Epe Town: Livelihoods by the Lagos Lagoon

The water-front town

Epe lies on the north bank of the coastal Lagos lagoon and is a collecting point for the export of fish. It is no surprise then that fishing is the major occupation of its locals, including men, women and children.

Surveying the lagoon

The lagoon is over 50 km long and varies from 3 km to 13 km wide. Thus, its banks can be mostly seen from either side. It is fairly shallow and is not plied by ships but by smaller barges and boats. This makes it possible for subsistence fishing to be carried out in it.

Everyone fishes

Both men and women engage in fishing. While more men than women go deep offshore to catch fish, the women also have their fair share of deep fishing activity.

Livelihood and leisure

The lagoon is both a source of livelihood and leisure. Children bathe and swim close to the shore. Shrimps and other small fish are caught there too.

Catching fish among the lilies

For some fishermen, it is sufficient to remain close to the shore where the water lilies fill the surface. These are known as private fishing areas.

Simple tools for simple fish

Beneath the water plants are small fish which can be caught using simpler fishing tools than dragnets.

Setting fish traps

For those who don't go deep offshore, traps can be prepared for catching smaller fish like shrimps and crayfish. This woman set off with her boat to to pick up the fish traps she had planted at different points in the lagoon.

Pulling the trap from the water

The traps are made with thin strips of wood which are tied together at one end. When the fish find their way into the trap, they are unable to get out and remain there until the trap is retrieved.

All smiles after the day's job

Whether they're catching fish in the deep, by the shore or in private fishing areas, the people of Epe earn their livelihood on the lagoon. Fishing is life, and there's always a reason to be happy about it.

Getting set for the deep

Beyond the private fishing area demarcated by bamboo sticks is the wider body of Lagoon water. Fishermen, often stripped for work, go there with their boats and dragnets to catch larger fish.

Preparing the fishing net

The fisherman goes into the deep portion of the lagoon with his boat and net. The fishing nets are made of mesh usually formed by knotting a relatively thin thread. The size of the net could vary up to about four meters in diameter.

Casting the net

Weights are attached to the net so that they float on the surface and are seen by the fisherman. The net is thrown by hand in such a manner that it spreads out on the water and sinks. Fish are caught as the net is hauled back in.

Baskets with a purpose

On the shore, baskets are hung on the rails of the bridge behind the market where the lagoon meets with traders. The baskets serve various purposes: for catching fish, for buying fish from local fishermen and for preserving fish for sale.

Keeping the fish alive

For some of the women traders, the baskets are used to keep captured fish alive by submerging the baskets, with the fish in them, halfway into the water. That way, the fish do not escape.

Fresh fish

When the fish are ready to be sold, the traders (usually women) remove the baskets from the water and take out the fish which, at this stage, are still fresh.

Ready for the market

Some of the fish caught are taken to the home of the fisherman or woman, but most are sold in the market either as fresh fish or as grilled fish that can be roasted.

The heart and soul of Epe fish market

The fishing community is the heart and soul of Epe fish market. Skilled fishermen and women pass on their skills to the next generation, keeping the tradition and expertise alive.