The study present empirical findings on the socio-economic characteristics and returns among the artisanal fishermen
households in two randomly selected fishing LGAs, from a total of four fishing LGAs in the State. The study utilized
primary data collected between 2011 and 2012 through a multistage random sampling technique. Data were collected using
structured questionnaire administered on a total sampled 160 fishermen households. Descriptive statistics, net margin and
multiple regression results were used to analyze the data. The results showed that the country’s self sufficiency ratio in fish
consumption of 49.64% was below average and as low as 29.4% in 1993 while domestic production fluctuates downward.
Results also showed that artisanal fisheries in two LGAs are profitable with ANR/Kg and ANR/fisherman/annum averaged
?85.3 and ?356278.8 respectively. Regression results indicated that costs of family labour, hired labour and depreciation
as well as fishing experience, fishing trips and hours were significant determinants of net income of fishermen. It is
recommended therefore, that artisanal fishermen in the State should be given adequate training to ensure proper
understanding of new fishing method and adopt technology capable of increasing not only the profitability of the enterprise
but also make efficient use of fishing resources.