Application of Geographic Information Systems in Mapping Artisanal Fishing Grounds along the Atlantic Coast of Lagos State

The effective management of coastal artisanal fisheries in Lagos State requires spatially referenced data on fishing grounds, effort distribution, and resource use patterns that have historically been absent from government planning databases. This study applies geographic information systems technology to map and characterise artisanal fishing grounds along the 180-kilometre Atlantic coastline of Lagos State through the integration of GPS-tracked fishing vessel routes, catch landing records from 12 designated landing sites, and satellite-derived ocean colour data. Field data were collected over a six-month period through the installation of GPS loggers on 45 canoes operated by consenting fishers, supplemented by daily landing surveys and focus group discussions with fishing community leaders. GIS-derived fishing ground maps revealed that 78% of fishing effort was concentrated within 8 nautical miles of shore, with three high-density hotspots identified near the mouths of major estuaries. Seasonal migration of fishing effort was documented, corresponding with chlorophyll-a concentration patterns derived from MODIS satellite data. The mapping exercise also identified 12 no-go zones where fishers reported complete resource depletion. The resulting GIS database provides the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture with actionable spatial information for establishing marine protected area boundaries, allocating fishing licenses by zone, and designing community-based fisheries monitoring programmes. The study demonstrates the practical value of GIS-based participatory mapping for coastal fisheries governance in a high-density fishing state.

Keywords: GIS mapping, artisanal fisheries, fishing grounds, coastal management, Lagos State