IMPACT OF SEA ROBBERY ON ARTISANAL FISH PRODUCTION IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

The study assessed the Impact of Sea Robbery on Artisanal Fish Production in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Specifically, this study compared the income of the fisher-folks affected by sea robbery and those not affected; estimated and compared costs and returns in artisanal fish production by both groups of fisherfolks; determine and compare the effect of socio-economic characteristics on the level of fish output of fisher folks affected by sea robbery and those not affected. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used among others to select the sample size of 202 respondents (fisher-folks) for the study area. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and interpersonal interviews. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regressions, were employed to test the hypotheses also budgetary technique was used to estimate the costs and returns in artisanal fish production. Distribution of respondents by income showed the mean income of ₦351,990.10 for fisher-folks affected by sea robbers, while fisher-folks not affected by sea robbers had the mean income of ₦764,534.65. Costs and returns analysis revealed returns on investment (ROI) of ₦0.55 for fisher folks attacked by sea robbers, while returns on investment (ROI) revealed ₦0.79 for fisher folks not attacked by sea robbers. The multiple regression results for both fisher folks attacked and those not attacked by the sea robbers on the output (k.g) and socio-economic characteristics showed a positive relationship for both groups. The study recommended increase surveillance and patrol along waterways in the study area especially rural fishing settlements. This will assist to abate the surge of sea robbery which has high level of negative interference with fishing activities in the study area.