Macroscopic gonad staging and reproductive seasonality in the Gorean snapper, Lutjanus goreensis a gonochoristic West African Lutjanid

In Nigeria, the Gorean snapper Lutjanus goreensis is an important component of artisanal fisheries and trawl landings although substantial gap exists on some aspects of the species’ reproductive biology in the entire Gulf of Guinea. The main objective of the study was to characterize the sexual differentiation and ratio, spawning seasonality and pattern through observation of three somatic indices: gonadosomatic index IG, hepatosomatic index IH and the Relative Condition Factor (Krel), macroscopic staging and size at first sexual maturity of the species. Spawning seasonality and pattern were best determined from temporal trends of IG and macroscopic gonad stage frequencies. The fish is monogamous with sex ratio of 1 male: 1 female. Five distinct gonad maturity stages and lack of population synchrony in gonadal development were distinguished. Mean sizes at first sexual maturity were 34.61cm TL and 34.21 cm TL for females and males, respectively. Multiple spawning peaks reflected by high IG occurred in December, May to June and August indicated protracted spawning while lowest IG occurred in March-April, denoted a resting phase. The species is a multiple spawner as evinced from asynchronous development of the gonads. It showed continuous reproduction throughout the year, particularly at higher intensity during the heavy rains (May to September). While these findings imply continuous recruitment into fishery, it is recommended that for optimal exploitation, minimum capture size has to be increased above sizes at sexual maturity

A contextual analysis of small-scale fisheries governance in Nigeria: Building on challenges and opportunities for sustainability

Complex social–ecological systems such as small-scale fisheries require the inclusion of human dimensions in fisheries management and planning for simultaneously preserving human health and habitat health. However, linkages between ecological, social, political and economic subsystems have been largely ignored in conventional fisheries management, in Nigeria in particular. Hence, the weak governance in the fisheries sub-sector in general is marred by intra-sectoral and inter-sectoral conflicts. The Nigerian fishery is predominantly small-scale in nature yet this sub-sector is contributing about 70 percent to the total national domestic fish production. Despite the significant social, economic and cultural impacts, the small-scale fisheries currently lacks enabling conditions and receives the least priority considerations in the developmental process. This paper presents a contextual analysis of historical developments and the current status of small-scale fisheries in Nigeria. In this paper, several analytical approaches were adopted. The research design used an inductive-qualitative approach, based on papers retained for relevance to development themes and cross-cutting issues in small-scale fisheries from an extensive literature search after a scanning and selection process using a four - point criteria. From this analysis, an assessment was made against the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries (VG-SSF) in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication and a framework conceptualized and discussed, based on collective action to improve the organization level and capacity building of fishers, data on capture fish production, integrating ecosystem–based management in addition to gender integration into fisheries policies and decision-making processes for improved fisheries performance and sustainability

A contextual analysis of small-scale fisheries governance in Nigeria: building on challenges and opportunities for sustainability

Complex social–ecological systems such as small-scale fisheries require the inclusion of human dimensions in fisheries management and planning for simultaneously preserving human health and habitat health.However, linkages between ecological, social, political and economic subsystems have been largely ignored in conventional fisheries management, in Nigeria in particular. Hence, the weak governance in the fisheries sub-sector in general is marred by intra-sectoral and inter-sectoral conflicts. The Nigerian fishery is predominantly small-scale in nature yet this sub-sector is contributing about 70 percent to the total national domestic fish production. Despite the significant social, economic and cultural impacts, the small-scale fisheries currently lacks enabling conditions and receives the least priority considerations in the developmental process. This paper presents a contextual analysis of historical developments and the current status of small-scale fisheries in Nigeria. In this paper, several analytical approaches were adopted. The research design used an inductive-qualitative approach, based on papers retained for relevance to development themes and cross-cutting issues in small-scale fisheries from an extensive literature search after a scanning and selection process using a four -point criteria. From this analysis, an assessment was made against the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries (VG-SSF) in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication anda framework conceptualized and discussed, based on collective action to improve the organization level and capacity building of fishers, data on capture fish production, integrating ecosystem–based management in addition to gender integration into fisheries policies and decision-making processes for improved fisheries performance and sustainability

The role of small-scale fisheries in Nigeria’s food system

This discussion paper draws together recent data on fish and aquatic foods, and nutrition in Nigeria, to examine how small-scale fisheries fit within and contribute to Nigeria’s food system. Much of the analysis and exploration we present here are of very recent data from global, national, and local initiatives. This discussion paper has a particular focus on Sustainable Development Goals 2, and other goals and targets related to human nutrition, food security, and sustainable food production and supplies

Building leaders for the UN Ocean Science Decade : a guide to supporting early career women researchers within academic marine research institutions

Diverse and inclusive marine research is paramount to addressing ocean sustainability challenges in the 21st century, as envisioned by the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Despite increasing efforts to diversify ocean science, women continue to face barriers at various stages of their career, which inhibits their progression to leadership within academic institutions. In this perspective, we draw on the collective experiences of thirty-four global women leaders, bolstered by a narrative review, to identify practical strategies and actions that will help empower early career women researchers to become the leaders of tomorrow. We propose five strategies: (i) create a more inclusive culture, (ii) ensure early and equitable career development opportunities for women ECRs, (iii) ensure equitable access to funding for women ECRs, (iv) offer mentoring opportunities and, (v) create flexible, family-friendly environments. Transformational, meaningful, and lasting change will only be achieved through commitment and collaborative action across various scales and by multiple stakeholders.Peer reviewe

Life-stages, exploitation status and habitat use of Lutjanus goreensis (Perciformes: Lutjanidae) in coastal marine environments of Lagos, SW Nigeria

Life-stages, exploitation status and habitat use of the Gorean snapper, Lutjanus goreensis ( Perciformes : Lutjanidae)  from comparative  length  - frequency  distributions in a mangrove - poor tidal creek and coastal marine environments of Lagos, South -west Nigeria.   Kafayat.A. Fakoya1*.,  Martins, A.    Anetekhai1,  Shehu, L. Akintola1,  Abdulwakil, O. Saba1 &  M.Abass. 21Department of Fisheries,  Faculty of Science, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State Nigeria. Email: [email protected]; [email protected] 1Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Science, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State Nigeria. Email: [email protected] of Fisheries, Faculty of Science, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State Nigeria. Email: [email protected] Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, 3  Wilmot Point, Off  Bar Beach Road, Victoria Island, Lagos State, Nigeria.The Gorean snapper, Lutjanus goreensis is an important component of artisanal fisheries and trawl landings in the Gulf of Guinea. Despite its economic importance, there is a dearth of information on size structure and life history strategies of the species. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to provide baseline data on the life stages, exploitation status and habitat use for the species in Nigeria. Monthly samples were obtained from artisanal and trawl catches in Five Cowrie Creek and Lagos coastal waters between December 2008 and December 2010, respectively. Length-frequency distributions of the fishes caught were analysed to provide preliminary information on mean and modal lengths at capture and life - history strategies based on habitat use and estuarine-dependency for L. goreensis. A total of 822 specimens of L. goreensis were collected from Five Cowrie Creek, while 377 specimens were collected from Lagos coastal waters. Total length varied between 7.90-34.90cm for estuarine samples and from 21.90-56.10cm for marine samples. Length-frequency histograms showed polymodal size distributions in estuarine and marine samples. Length-frequency distributions of L. goreensis showed a high abundance of juveniles (<20cm) and sub-adults (20-35cm) which accounted for 84.1% and 68.4% of estuarine and marine samples examined, respectively. For the estuarine samples, fish in modal length class of 13.00-13.99cm were the most exploited while in marine samples, length classes of 29.00-30.99cm and 31.00-32.99cm constituted the most frequently exploited fishes. Increase in total lengths from the creek (mean±SD; 16.19±3.73cm) to the marine habitat (32.89±6.14cm) indicated ontogenetic shift in habitat use. Occurrence of a predominant juvenile population in Five Cowrie Creek by L. goreensis suggests estuarine-dependency and is indicative of a temporary juvenile habitat or a migratory corridor. In conclusions, data from the presently reported study and previous studies demonstrated that juvenile L. goreensis displays estuarine dependency and habitat flexibility. Hence, this underscores the importance of preserving estuarine environments as essential fish habitats to prevent overfishing. The study also concludes that the species is vulnerable to recruitment overfishing in the marine environment especially as a consequence of shrimping. Consequently, it advocates for ban on all fishing activities during peak spawning periods in breeding grounds and shrimp ground assemblage

Breaking down barriers: The identification of actions to promote gender equality in interdisciplinary marine research institutions

Interdisciplinary research is paramount to addressing ocean sustainability challenges in the 21st century. However, women leaders have been underrepresented in interdisciplinary marine research, and there is little guidance on how to achieve the conditions that will lead to an increased proportion of women scientists in positions of leadership. Here, we conduct in-depth qualitative research to explore the main barriers and enablers to women’s leadership in an academic interdisciplinary marine research context. We found that interdisciplinarity can present unique and additional barriers to women leaders (e.g., complexity and lack of value attributed to interdisciplinary research) and are exacerbated by existing gender-specific issues that women experience (e.g., isolation and underrepresentation and stereotyping). Together these barriers overlap forming the “glass obstacle course”—which is particularly challenging for women in minoritized groups. Here, we provide a list of concrete, ambitious, and actionable enablers that can promote and support women’s leadership in academic interdisciplinary marine research

WTO must ban harmful fisheries subsidies

Sustainably managed wild fisheries support food and nutritional security, livelihoods, and cultures (1). Harmful fisheries subsidies—government payments that incentivize overcapacity and lead to overfishing—undermine these benefits yet are increasing globally (2). World Trade Organization (WTO) members have a unique opportunity at their ministerial meeting in November to reach an agreement that eliminates harmful subsidies (3). We—a group of scientists spanning 46 countries and 6 continents—urge the WTO to make this commitment..