Assessing the Impacts of Fishing Practices on the Ecosystem of Arocha Wetland, Arocha Division, Apac Municipality.

The study was conducted in Arocha wetland, Apac municipal, Apac district, to investigate the various fishing practices of the community, their impact on the wetland ecosystem, and the challenges faced by authorities in controlling degraded practices. Data was collected through interviews, questionnaires, focus group discussions, and descriptive statistical methods. The findings revealed that fishing is a major cause of Arocha wetland destruction, causing vegetation destruction, loss of water quality, habitat degradation, and nutrient flooding. The study also revealed the challenges faced by authorities in regulating fishing and the fish species found in the wetland, including mudfish, tilapia, and lungfish. A high percentage of fishermen are youths and women aged 17-35, who fish for food and income. The study found that overexploitation of fisheries services in the Arocha wetland is a threat, and insufficient fisheries statistics lead to policymakers undervaluing and ignoring the wetland. The data will aid in developing plans and policies for controlling fishing in the wetland.