On technical viability of the trawler fishery in Nigeria

Abstract

The concept of technical viability is defined as a combination of factors including fishery resource. Ecology, gear technology, manpower and entrepreneurial skills financial inputs and product markets. A clear drop in catch per trawler per year in Nigeria is attributed mainly to inadequate cash flow to operate vessels in the face of high fuel costs, lack of spare parts and repair facilities, and some growth over fishing of ground fish stocks. The transition from artisanal to rapid industrial mechanized fishing has not been matched by the availability of skilled local manpower to effectively operates and service electronic, hydraulic and refrigeration equipment of modern trawlers. While Nigerian financial institutions have to some extent financed trawler purchases, negligible assistance is directed at acquisition of post- harvest facilities, processing, construction of fishing terminals and cold stores. This neglect contributes immensely to losses incurred from spoilage of catch. Some suggested remedies are packaged in the form of discussions on effective mechanisms to conserve stocks, training proposals, fuel saving devices in trawlers and the role of the state in ensuring suitable conditions for fisheries development.