Profitability and Constraints of Artisanal Fishing as a Livelihood Strategy Among Coastal Communities in Akwa Ibom State, South South Nigeria

Artisanal fishing is a primary livelihood source for coastal and riverine communities in Akwa Ibom State, contributing significantly to household income and local protein supply. Despite its economic importance, artisanal fishing enterprises face increasing constraints from environmental degradation, overfishing, and limited access to improved gear and financing. This study assessed the profitability and constraints of artisanal fishing enterprises among coastal communities in Akwa Ibom State. A structured questionnaire was administered to 90 artisanal fishing household heads selected through random sampling across four coastal communities. Data on fishing effort, gear types, daily catch volumes, revenues, and production costs were collected. Farm enterprise budgeting, gross margin analysis, and a constraint ranking exercise were applied. Results indicated a mean gross margin of N82,000 per month per fishing household, confirming economic viability but reflecting declining profitability trends compared to historical benchmarks. Fuel costs and gear maintenance constituted approximately 58 percent of variable costs. Declining fish stocks, coastal pollution from oil activities, and gear theft were ranked as the most severe constraints. The study recommends government investment in gear subsidy programmes, aquatic resource management frameworks, and diversified livelihood support for fishing households in Akwa Ibom State coastal communities. Keywords: artisanal fishing, profitability, coastal communities, Akwa Ibom State, livelihoods.