Blending Heritage and Modernity: Artisanal Fishing Crafts, Gears and Techniques in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria (1960–2020) (Published)
For centuries, artisanal fishing has sustained riverine and coastal communities in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Using locally derived crafts, gears, and techniques, artisanal fishers have historically accounted for over 90 percent of fish landings in the state. This paper provides an ethnographic and historical assessment of artisanal fishing technologies between 1960 and 2020, situating them within the frameworks of geographical and economic determinism. Drawing on archival sources, published literature, and indigenous knowledge, the study documents the evolution, efficiency, and environmental implications of artisanal fishing practices. It further examines the contemporary challenges confronting artisanal fishers, including climate change, regulatory failures, foreign trawler encroachment, and inadequate policy support. The study argues that despite technological limitations, artisanal fisheries remain central to food security, livelihoods, and ecological sustainability in Akwa Ibom State, and should be systematically integrated into modern fisheries management.
Keywords: Artisanal Fisheries, Sustainability, crafts, gears, indigenous technology