Fish Assemblages and Sales Price Along The Coast Of Ondo State, South Western Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined fish assemblages and market price dynamics across key coastal fish landing communities in Ondo State, Nigeria, with a focus on Okesiri, Igbokoda, and Obinehin. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 200 stakeholders—including fishers, processors, transporters, and traders complemented by direct market observations at selected landing sites. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted using Python-based analytical tools. Results indicate that respondents were predominantly young (20–40 years) and male (≈70%), although women played critical roles in fish processing and marketing. Okesiri emerged as the principal landing hub, accounting for approximately 70% of sampled respondents. The dominant species recorded included the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), cassava croaker (Pseudotolithus senegalensis), and bonga shad (Ethmalosa fimbriata). Market analysis revealed significant variability in fish prices across species and seasons. Bonga shad exhibited the highest and most volatile prices due to its dual fresh and processed market demand, whereas African catfish, Nile tilapia, and cassava croaker displayed relatively stable price patterns. Seasonality, fish size, and preservation techniques emerged as the primary determinants of market prices, with prices consistently higher during the dry season than in the rainy season. Socioeconomic factors also influenced income distribution, with tertiary-educated traders and vendors earning significantly higher revenues. Fish smoking was identified as the dominant preservation method, although high transportation costs and inadequate infrastructure constrained market efficiency and profitability. Notably, nearly half of respondents reported declining fish availability, suggesting growing pressure on coastal fishery resources. The study highlights the urgent need for targeted investments in cold storage facilities, improved fish-smoking technologies, transportation infrastructure, and capacity-building initiatives, alongside strengthened community-based fisheries management. Such interventions are critical for stabilizing market prices, enhancing livelihoods, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of coastal fisheries in Ondo State, Nigeria.