SURVEY OF FISHERIES RESOURCES OF NGURU LAKE

*Abubakar, M. M. and Auta, J.

*Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Dutse

Department of Biological Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

E-mail: mmabubakar2005@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The study was aimed at estimating the fisheries potential of the lake with a view to optimum exploitation of the lakes resources.The data on the fisheries of Nguru Lake was studied over a period of one year. Fish samples were collected monthly from the five sampling stations using gill nets of various mesh sizes, with the assistance of the fishermen. A total of twenty four fish species belonging to 13 families were identified. The family Cichlidae dominated the fish fauna with 64%. The families Claridae and Osteogossidae constituted 6% each, while the family Malapteruridae was the least with only 0.17%. The mean weight of fish caught per day was 540.17kg, from three landing sites, with 14 fishermen operating averagely from each site. The study also revealed that the lake was not over-fished.