An Analysis of the Relationship between Temperature Variation and Fish Production in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examines the relationships of changes in temperature on artisanal fish production in Lagos. Data on the impact of sea surface temperature on the annual yield of artisanal fishes during the period 1995 to 2007 was analysed. The major statistical methods employed was the correlation analysis and result shows that there was a significant correlation between average annual sea surface temperature and annual fish yield or catch with r = 0.576 and a coefficient of determination of 34% which was significant. The study also revealed a decrease in total amount of fish caught, decreasing from 30951 tonnes in 1999 to 10434 tonnes in 2000, showing a decline of 20517 tonnes in just over a year period. The analysis further indicates that changes in sea surface temperature alter fish yield while recognizing that other factors such as overfishing have influence on fish yield. Our recommendationsinclude proper fishing management, installation of environmental warning and monitoring system, establishment and maintenance of more training and demonstration facilities etc. The implementation of these measures are required to alleviate or even stem the challenges posed by temperature variation on fish production