Aquatic Macrophytes And Limnological Implications On Fisheries Resources: A Case Study Of Obio Akpa Stream In Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

This preliminary survey of aquatic macrophytes in Obio Akpa stream was undertaken to establish the  composition and limnological implications on the aquatic ecosystem and the fisheries resources. The study  area, structured with a frame survey into three principal sampling units (PSU) was randomly sampled  with  the instruments of complete enumeration, direct observation and personal interview to obtain the data  analyzed statistically into simple percentages for this work. Thirty- two species of aquatic plants variously  provide food source, shelter, refuge sites, manure, anchorage/holdfast, breeding sites, nursery grounds, drugs and beautification amongst others, to thirteen fish types that inhabit this perennial inland water. The  excessive growth of Eichhorina crassipes (water hyacinth) and Pistia stratiotes into non-permanent dense  mats on the water surface is believed to harbour invertebrate fauna, facilitate flooding and block water  routes thereby impairing fish movement and fishing activities.