By Abdulmalik Adetola Lawal
For many years, Nigeria’s fishing industry has struggled with unsustainable fishing methods. An unsustainable fishing practice is one that leads to overfishing, habitat destruction, and fish stock depletion. As a result of unsustainable fishing practices in Nigeria, the number and size of fish available for harvest have declined severely.
Many of Nigeria’s coastal communities depend heavily on the fishing industry as one of their main sources of income. Unfortunately, there are a number of problems that are hindering the industry, including bad fishing methods and regulations.
Specifically, the main cause of unsustainable fishing practices in Nigeria is overfishing. This is when fishermen harvest more fish than the environment can sustainably support. Overfishing can cause a decrease in fish stocks as well as a decrease in the size of the fish being caught. It can also lead to the destruction of habitats, such as coral reefs, due to the use of bottom trawling.
The second cause of unsustainable fishing practices in Nigeria is bycatch. Bycatch is when fishermen unintentionally catch other species of fish and other marine organisms, such as turtles and dolphins, in the process of fishing for their target species. This can lead to the depletion of species that can be found in Nigerian waters.
The third cause of unsustainable fishing practices in Nigeria is the overuse of fishing gear. Fishermen often use excessive amounts of gear, such as nets and traps, in order to catch more fish. This leads to a decrease in the number of fish that are able to survive and reproduce, as well as a decrease in the size of the fish being caught.
Moreover, the Nigerian government has been slow to implement regulations to protect the environment and ensure sustainable fishing practices. This has led to overfishing, the destruction of coral reefs, and the depletion of fish populations. As a result, the fish are being harvested at unsustainable levels, leading to a decrease in fish stocks and shorter fishing seasons.
In addition, the lack of enforcement of fishing regulations by the government has allowed overexploitation of the fisheries. Fishermen are using unsustainable practices such as trawling, dynamite fishing, and bottom dragging, which can damage coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other marine habitats. These practices cause significant damage to the environment and reduce the productivity of the fisheries.
To further buttress this, lack of investment in research and monitoring of the fishing industry also contributes to the poor management of the fisheries. Without adequate data, the government is unable to make informed decisions on how to protect the environment and ensure sustainable practices are followed.
Furthermore, the government has not done enough to ensure adequate protection for coastal fishing communities. Many of these communities rely on the fisheries for their livelihoods, but the government has not taken adequate measures to protect their rights and livelihoods.
Additionally, many fishermen lack access to resources such as fishing boats, nets, and other equipment, which further limits their ability to make a living.
Finally, in order to address these issues, the Nigerian government needs to take action. The government should introduce regulations to protect fish stocks, enforce laws to prevent illegal fishing, and provide adequate resources to fishermen. Moreso, it will also be right for the government to provide education and awareness about the importance of sustainable fishing practices. This will help ensure the future of the fishing industry in Nigeria and help preserve the country’s natural resources.
