Survey of Fishing Gear Types and Their Selectivity in Lake Chad Basin, Borno State

This study surveyed the types of fishing gear used by artisanal fishers in the Nigerian section of the Lake Chad Basin, Borno State, North East Nigeria, and assessed their selectivity implications for fish stocks. The Lake Chad Basin supports a critical transboundary fishery that has faced declining water levels and increased fishing pressure over the past decade. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 95 fishing households using structured interviews and direct field observation. Gear types documented included monofilament gill nets, multifilament nets, long lines, cast nets, and traditional basket traps. Mesh size analysis revealed that 73 percent of gill nets in use had mesh sizes below the recommended minimum of 50 millimetres, raising concerns about the capture of juvenile fish. Long lines accounted for the highest catch of commercially important species, including Lates niloticus and Bagrus bayad. Basket traps were predominantly used for inshore and shallow water areas and were found to be relatively size-selective. The study correlated gear type with catch composition and noted significant bycatch of non-target juveniles in fine-mesh nets. Seasonal fluctuations in fishing intensity were observed, with peak activity during the dry season when fish concentrate in receding water bodies. The study recommends enforced mesh size regulations and community-based gear modification programmes to support stock recovery and sustainable yields. Keywords: fishing gear, Lake Chad, selectivity, mesh size, artisanal fisheries