Potential of Tarpon (Megalops) atlanticus for sport fisheries and ecotourism development in Nigeria
The Atlantic Tarpon, Tarpon (Megalops) atlanticus is a marine fish of high commercial importance with a special fishery in western, central and south-western Atlantic Ocean where it is a very important game fish. The species provides sport fishery especially in the western Atlantic coast of America which has generated millions of dollars in tourism, employment and boat charters. Tarpon fishery in America is highly regulated and there are strict guidelines on capture, bag limits and fishing seasons. Tarpon puts up a spectacular fight when hooked, leaping up to 2-3m above water surface and landing with a smacking splash that can be heard one kilometer away. It is the leaping powers that make tarpon a favourite to anglers. In the coastal waters of south-west Nigeria especially for the natives of the coastal communities of Ondo State, T. atlanticus is a delicacy and of high economic value. Some local fishermen and fish farmers in the area stock Tarpon in their ponds purely for recreational purposes. Some of these tarpon farms were integrated with snack bars and served as tourist centres. Visitors including individuals and educational institutions frequent the fish farm during excursions and pay a stipulated fee per person as entry permit to the farm thereby generating more revenue to the farmer. This paper highlights the importance of Tarpon as a game fish and suggests strategies for development of its culture both as food fish and for ecotourism.
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | conference_item biblioteca |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
FISON
2009
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| Subjects: | Fisheries, Tarpon atlanticus, ASE, Nigeria Atlantic Ocean, marine environment, Sport fishing, Recreation, Tourism, |
| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/1834/38123 |
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| Summary: | The Atlantic Tarpon, Tarpon (Megalops) atlanticus is a marine fish of high commercial importance with a special fishery in western, central and south-western Atlantic Ocean where it is a very important game fish. The species provides sport fishery especially in the western Atlantic coast of America which has generated millions of dollars in tourism, employment and boat charters. Tarpon fishery in America is highly regulated and there are strict guidelines on capture, bag limits and fishing seasons. Tarpon puts up a spectacular fight when hooked, leaping up to 2-3m above water surface and landing with a smacking splash that can be heard one kilometer away. It is the leaping powers that make tarpon a favourite to anglers. In the coastal waters of south-west Nigeria especially for the natives of the coastal communities of Ondo State, T. atlanticus is a delicacy and of high economic value. Some local fishermen and fish farmers in the area stock Tarpon in their ponds purely for recreational purposes. Some of these tarpon farms were integrated with snack bars and served as tourist centres. Visitors including individuals and educational institutions frequent the fish farm during excursions and pay a stipulated fee per person as entry permit to the farm thereby generating more revenue to the farmer. This paper highlights the importance of Tarpon as a game fish and suggests strategies for development of its culture both as food fish and for ecotourism. |
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