Fishing input requirements of artisanal fishers in coastal communities of Ondo state, Nigeria

Efforts towards increase in fish production through artisanal fishery can be achieved by making needed inputs available. Fishing requirements of artisanal fishers in coastal communities of Ondo State, Nigeria were studied. Data were obtained from two hundred and sixteen artisans using multistage random sampling technique. Structured interview scheduled was used to obtain information from the respondents. Data were analyzed with the use of descriptive statistic such as frequency counts and percentage. Chi-square was used to test relationships between the variables. The results showed that 73.6% had fifteen years and above fishing experience and 58.8% had between twenty to thirty thousand monthly incomes. Majority (71.8%) used cast net while 80.10% required canoe and 30% 40 HP outboard engines for fishing. The chi-square analysis showed significant relationship between fishing input requirements of artisans and fishing experience for canoe (χ² = 0.00, p < 0.05), outboard engine (χ² = 0.00, p< 0.05) and netting material (χ² = 0.00). All the fishing input were significantly related to artisans monthly income (P<0.005). Based on the study, it is recommended that Government through the Federal Department of Fisheries should regulate and subsidize fishing inputs to improve the living standard of artisans.Key Words: Artisanal fishers, coastal communities, fishing experience, fishing input, monthly income