FISHERIES RESOURCES OF LAKE ALAU, NORTHEAST NIGERIA: A REVIEW

Lake Alau is located in the Northeastern Nigeria specifically in Maiduguri, the capital city of Borno state with important freshwater resource for irrigation, fishing and aquaculture purposes. This review aims at the provision of an extensive analysis of the fisheries resources of Lake Alau, with a special focus on its fish species composition, aquatic biodiversity, and ecological problems. The review documented 18 fish species from 12 families across 13 landing sites. Emphasis was placed on understanding the implications of fish community structures, their biological characteristics, and the environmental factors influencing fish productivity in the lake. The article also explores Lake Alau's role in local communities and its potential for sustainable management to support long-term fisheries viability.