INTRODUCTION
FAO (2012) reported that total global capture production in inland waters has increased dramatically since the mid-2000s; an increase of 30% since 2004.
Despite this growth, inland waters are considered as being overfished in many parts of the world.
Odo et al. (2009) reported that the fish yield of most inland waters in Nigeria are generally on the decline.
There is therefore a need for information on the status of fish species of inland waters to facilitate its proper management and enhance productivity.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A study of fish species abundance of Otammiri River, Owerri: Nigeria was conducted from April to August, 2012.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION403 fishes belonging to 10 families, 16 genera and 21 species were collected from artisanal fishers and taken to laboratory, identified, counted and their weights and lengths measured
The unnamed cichlid species ranked highest in percentage number and weight as well as Index of Preponderance (38.7%, 33.6% and 51.1 respectively)
The least were Polycentropis abbreviata, Hepsetus odoe, Synodontis omias, Chrysichthys aluensis and Chrysichthys furcatus each constituting 0.2% of the total number of fish collected.
The presence of an unnamed fish species in the river indicate that there could be more of such living resources with strong potential benefits in the River. The information provided in this study reflects the potential of the fish resources of Otammiri.
This will serve as invaluable baseline tool in fisheries management planning and policy formulations that will enhance the development of fisheries in the area.
FAO (2012) reported that total global capture production in inland waters has increased dramatically since the mid-2000s; an increase of 30% since 2004.
Despite this growth, inland waters are considered as being overfished in many parts of the world.
Odo et al. (2009) reported that the fish yield of most inland waters in Nigeria are generally on the decline.
There is therefore a need for information on the status of fish species of inland waters to facilitate its proper management and enhance productivity.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A study of fish species abundance of Otammiri River, Owerri: Nigeria was conducted from April to August, 2012.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION403 fishes belonging to 10 families, 16 genera and 21 species were collected from artisanal fishers and taken to laboratory, identified, counted and their weights and lengths measured
The unnamed cichlid species ranked highest in percentage number and weight as well as Index of Preponderance (38.7%, 33.6% and 51.1 respectively)
The least were Polycentropis abbreviata, Hepsetus odoe, Synodontis omias, Chrysichthys aluensis and Chrysichthys furcatus each constituting 0.2% of the total number of fish collected.
The presence of an unnamed fish species in the river indicate that there could be more of such living resources with strong potential benefits in the River. The information provided in this study reflects the potential of the fish resources of Otammiri.
This will serve as invaluable baseline tool in fisheries management planning and policy formulations that will enhance the development of fisheries in the area.