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EFFECT OF FISHING ACTIVITIES ON FISHERY RESOURCES IN IKERE-GORGE, ISEYIN, OYO STATE, NIGERIA


S.O. Ajagbe

Abstract

The study assessed the effect of fishing gears, fishing regulations on fisheries resources of Ikere-gorge, Iseyin,
Oyo State, Nigeria in 2018. The major objective of fishing regulation is to regulate fishing gears for the
conservation of fisheries resources. Random sampling technique was used to administer 90 structured interview
guides prepared and administered to 50% population of fishermen in each fishing village in Ikere-gorge. Data
obtained were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. There were six different fishing gears
employed by fishermen to exploit fish in Ikere-gorge. Fish are abundant during the rainy season but catch
quantities and sizes are decreasing. There were some missing fish species in Ikere-gorge. Fishermen used two
inches mesh size net for fishing, leading to abundant by-catch of juvenile fish in Ikere-gorge. Most fishermen
were not aware of any law that forbid catching of small-sized fish. Among various reasons for catching smallsized
fish include: abundance and monetary gains. There was a negative and significant relationship between
fishing gears and fishery resources and positive between fishing regulation and fishery resources in Ikere-gorge.
Therefore, fishermen should be encouraged to fish responsibly for the sustainability of Ikere-gorge fisheries.


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print ISSN: 0300-368X