Abstract:

The study was conducted between January 2018 and December 2018 to assess information important to artisanal fishers in selected coastal areas in Niger Delta. Data from well-structured questionnaire were collected from 477 artisanal fishers out of 820 registered artisanal fishers and subjected to descriptive and liket scale analysis. Based on an average of 2.5 out of 4-point scale, 17 out of the 24 information types were timely, 15 were adequate and 20 were relevant. Information most important to artisanal fishers in the study area were: types of materials for boat making and effects of mesh size used in fishing. Most important information based on timeliness were: modern technique in boat and engine maintenance (3.973), negative effects of middle-men (3.588), effect of different mesh size (3.511), effects of fishing methods (3.441), dangers of rough sea (3.396), effects of bad fishing practice (3.389) and types of materials for boat making (3.199). Information that were most adequate were: effects of use of explosives (3.685), effect of different mesh size (3.531), types of materials for boat making (3.410) and access to modern fishing activities (3.124). The least relevant information was: processing and storage (1.962), use of different types of fishing gears (2.061), water trend or movement (2.382) and use of non-motorized vessels (2.412). On the average the information types were timely (2.604), slightly adequate (2.487) and relevant (3.169). Addressing and implementing these important information types from the findings can improve the fisheries industry in the Niger Delta.