PROSPECTS OF TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE IN FISHERIES MANAGEMENT

Abstract

This review focuses on the value and policy implications of traditional ecological knowledge of fishers for restoration and conservation of fish habitats. Efforts to control floodwaters have resulted into the modification of waterscape and the alteration of wetland habitats. However, the main cheap source of animal protein in Nigeria is fish. The review identified some traditional fisheries’ knowledge relevant to restoring of degraded fisheries resources. The information available shows that traditional ecological knowledge held by fishers is virtually relevant to hydrology of small lakes, habitat preferences of fish, role of aquatic vegetation as habitat components, and impacts of habitat disturbances due to human interventions in aquatic ecosystems. As pragmatic solutions to habitat degradation problems, many of these locally-evolved practices and approaches are cost-effective, environmentally friendly and culturally acceptable. The work argues for a holistic approach to fish habitat management that ensures multi-level cooperation involving fishers, government agencies, and build up on the knowledge and credibility of resource users.