Fisheries Resource Assessment in the Coastal Communities of Ondo State

Artisanal fisheries constitute a major source of livelihood and nutrition for coastal communities across Nigeria, yet resource assessments remain sparse in many regions. This study assessed the diversity, abundance, and exploitation status of fisheries resources in coastal communities of Ondo State, South West Nigeria. Data were collected over a period of four months through daily landing surveys at three major fishing ports: Aiyetoro, Igbokoda, and Mahin Beach. Fish species were identified using standard taxonomic guides, and length-weight relationships were computed for dominant species. Fishing gear types, catch per unit effort, and monthly landings were documented. Interviews with 120 fishers were conducted to capture perception of resource trends and gear preferences. A total of 62 fish species across 29 families were recorded. Scombridae and Clupeidae were the most dominant families by weight. Catch per unit effort showed a declining trend at all three sites over the study period, suggesting overfishing pressure. Length-frequency analysis revealed that a significant proportion of harvested Sardinella maderensis were below minimum landing size, indicating recruitment overfishing. Monofilament gillnets were the most commonly used gear, often set at illegal mesh sizes. The study concludes that current exploitation levels exceed sustainable thresholds and recommends community-based co-management frameworks and seasonal fishing restrictions as immediate interventions. Keywords: artisanal fisheries, catch per unit effort, Ondo State, overfishing, co-management.