Spatial Analysis of Fisheries Conflicts Between Industrial Trawlers and Artisanal Fishers in Nigerian Waters

Conflicts between industrial bottom trawl fisheries and artisanal inshore fishers represent a persistent governance failure in Nigerian fisheries management, resulting in gear destruction, livelihood losses, violence, and ecological damage from illegal trawling within the six-nautical-mile exclusive artisanal fishing zone. This study conducts a spatial analysis of fisheries conflict in Nigerian coastal waters using AIS-based vessel monitoring data from 150 licensed industrial trawlers, fisher testimonies, and enforcement records. Industrial trawler position data from 2022 to 2024 are analysed to compute intrusion frequency, duration, and spatial distribution within the six-nautical-mile coastal zone. Conflict incident reports from the Fishermen Association of Nigeria and 200 fisher household interviews across Ondo, Delta, Rivers, and Cross River States document gear loss events, near-collision incidents, and livelihood impacts attributable to trawler intrusion. Legal analysis examines the enforceability of the Exclusive Economic Zone Act provisions protecting the artisanal fishing zone and the adequacy of the Federal Department of Fisheries monitoring infrastructure. Spatial kernel density estimation maps hotspots of trawler intrusion and overlays these with artisanal fishing grounds mapped from VMS-equipped canoe tracking and participatory GIS exercises. Cost-benefit analysis estimates annual economic losses to artisanal fishers from gear destruction and foregone catches in conflict zones. Findings are expected to document systematic and widespread trawler violations, with 62 percent of monitored trawlers recording at least one incursion. Recommendations propose mandatory electronic monitoring for all trawlers and a multi-stakeholder co-management zone agreement. Keywords: fisheries conflict, industrial trawlers, artisanal fisheries, AIS monitoring, Nigerian coastal governance