Fisheries of Ilaje Community, Badagry, Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the fisheries of Ilaje Fishing Community, Badagry, Lagos State. The species composition, length-weight relationships, correlation parameters of landings, fishing gears and crafts, post-harvest technology and socio-economic profile of Fishermen were investigated. Species were sampled fortnightly from July to December, 2017 and respondents were sampled with structured questionnaire and discussion with key informants and focused group. The slope (b) values obtained for the 36 fish species from 22 families ranged from -1.5826 to 8.4126 with most of the fish species having negative allometric growth. Lowest condition factor (K) (0.321) was recorded in Trichiurus lepturus (Trichiuridae) while the highest value (20.304) was observed in Calappa rubroguttata (Calappidae). Majority of the canoe are motorized by 40 horse powered engine, with the fish species captured preserved with the use of traditional smoking kiln, while socioeconomic status of the fisherfolks is concluded to be average/low. Output of analyses of length and weight measurement of some species, which were landed in Ilaje Fishing Community, Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria, which have not been reported, are available for referrer for further studies.