Abstract
Proximate composition of the wild-caught Sarotherodon melanotheron and the socioeconomic analyses of cast net among artisanal fishers in Lagos Lagoon (Nigeria), were examined in the dry season of 2021 and 2022. No significant (P < 0.05) variation was found in the proximate content of the fish. The protein content ranged from 61.74 ± 3.20 g/100 g to 63.13 ± 0.64 g/100 g in 2021 and from 53.13 ± 3.27 g/100 g to 58.38 ± 0.47 g/100 g in 2022, with highest value in November 2021 and decreased thereafter till late dry season (April). Lipid content showed the opposite trend (except in February), increasing from early to late dry season. The return on investment averaged at 10.72, with lowest being ‒0.60 and highest found to be 24.00. The use of cast nets fishing gear is profitable.