Assessment of Fisheries Resources and Fishing Methods in Lake Geriyo, Adamawa State

Lake Geriyo in Adamawa State, North East Nigeria, supports a diverse artisanal fishery that constitutes an important protein and livelihood source for riparian communities, yet comprehensive documentation of the fisheries resources and fishing practices at this water body remains sparse. This study assesses the fish species composition, fishing gear types, seasonal catch patterns, and fishing effort at Lake Geriyo over a six-month period spanning the dry and early wet seasons. Data were collected through daily catch monitoring at three landing sites, direct gear enumeration, and structured interviews with 80 registered fishers. A total of 24 fish species were identified in the catch, with Oreochromis niloticus, Synodontis spp., and Clarias spp. constituting the dominant groups by weight. Gillnets, cast nets, longlines, and traps were the major gear types in use. Catch per unit effort was highest during the late dry season when fish concentrated in reduced water volumes. Undersized fish were recorded in 31% of gill net catches, indicating recruitment overfishing pressure. The study also documents the use of prohibited fishing methods at two sites, including the use of chemicals and fine mesh nets. The findings establish a baseline species inventory and fishing effort dataset for Lake Geriyo, providing essential information for the Adamawa State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources to develop evidence-based fisheries management regulations for this inland water body.

Keywords: fisheries resources, fishing methods, Lake Geriyo, artisanal fishery, Adamawa State