CATCH PER UNIT EFFORT AND COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS OF TRADITIONAL AND MODIFIED MALIAN TRAPS IN TAGWAI DAM OF NIGER STATE

Abstract

The decline in fish catch per unit effort and low return from sale has force many fisherfolks to abandoned fishing for other source of livelihood. This study seeks to find out the catch per unit effort and cost-benefit of traditional and modified Malian traps. The Traps were designed and constructed with Mimosa pigra sticks based on the specification. Traditional Malian Trap (TMT) has cone shaped, while the modified Malian traps were modified semi-circular Malian trap (MSCMT) and modified rectangular Malian trap (MRMT). The Traditional Malian Traps were enclosed in 3.75 cm mesh-size while modified Malian Traps were both enclosed in a netting material of 5 cm mesh-sizes (Standard). The Traps were set un-baited. Catches were Collected twice weekly for a period of six months (July to December). A total of 236 fishes were caught by both traps. The percentage of fish caught by the traps were 55.5 % for TMT comprising Sarotherodon galilaeus, Coptodon zilii, Clarias gariepinus, Oreochromis niloticus and Synodontis membranaceus, while MSCMT was 24.6 % of similar species and 19.9 % for MRMT also of similar species with Hydrocynus forskahlii inclusive. The total monthly catch per unit effort throughout the research period was 905.79 g for TMT and 1,047.48 g for the two different shape of modified Malian Traps. The value of the computed net profit (ᴫ)was ₦-4492.24, ₦-6966.64 and ₦6922.18 for TMT, MSCMT, and MRMT respectively. The low catch per unit effort and negative net profit values of the traps in the study revealed the low productivity of the dam. Hence, the need for sustainable management of the dam