The paper examines livelihood characteristics of selected fishing communities in the Central Niger Delta, Nigeria. Findings revealed that about 45% of the respondents have multiple livelihood sources. Also, gender and age range of respondents have been shown to be statistically similar to the Nigeria 1991 census results, and about 35% of the respondents have been resident in the study area for a minimum of 35 years. There is a low educational level (93% of the respondent have a maximum of secondary school certificate). Based on the findings of the study it is recommended that livelihood pattern should form the basis for planning development projects if the benefits of developments are to become equitable, particularly to residents of rural communities in developing countries and whose livelihoods are eco-dependent