ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITING OF FISHERY RESOURCES IN NIGER DELTA, NIGERIA

This study assess environmental Audit on Fisheries resources in the Niger Delta. The study used both primary and Secondary Sources of data. The findings of the research revealed that there were no strong institutions for Overall Coastal Artisanal Fishery Management with appropriate Policies, Plans and Strategies, legal and institutional framework to achieve the sustainable and integrated use of coastal resources, taking into account the fragility of coastal ecosystems and the finite nature of their natural resources, and the needs of coastal communities. Over times, fishing may cease to be a major source of food for humanity and a provider of employment and economic benefits to those engaged in this activity not minding the fact that aquatic resources are not infinite and need to be properly managed. There is lack of State policies, plans & strategies for monitoring and enforcement of legislations on fisheries resources, except for community Artisanal fisheries and Fishermen's organisations practising an exclusive rights-based regime where Fisheries resources could not sustain an often-uncontrolled increase of exploitation. Oil spills pollution remains the greatest threat to sustainable and responsible artisanal fisher)’ in the Niger-Delta. Pollution and degradation of coastal and marine areas (SDG 3-pollution and erosion) impacted negatively depleting fishery resources (SDG 14-Life below water).The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea adopted in 1982 provides for better management of marine resources giving coastal States rights and responsibilities for the management and use of fishery resources within their domain through Strong institutions-- SDG 16 to monitor/ enforce coastal environmental compliance and code for responsible fisheries for sustainable artisanal coastal fishery. Fisheries resources could not sustain an often- uncontrolled increase of exploitation. Artisanal fisheries authorities should on