The role of women in fish processing: handling and marketing in Kainji Lake basin

The study assessed the contribution of women in fish handling, processing and marketing in Kainji Lake basin. Structured questionnaires were administered to three fishing villages selected at random. The fishing villages were Monai, Yuna, Fakun, and New Bussa market. The study revealed that women play vital roles in fisheries activities as producers, assistants to men preservers, traders and financiers. The notable fishing activity performed by women is processing right from the moment the boats or canoes land at sites. Women assist in emptying nets, sorting gutting and cleaning the catch. In most cases their activities involved salting smoking and drying using traditional processing techniques. Women are also involved in storage and marketing of both fresh and smoked fish. In spite of these important contribution, most women in the various fishing communities are illiterates, have little or no say in decision making in areas that affects their livelihood and are regarded as inferior fedex. Culture and religion also has significant impact on their contribution in fishing activities

Pathway to poverty alleviation at the fishing communities of Lake Chad basin

Poverty has been variously measured in terms of income, consumption, and access to social and physical infrastructures. It is a multi-component phenomenon that cannot be measured by one single variable. This indicates that poverty alleviation or eradication requires a holistic approach. Because the existing strategies at ensuring poverty alleviation have not made impact at the Lake Chad Basin. Therefore, this study identifies the strategies that are adaptable to the area. Data were obtained on Literacy, income, quality housing, mobility, and access to infrastructure, cultural and socio-economic. The paper develops a pragmatic strategy through which the fishing communities can experience true empowerment and improved standard of living

The role of fishermen cooperative societies in the development of fisheries resources on Kainji Lake basin, Nigeria

Field survey was conducted to evaluate the role of fishermen cooperative in the development of fisheries resources in Kainji Lake. The study was conducted with aid of questionnaires administered in five fishing villages namely Monnai, Yuna, Kaya, Malale and Tunga Danbaba. Ten questionnaires were administered in each fishing village majority of the fishermen interviewed are between the ages of 20-40 years. The results of the educational background revealed that 60% of the respondents were knowledgeable only on Quranic education. Majority of the respondents (86%) was members of fishermen cooperative societies. Only 32% of the respondents indicated to have benefited for loan and credit facilities. Sixty-nine (69) percent of fishermen realized income of between N1, 000-N2, and 000 daily. The major problem facing fishermen cooperative includes lack of capital, lack of access to loan and credit facilities, shortage of adequately trained and well-motivated fisheries extension workers, inadequate fishing inputs and high charge of fishing license fees by Kainji Lake fisheries Management and Conservation Unit (KLFMCU). Recommendation was made on how to improve fishermen cooperative for the development of the lake fisheries resources

The role of women in fisheries activities in some selected fishing villages in the southern zone of Kainji Lake basin

Questionnaires containing 39 questions were prepared and administered to 50 women in ten fishing villages in the Southern Kainji Lake Basin to assess the level of women participation in fisheries activities. Results showed that 100% of the women interviewed were involved in fisheries activities and the following factors were considered. Age group between 20-30 years was 18%; 31-40 years; 30%; and above 40 years had the highest percentage of 40%. Also 98% of the women involve in fisheries activities were married while only 2% were not married. Muslin women constituted 82% while 18% were Christians. About 70% of Hausas were involved: no Igbos and Yorubas, while 30% were other tribes, which included Ijaws, Isokos and Urohobos. The percentage of women without education amounted to 62%, those women with Koranic education accounted for 22%, 14% had primary education while only 2% had secondary education. Few women were directly involved in fishing and statistical analysis showed that there was insignificant difference from village to village. All the women (100%) were involved in fish processing and storage (preservation) before sale. Only 26% of the women were not involved in fish marketing. Also 26% of the women made profits ranging from N500 to N1,000 per week, 24% make N1,000 to N1,500 per week, 12% made N1,500 to N2,000 and 38% made profit above N2,000. Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant difference in the profit made by the women (P<0.05) from the foregoing, women were actively involved in all fisheries activities

The aquatic biota of the now extinct lacustrine complex of the Mexico basin

The commonest organisms of the original Mexico lake complex are listed, including those that exist today in the Lago Viejo. In addition, a brief hydraulic history of this endorheic basin is given.

The Permanent Okavango River Basin Water Commission annual report 2009

First published annual report of OKACOM, covering first period of Sida-funded three year workplan from 2007 until 2009, during which the Secretariat was established. (PDF contains 32 pages)

The Okavango River Basin Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis: reimagining the river

OKACOM's Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis study used integrated flows analysis to develop scenarios for possible developments in the Okavango River Basin. (PDF contains 2 pages)

Some abundant Tendipedid species (Diptera, Tendipedidae) of the Amu-Darya drainage basin. Acalcarella shilova, gen.n. only [Translation from: Ent.Obozr. 34 313-322, 1955]

This document is a partial translation of taxonomic notes on two Diptera species (Acalcarella Shilova, Acalcarrella nucus) which were abundant in a survey of Tendipedid species (Diptera, Tendipedidae) of the Amu Darya drainage basin. These taxonomic notes of the larva, pupa and adults include drawings of the Acalcarella nucus larva.

On the classification of lakes and lake-like bodies of the Ukraine [Translation from: Gidrobiologicheskie Zhurnal, Kiev 19(2) 100-101, 1983]

In the Ukraine there are several thousand large, medium and small lakes and lake-like reservoirs, distinguished by origin, salinity, regional position, productivity and by construction a significant number of large and small water bodies, ponds and industrial reservoirs of variable designation. The problem of national systems necessitates the creation of specific schemes and classifications. Classifying into specific types of reservoir by means of suitable specifications is required for planning national measures with the objective of the rational utilisation of natural resources. It is now necessary to consider the present-day characteristics of Ukranian lakes. In the case of the Ukraine it is possible to use two approaches - genetical and ecological. This paper uses the genetical system to classify the lake-like water bodies of the Ukraine.

Herpetofaunal Inventories of the National Parks of South Florida and the Caribbean: Volume II. Virgin Islands National Park

Amphibian declines and extinctions have been documented around the world, often in protected natural areas. Concern for this alarming trend has focused attention on the need to document all species of amphibians that occur within U.S. National Parks and to search for any signs that amphibians may be declining. This study, an inventory of amphibian species in Virgin Islands National Park, was conducted from 2001 to 2003. The goals of the project were to create a georeferenced inventory of amphibian species, use new analytical techniques to estimate proportion of sites occupied by each species, look for any signs of amphibian decline (missing species, disease, die-offs, etc.), and to establish a protocol that could be used for future monitoring efforts. Several sampling methods were used to accomplish these goals. Visual encounter surveys and anuran vocalization surveys were conducted in all habitats throughout the park to estimate the proportion of sites or proportion of area occupied (PAO) by amphibian species in each habitat. Line transect methods were used to estimate density of some amphibian species and double observer analysis was used to refine counts based on detection probabilities. Opportunistic collections were used to augment the visual encounter methods for rare species. Data were collected during four sampling periods and every major trail system throughout the park was surveyed. All of the amphibian species believed to occur on St. John were detected during these surveys. One species not previously reported, the Cuban treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis), was also added to the species list. That species and two others (Eleutherodactylus coqui and Eleutherodactylus lentus) bring the total number of introduced amphibians on St. John to three. We detected most of the reptile species thought to occur on St. John, but our methods were less suitable for reptiles compared to amphibians. No amphibian species appear to be in decline at this time. We found no evidence of disease or of malformations. Our surveys provide a snapshot picture of the status of the amphibian species, so continued monitoring would be necessary to determine long-term trends, but several potential threats to amphibians were identified. Invasive species, especially the Cuban treefrog, have the potential to decrease populations of native amphibians. Introduced mammalian predators are also a potential threat, especially to the reptiles of St. John, and mammalian grazers might have indirect effects on amphibians and reptiles through habitat modification. Finally, loss of habitat to development outside the park boundary could harm some important populations of amphibians and reptiles on the island.

Report of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission for the year 1983

ENGLISH: The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission operates under the authority and direction of a convention originally entered into by the Republic of Costa Rica and the United States of America. The convention, which came into force in 1950, is open to adherence by other governments whose nationals fish for tropical tunas in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Under this provision Panama adhered in 1953, Ecuador in 1961, the United Mexican States in 1964, Canada in 1968, Japan in 1970 and France and Nicaragua in 1973. Ecuador withdrew from the Commission in 1968, Mexico in 1978, and Costa Rica in 1979. On October 19 and 20, the Commission held its 41st meeting in Ottawa, Canada. SPANISH: La Comisión Interamericana del Atún Tropical funciona bajo la autoridad y dirección de un convenio establecido originalmente por la República de Costa Rica y los Estados Unidos de América. El convenio vigente desde 1950, está abierto a la afiliación de otros gobiernos cuyos ciudadanos pescan atún en el Pacífico oriental tropical. Bajo esta estipulación, Panamá se afilió en 1953, Ecuador en 1961, los Estados Unidos Mexicanos en 1964, Canadá en 1968, Japón en 1970, Francia y Nicaragua en 1973. Ecuador se retiró de la Comisión en 1968, México en 1978 y Costa Rica en 1979. Como se informó en el informe anual de la Comisión de 1978, la XXXVI reunión de la Comisión, convocada en Tokio (Japón) del 16 al 18 de octubre de 1978, fue suspendida sin haberse adoptado ninguna acción para fijar una cuota de atún aleta amarilla en 1979. La XLI reunión de la Comisión fue convocada en Ottawa (Canadá) del 19 al 20 de octubre de 1983. (PDF contains 272 pages.)

Herpetofaunal Inventories of the National Parks of South Florida and the Caribbean: Volume III. Big Cypress National Preserve

Amphibian declines and extinctions have been documented around the world, often in protected natural areas. Concern for this trend has prompted the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Park Service to document all species of amphibians that occur within U.S. National Parks and to search for any signs that amphibians may be declining. This study, an inventory of amphibian species in Big Cypress National Preserve, was conducted from 2002 to 2003. The goals of the project were to create a georeferenced inventory of amphibian species, use new analytical techniques to estimate proportion of sites occupied by each species, look for any signs of amphibian decline (missing species, disease, die-offs, and so forth.), and to establish a protocol that could be used for future monitoring efforts. Several sampling methods were used to accomplish these goals. Visual encounter surveys and anuran vocalization surveys were conducted in all habitats throughout the park to estimate the proportion of sites or proportion of area occupied (PAO) by each amphibian species in each habitat. Opportunistic collections, as well as limited drift fence data, were used to augment the visual encounter methods for highly aquatic or cryptic species. A total of 545 visits to 104 sites were conducted for standard sampling alone, and 2,358 individual amphibians and 374 reptiles were encountered. Data analysis was conducted in program PRESENCE to provide PAO estimates for each of the anuran species. All of the amphibian species historically found in Big Cypress National Preserve were detected during this project. At least one individual of each of the four salamander species was captured during sampling. Each of the anuran species in the preserve was adequately sampled using standard herpetological sampling methods, and PAO estimates were produced for each species of anuran by habitat. This information serves as an indicator of habitat associations of the species and relative abundance of sites occupied, but it will also be useful as a comparative baseline for future monitoring efforts. In addition to sampling for amphibians, all encounters with reptiles were documented. The sampling methods used for detecting amphibians are also appropriate for many reptile species. These reptile locations are included in this report, but the number of reptile observations was not sufficient to estimate PAO for reptile species. We encountered 35 of the 46 species of reptiles believed to be present in Big Cypress National Preserve during this study, and evidence exists of the presence of four other reptile species in the Preserve. This study found no evidence of amphibian decline in Big Cypress National Preserve. Although no evidence of decline was observed, several threats to amphibians were identified. Introduced species, especially the Cuban treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis), are predators and competitors with several native frog species. The recreational use of off-road vehicles has the potential to affect some amphibian populations, and a study on those potential impacts is currently underway. Also, interference by humans with the natural hydrologic cycle of south Florida has the potential to alter the amphibian community. Continued monitoring of the amphibian species in Big Cypress National Preserve is recommended. The methods used in this study were adequate to produce reliable estimates of the proportion of sites occupied by most anuran species, and are a cost-effective means of determining the status of their populations.

Otto Kelland’s Model Dories and the Digital Archives Initiative

Otto Kelland was a truly unique individual in Newfoundland. During his long life he had several careers from being a prison superintendant to being an instructor at Marine Institute. During his life Kelland made hundreds of wooden boat models. They are beautifuly hand-crafted and represented the type of watercraft used by fishermen in Newfoundland. The collection of boat models made by Otto Kelland and owned by Marine Institute made an ideal object to be digitalized. In particular the collection of dories was an ideal group to be digitized. They were housed in one cabinet and accompanied by hand-written documents describing each model. The Digital Archives Initiative (DAI) is a “gateway to the learning and research-based cultural resources held by Memorial University of Newfoundland and partnering organizations.” The DAI hosts a variety of collections which together reinforce the importance, past and present, of Newfoundland and Labrador's history and culture. I will give an oral presentation of the project followed by a demonstration of the Otto Kelland Dories exhibit on the Digital Archives Initiative (DAI) at Memorial University of Newfoundland. I will be happy to answer questions following my presentation.

Experiments on downstream movement of recently emerged trout and salmon parr in Grassholme channels, 1983-1985

A number of authors have described the manner in which young salmonids, soon after emergence from the gravel, set up and defend territories. This leads to mortality or downstream displacement of the individuals which are unable to acquire territories and is widely accepted as the main method of population regulation amongst young salmonids. In some field experiments the fish were constrained in screened reaches and the option of downstream dispersal for the surplus fry was thus excluded. In order to explore some aspects of downstream dispersal more closely under conditions which gave more control than is obtained in a natural stream, four experimental channels were set up at Grassholme reservoir in Teesdale. The report describes the results of investigations on the timing and rate of downstream movement of young brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) out of experimental channels, with special reference to the effect of water velocity on the rate of ”emigration”.