rivers Niger (RN) and Benue (RB) in Kogi State using Schaefer surplus production model at α0.05. Three-stage sampling techniques were used to obtain data from RN (n=180) and RB (n=60). Structured questionnaire was used to obtain respondents’ fishing effort and monthly catches (kg/month). Empirical evidence from the results indicate that MSY of 47.8kg was achieved at EMSY level of 10.3 hrs/day in River Niger, while MSY of 34.7 kg was achieved at EMSY level of 11.4 hours/day in River Benue. Catch per unit Effort decreased with increasing effort in both Rivers Niger and Benue suggesting negative impact of fishing effort on fish catch. Sustainable fishing can be achieved at level of Emsy = 8.2 hrs/day and 7.2 hrs/day, and MSY= 38.2 kg and 27.8 kg, in Rivers Niger and Benue, respectively.