Seasonal Abundance and Composition of Fishery Landings at Nkwelle Ezunaka Fish Market, Anambra State

Fish market landing data provide essential information for fisheries stock assessment, management planning, and food security analysis in freshwater systems. This study documented the seasonal abundance, species composition, and socioeconomic characteristics of fishery landings at Nkwelle Ezunaka Fish Market, Anambra State, South East Nigeria. Data were collected daily over a period of four months covering both peak and off-peak fishing seasons. Fish were identified, counted, and weighed at the landing point. Catch per unit effort was estimated for major gears including gill nets, hooks, and traps. Structured interviews were administered to 60 fishers and 35 fish traders to capture income data, fishing effort, and market price trends. A total of 41 fish species were documented in landings, dominated by Clarias gariepinus, Synodontis spp., Tilapia zillii, and Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus. Catfish collectively constituted 46 percent of total landing weight. Monthly landing weight was highest in June and September, corresponding to elevated flooding of adjacent floodplains. Catch per unit effort with gill nets declined from 5.2 kilograms per net-day in January to 2.7 kilograms per net-day in March, indicating pronounced dry season reduction. Fish trader profit margins were significantly compressed during low-supply months due to rising wholesale prices. Female dominance in the trading segment (91%) was confirmed. The study recommends floodplain conservation and off-season credit facilities for fishers to sustain livelihoods during low-catch periods. Keywords: fishery landings, market survey, Anambra River, freshwater fish, Anambra State.