Fishermen in Rivers State
have solicited for the support of government in areas of loan and specialized training of local fishermen to enhance their fishing activities as well as embark on modern fishing techniques.
Some of the fishermen interviewed by The Tide are of the views that such specialized training would expose them to modern techniques thereby doing away with the cumbersome traditional fishing methods.
Speaking on the issue, an Andoni born fisherman, Mr. Josiah Nteh said that he and some of his colleagues were recording low catch as a result of lack of required modern fishing equipment and necessary knowledge.
He said “The state government should adequately expand its agricultural support programmes to include local fishermen. We need modern boats, nets and preservation techniques to encourage fishing activities.”
On his part, Moses Mannasseh who claimed he relocated from Bakassi as a result of the take-over of the area by Cameroun, said that he had engaged in  fishing as an occupation over the years, and that traditional fishing can not be compared to modern fishing, especially in terms of output.
He said that local fishermen are not only willing, but are interested in training in specialized modern fishing so as to improve on their skills and output.
Mannasseh also noted that through effective training, fishermen could develop the needed skills that will enable them deal with challenges that have inhibited their activities.
Another fisherman; Ben Okeh a native of Ogbakiri Community who had based in Gabon for fishing business before his return to Rivers State said he had partnered with professional fishermen over the years, and had adopted modern techniques of fishing.
Okeh however pointed out that equipment for fishing had been his major challenge since his return, adding that he did not have access to learn or funding to improve.
He therefore urged government to initiate loan packages to encourage productivities of some of the local fishermen, and also acquire modern tools.
According to him, lack of required modern equipment and skills tend to make the fishing business to be less lucrative in terms of output.

Corlins Walter