Frame and catch assessment of fishes in GUBI dam, Bauchi State, Northeastern Nigeria

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive frame and catch assessment of the artisanal fisheries in Gubi Dam, Bauchi State, Nigeria, conducted over a 12-week period between January and March 2025. Babban Kwata, Kwatan Yashi, Spill Way, Tatumari, Larkarina, and Daban Yashi were the six (6) landing sites of the dam focused by this work. A total of 267 fisherfolks, 155 fishing canoes, and over 400 fishing gears were documented. The cumulative fish catch during the study was 655.3 kg, dominated by Oreochromis niloticus (79.2%), followed by Brycinus nurse (3.4%) and Clarias gariepinus (1.2%). Gear composition was heavily skewed toward gill nets, which made up 65.5% of gear types and accounted for 75.2% of the total catch. Other gear types included Malian traps (11.3%), cast nets (7.5%), and traditional gears (15.7%). Babban Kwata contributed the highest total catch at 253.1 kg (38.6%), while the least catch was recorded from Tatumari (45.3 kg). Species diversity was moderate, with eight species from six families identified, and a clear dominance of Cichlidae. The study highlights the mono-dependence on a single species and gear type, raising concerns about biodiversity loss and long-term sustainability. The study recommended that mesh-size regulations and alternative gears should be enforce, fisherfolk cooperatives should be establish, and co-management strategies be adopted. This is the first quantitative assessment of Gubi Dam's fishery and provides a vital baseline for future policy and research.