Socioeconomic Analysis of Artisanal Fisheries in Coastal Communities of Bayelsa State

Artisanal fisheries in the coastal communities of Bayelsa State, South South Nigeria, provide livelihoods and food security to a substantial proportion of the population, yet socioeconomic data characterising this sector at the community level remain fragmented. This study conducts a socioeconomic analysis of artisanal fishing households in five communities in Brass and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State. Structured questionnaires were administered to 200 fishing households, and focus group discussions were held with 30 fish traders. Data collected included demographic characteristics, fishing effort, catch composition, income levels, gear ownership, and access to credit and social support services. Results showed that the average monthly household income from fishing was 47,500 Naira, below the national poverty threshold, with significant variability between communities. The majority of fishers (72%) owned their primary fishing gear, though few owned motorised vessels. Women played a dominant role in fish processing and marketing, contributing 61% of post-harvest income in surveyed households. Access to formal credit was extremely limited, with only 9% of respondents having received fisheries-related loans. The study identifies oil pollution, gear theft, and fluctuating fish prices as the most critical threats to livelihoods in the surveyed communities. Recommendations include the design of targeted microfinance programmes for artisanal fishers and the integration of oil pollution compensation frameworks into the Bayelsa State fisheries development strategy.

Keywords: artisanal fisheries, socioeconomic analysis, coastal communities, Bayelsa State, livelihood