Water Quality and Fish Species Abundance of Araho River, and Its Implications For Local Fisheries Supply Chains in Lafia, Nasarawa State
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65869/sar.v5.i1.142Keywords:
Water quality; Fish abundance; Condition factor; Artisanal fisheries; Supply chain resilience; Food system sustainabilityAbstract
This study investigated the relationship between water quality and fish species abundance in the Araho River, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria, with emphasis on implications for artisanal fisheries and supply‑chain stability. Physico‑chemical parameters (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, turbidity, total dissolved solids, hardness, and chloride) were measured from August to October 2023 using a Lamotte freshwater aquaculture testing kit (Model AQ‑2, Code 36633‑03). Fish species obtained from local fishermen were identified using standard taxonomic guides, and their weights (g) and lengths (cm) were recorded to determine relative abundance and condition factors. Eighteen species across nine families were recorded, with Cichlidae constituting the highest proportion of the catch (24.26%) and Osteoglossidae the lowest (0.74%). Most species exhibited condition factors above one, indicating favourable growth conditions, except Gnathoremus tamandua (0.81). Although all measured water‑quality parameters fell within recommended limits for fish production, monthly variations were observed, particularly in biological oxygen demand and total dissolved solids. Overall, the Araho River supports viable fish populations; however, environmental fluctuations and increasing human activities pose risks to catch predictability and market supply. Continuous monitoring and management of river conditions are therefore essential to sustain ecological integrity and strengthen the resilience of local artisanal fisheries and associated supply chains
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