Effect of Plastic Waste Pollution on Fishing: Case of Selected Local Government Areas of Rivers State

The study examined plastic waste pollution and fishing activities in Rivers State. Some coastal Local Government Areas of Rivers State were selected for the study. Population of the study were twelve coastal Local Government Areas of Rivers State with a sample of 384 respondents thus, purposive sampling. The study data were analysed using simple linear regression analysis. Findings of the study revealed that plastic waste disposal has positive and significant effects on fish production in River State. The study concludes that plastic waste pollution has significant effect on fishing and recommends that Government should implement stricter regulations on plastic waste management especially in our rivers, and the entire ecosystems. Furthermore, public awareness campaign should be carried out by the Government to rid the coastal lines of plastic waste dumping which are hazardous to aquatic lives and generally, the blue economy.