Fisheries Resource Abundance and Catch Trends in Lake Chad, Borno State

Lake Chad, situated at the nexus of the North East geopolitical zone, has experienced dramatic surface area reduction over the past five decades, resulting in severe impacts on fisheries resources that historically supported millions of livelihoods. This study evaluates current fisheries resource abundance and catch trends in the Nigerian sector of Lake Chad, Borno State, based on analysis of artisanal fisheries landing data, catch-per-unit-effort records, and fish species diversity surveys conducted between 2022 and 2024. Fisheries landing data are collected from five designated monitoring points at Baga, Kukawa, Marte, Monguno, and Ngala, with species composition, gear type, and catch weight recorded daily for twelve months. Hydroacoustic surveys using a split-beam echo sounder are conducted quarterly to estimate fish biomass in open water areas. Species diversity is assessed using the Shannon Index and Pielou Evenness Index. Concurrent limnological sampling records water depth, turbidity, conductivity, and aquatic macrophyte coverage as habitat quality indicators. Findings are expected to document significant declines in total catch weight and species richness compared to records from 2010, with sharp reductions in large-bodied species such as Lates niloticus and Hyperopisus bebe. Recommendations address the need for a Lake Chad Basin Commission-supported fisheries recovery programme and alternative livelihood support for displaced fishing communities. Keywords: Lake Chad fisheries, catch trends, Borno State, species diversity, artisanal fishing