FISH ABUNDANCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF THREE WATER BODIES

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background Of The Study

Fisheries resources are on the reduction in Nigeria due to over exploitation and inadequate management of her coastal waters (Lawson and Olusanya, 2010). For sustainability of these resources, an adequate knowledge of species composition, relative abundance of her water bodies must be understood and actively pursued (Lawson and Olusanya, 2010).

Different species in a given area is the fundamental unit in which to assess the homogeneity of an environment and community used in conservation studies to determine the sensitivity of the ecosystems and their resident species while rare species is relative to other species in a given community and are usually describe for a single tropic level (Lawson and Olusanya, 2010).

Nigeria is blessed with abundant natural aquatic resources in Marine, Estuarine and Freshwater environments. The freshwater components are within extensive river systems, lakes, flood plans and reservoirs scattered over the entire land surface area of over 4,212, 500ha (Ita, 1993) as cited by (Obasohan and Oransaye, 2006). Nigeria also has (8) coastal states namely; Ogun State, Lagos State, Ondo State, Delta State, Bayelsa State, Akwa-Ibom State and Cross River state.

1.2 Statement Of The Problem

The fish fauna of the Nigerian freshwater system has been the focus of research for quite some time. Some of the researchers are Welman (1984); Banks et al., (1965); Akinyemi (1985); Idodo-umeh (1987) and Ita (1987). These studies concentrated more on rivers, with less attention on the lakes and wet lands yet they produced a variety of reports on the Nigerian Freshwater. Research so far on Nigerian freshwater system has concentrated more on larger water bodies such as River Niger Lake Chad etc. The lesser known water bodies are neglected, yet they contribute significantly to local fish supply. This study therefore seeks to identify the fish species and to ascertain their abundance and distribution in the three selected water bodies.

1.3 Objective of The Study

The general aim of this study is to ascertain the abundance and distribution of fish three water bodies. Hence the specific objectives include; 

1. Identify  the species composition of fishes caught in the three water stations.

2. Identify the distribution of fish caught by families.

3. Checklist the Fish Families with Species/Genus.

1.4 Research Question

2. What is the distribution percentage of fishes you have caught?

1.5 Significance Of The Study

The result of this study will be of immense relevant to farmers specifically fish farmers in Delta state and other part of Nigeria as it will enlighten them on the approaches to the distribution of fish abundance. This study will in no doubt be useful to the body of research in the  agricultural discipline as researcher and students will find it useful for research and academic purpose.

1.6 Scope Of The Study

This study on fish abundance and distribution of three water bodies is limited to identifying  the species composition of fishes caught in the three water stations, the distribution of fish caught by families and check listing the Fish Families with Species/Genus. Therefore to achieve the desired result from this study, it will be delimited to Onah lake, Anwai river and River Niger at cable Point, Delta State.

1.7 Limitation Of The Study

in the cause of the study the researcher encounters some constrain which limited the scope of the study;

a) AVAILABILITY OF RESEARCH MATERIAL: The research material      available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study.

b) TIME: The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider coverage as the researcher has to combine other academic activities and examinations with the study.

c) FINANCE: The finance available for the research work does not allow for wider coverage as resources are very limited as the researcher has other academic bills to cover.