Industrial Fishing in Obolo (Andoni), 1970-2020

Abstract

The paper explores the impact of industrial fishing on the Obolo (Andoni) people. The Obolo people sometime called Andoni are among the various ethnic groups found in the Niger Delta region precisely, the Eastern Niger Delta. Presently the Obolo speaking people are found in two local government areas, namely; Andoni local government, administered by the Rivers State government, while the Eastern Obolo Local Government is in Akwa Ibom State. Traditionally, fishing is the main occupation of the people. Other occupations of the people include, commerce, farming and marine transportation. The Obolo people are artisanal fishermen and women who engaged in fishing in the creeks, rivers and later in the open sea (Atlantic Ocean). The emergent of industrial or mechanized fishing which probably began in Nigeria in the 1950s has led to an increase in both Nigerian and foreign fishing trawler vessels; which ultimately led to what is described in fishery as “by-catch” and “discard”. Ukpatu (2012:3) defines the “by-catch” as anything the fishermen does not intend to catch namely; sea turtle, fish, crabs, shrimps, sharks, weed and sea debris; while “discard referred to the sub-set of the by-catch or portion of the catch that is thrown over into the sea, Andoni Forum, USA (2004:1). The by-catch is a new trend in fishing among the Obolo in particular and the coastal communities in general. The new trend is described in Obolo language as “Kpokpoben” meaning “don’t select” or “just carry” or “trawler”. The Kpokpoben provides employment, food, boast economic activities of the people of the coastal communities. In spite of what seem to be the advantages, its adverse effects include, depletion in natural fish stock, damage to fishing gears, loss of lives and property. Other adverse effects are increase in sea piracy and water pollution. The study recommends among others, the review / overhaul of the fishery laws in Nigeria, equipping the Nigerian Navy with modern security gadgets and mounting an enlightenment campaign in English and Local languages to create an awareness on the adverse effects of the kpokpoben on the Andoni environment