Fish production in fresh water stream; A Review

Fresh water fishes are of major economic, nutritional, ecosystem-service, scientific, historical and cultural importance worldwide. In Africa, they are a main protein source to people living close to streams and rivers; and in Nigeria, fisheries within inland waters contribute about 86% of the domestic fish production. Streams are a major source of fish production to hinterland communities and this depends on the interplay of factors like hydrological regimes, environmental degradation, riparian vegetation/ natural food, fishing pressure; and sediments and pollution. The longitudinal connectivity of the hydrological regime with flooding of lateral plains without undue hindrances from barriers like dams and diversions are important to maintaining and restoring fish population. In addition, riparian vegetation/ natural food, fishing pressure, sediments and pollution have affected fish production in streams. It therefore calls for local communities along streams to deliberate on how to manage their local resources and environment. Government should also execute projects that would provide planned flow regime to mitigate and potentially enhance fish production in fresh water streams.