CAPTURE – RECAPTURE METHOD TO FISH CATCHMENT FOR ESTIMATING THE SIZE OF A CLOSED POPULATION USING OTIS SCHEME

Abstract

Capture-recaputre method was used to estimate fish abundance at Remto Farms, Eyenkorin Lasoju Ilorin, kwara state, Nigeria using Otis scheme. The fieldwork was aimed at estimating the fish abundance in ponds 1 and 2 based on varying probability affecting them. The models considered in this study are: Lincoln-Peterson model, Equal catchability model, the Heterogeneity model, Trap Response model, Heterogeneity and Trap response Model, the Schnabel and other time Dependent models. R-capture package was used to obtain the estimate of each of the models considered and to determine the best model. We observed that the Trap Response and the Schnabel-Heterogeneity models that vary with time gives the best models for the fieldwork.