Evaluating the Impact of Socio-Economic Factors and Fisheries Legislation on Fisherfolk in Rivers State, Nigeria

An assessment of socio-economic conditions and fisheries legislation and their impact on fisherfolk in Rivers State, Nigeria, was conducted between June 2021 and May 2023. The study focused on the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents and their awareness of existing fisheries laws. A total of 400 respondents were selected from fifteen fishing communities—five from each of the three senatorial zones that make up Rivers State—using a simple random sampling method. Questionnaires were administered to collect data, which were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that 70.4% of respondents were male; 42% were aged between 36 and 45; 84% were married; 44% had tertiary education; 58% reported fishing as their major occupation; 26% had 11–16 years of fishing experience; 40% practiced aquaculture; and 74% were full-time fishers. Regarding awareness of fisheries laws, the mean awareness scores were, Sea Fisheries Decree of 1971 (2.8±1.07), Sea Licensing Regulation of 1971 (2.8±1.06), Sea Fisheries (Fishing) Regulation of 1992 (2.9±1.08), Exclusive Economic Zone Act (2.7±1.01), and Inland Fisheries Decree of 1992 (3.0±0.88). It is recommended that the following steps be taken to improve and sustain aquatic resources in the study area: the state government should ensure that the Inland Fisheries Law (Decree 108) is formally passed into law; the media should enhance publicity to improve awareness, compliance, and enforcement; and policies should be developed using a bottom-up approach and written in local languages for better understanding.