A strategy for poverty alleviation in Nigeria through fisheries development: a review

This paper reviews fisheries as an important economic sector in terms of employment, food security, enterprise development, and foreign exchange earning. The fisheries sub sector of agriculture if developed will enhance employment opportunities for rural fisher folks vis a vis the harnessing of less culturable surface area for aquaculture purpose, also homestead pond if fully encouraged and utilized has potential for increasing the fish yield of the nation. The role of women in the artisanal fisheries sub sector was x-rayed as an area to be encouraged, as it has the potential of eradicating poverty from the grass root. The importance of fisheries development in sustainable livelihood and poverty alleviation is highlighted in this paper

Rapid changes in the vegetation of a shallow pond in Epping Forest, related to recent droughts

Over much of Britain, 1995 and 1996 have been perceived as drought years. To evaluate the impact that local climatic conditions are having upon successional changes in higher vegetation (macrophytes), Speakmans Pond in Epping Forest was surveyed and mapped in 1996. The results are related to previous vegetation surveys carried out in 1989 and 1991. In 1989 the dominant marginal vegetation was floating sweet-grass Glyceria fluitans, which also covered a major part of the main body of the pond. Other abundant species included soft rush Juncus effusus, reed mace Typha latifolia and yellow flag Iris pseudocorus. A small (central) area of open water contained bladderwort Utricularia vulgaris and white water-lily Nymphaea alba. A similar plant coverage was found in 1991, with a dominance of floating sweet-grass along the shallow eastern edge. A marked change in the pond was found during the 1996 survey of vegetation in July, when the pool was dry. The major plant cover now consisted of creeping bent Agrostis stolonifera, with isolated clumps of Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus around the edges; both are terrestrial grasses found on land surrounding the pond. Rushes (Juncus) had increased their distribution round the margins of the pond, and the patch of yellow flag noted in 1989 and 1991 was not found in 1996. The deeper trenches were also dry, but a small patch of white water-lily remained adjacent to one of the trenches.

A computer software package for assessing and managing risks posed by experiments with genetically modified fish and shellfish

Assessment and management of risk is needed for sustainable use of genetically modified aquatic organisms (aquatic GMOs). A computer software package for safely conducting research with genetically modified fish and shellfish is described. By answering a series of questions about the organism and the accessible aquatic ecosystem, a researcher or oversight authority can either identify specific risks or conclude that there is a specific reason for safety of the experiment. Risk assessment protocols with examples involving transgenic coho salmon, triploid grass carp and hybrid tilapia are described. In case a specific risk is identified, the user is led to consider risk management measures, involving culture methods, facilities design and operations management, to minimize the risk. Key features of the software are its user-friendly organization; easy access to explanatory text, literature citations and glossary; and automated completion of a worksheet. Documented completion of the Performance Standards can facilitate approval of a well designed experiment by oversight authorities.

Comparative study of hatching rates of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus Burchell 1822) eggs on different substrates

The hatching rates of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) eggs on four natural substrates: the roots of Nile cabbage (Pistia stratiotes), water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), pond weed (Ceratophyllum dermasum) and green grass leaves (Commelina sp.), and four artificial substrates: sisal mats, nylon mats, papyrus mats and kakaban mats, was assessed. Concrete slabs were used as control. The natural substrates performed better than the artificial ones. Pistia roots gave the best mean hatching rate of 66.2 ± 3.62%. Green grass leaves were second with a mean rate of 54.0 ± 3.46%, water hyacinth was third with 49.7 ± 3.16% and Ceratophyllum fourth with a mean of 13.0 ± 2.37%. Concrete slabs gave a mean rate of 18.6 ± 2.8%, sisal mats 18.6 ± 2.0%, papyrus 12.2 ± 1.2% and kakaban 11.8 ± 1.9%. Nylon mats were the last, with a mean rate of 4.0 ± 0.7%. The best performing natural substrates were those with the ability to float and thin fibrous roots that seemed to allow higher aeration of the eggs during incubation. The cost of using natural substrates was minimal.

Mono- and polyculture of silver barb (Puntius gonionotus) in deepwater rice systems in Bangladesh

Experiments with fish enclosures were conducted at the Deepwater Rice Farming Systems Research Site at Shuvullah, Mirzapur, Bangladesh. The objective was to study the performance of silver barb (Puntius gonionotus) called Thai sharputi or rajputi in Bangladesh in mono-and-polyculture with grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), catla (Catla catla) and rohu (Labeo rohita). Each enclosure measured 21 m x 21 m with an approximate net height of 3.5 m. The stocking densities per cubic meter were 1 fingerling for Thai sharputi monoculture (enclosure 1), and 2 fingerlings for the polyculture systems (enclosure 2 and 3). The species ratio for enclosure 2 was 0.37:0.27:0.02:0.34 (grass carp:Thai sharputi:common carp:catla) and for enclosure 3, 0.4:0.4:0.2 (catla:rohu:Thai sharputi). In monoculture (enclosure 1), Thai sharputi performed well. This relatively good production was mainly attributed to the use of appropriately sized fingerlings and rapid growth from consumption of an abundant supply of azolla in addition to feed given. For the polyculture in enclosure 2, the average weight gain of common carp was the highest (673 g) followed by grass carp (475 g) and Thai sharputi (286 g). For the polyculture in enclosure 3, the length and weight gains for Thai sharputi were almost the same as for the monoculture.

Aquaculture technology transfer to smallholder farmers in Malawi, Southern Africa

Details are given of activities conducted in Zomba, Malawi, in order to demonstrate new aquaculture technologies and encourage their use by smallholder fish farmers. The following technologies were introduced: napier grass as a pond output; use of a reed fence for harvesting fish; developing a high-quality compost as a pond input; vegetable-pond integration; chicken-pond integration; smoking kiln; pond stirring; and rice-fish integration. The reactions of the farmers to these technologies and their testing by the farmers are outlined briefly.

Floating islands: a unique fish aggregating method

A fish aggregating device made of aquatic weeds and grass (Phoom) is used in Loktak lake in the northeastern region of India. It has been used successfully in this very productive fishery for centuries. Today, the fishery itself is under pressure from overexploitation, soil erosion leading to siltation and a hydroelectric project that has blocked the migratory route of the fish that used the lake as a breeding ground.

The Bay Scallop, Argopecten irradians, in Florida Coastal Waters

The bay scallop, Argopecten irradians, supported a small commercial fishery in Florida from the late 1920’s through the 1940’s; peak landings were in 1946 (214,366 lbs of meats), but it currently supports one of the most popular and family-oriented fisheries along the west coast of Florida. The primary habitat of the short-lived (18 months) bay scallop is seagrass beds. Peak spawning occurs in the fall. Human population growth and coastal development that caused habitat changes and reduced water quality probably are the main causes of a large decline in the scallop’s abundance. Bay scallop restoration efforts in bays where they have become scarce have centered on releasing pediveligers and juveniles into grass beds and holding scallops in cages where they would

Regional Fisheries Advisory Committee Meeting 15th October, 1984

This is the report from the Regional Fisheries Advisory Committee meeting, which was held on the 15th October, 1984. The report contains sections on Grass Carp Field Trials in the Lancaster Canal, liaisons with Sea Fisheries Committees, Rivers Leven and Crake migratory fish stocking, and migratory fish stocking policy. The Fisheries Advisory Committee was part of the Regional Water Authorities, in this case the North West Water Authority. This preceded the Environment Agency which came into existence in 1996.

Regional Fisheries Advisory Committee 4th February, 1985

This is the report from the Regional Fisheries Advisory Committee meeting, which was held on the 4th February, 1985. The report contains information on fishing licence duties (1986), Lead and Swans, fyke Nets, Grass Carp Field Trials in the Lancaster Canal and the total available residual chlorine (TARC) in the River Lune. The Fisheries Advisory Committee was part of the Regional Water Authorities, in this case the North West Water Authority. This preceded the Environment Agency which came into existence in 1996.

Ecology and growth of juvenile California spiny lobster, Panulirus interruptus (Randall)

ABSTRACT TRANSCRIBED FROM ENGLE'S PH.D. ORAL DEFENSE PAMPHLET: The natural history of juvenile California spiny lobster, Panulirus interruptus (Randall), was investigated, with primary emphasis placed on ascertaining juvenile habitats, determining juvenile growth rates and component growth processes, and evaluating ecological and behavioral phenomena associated with juvenile survival and growth. Habitat surveys of island and mainland localities throughout southern and lower California revealed that small, greenish juveniles typically inhabit crevices or temporary burrows in 0-4m deep, wave-swept rocky habitats covered by dense beds of surf grass, Phyllospadix torreyi S. Watson. Phyllospadix beds were more abundant on gradually sloping rocky mainland beaches than on steeply sloping island shores. Phyllospadix abundance was positively correlated with P. interruptus abundance; however, at Santa Catalina Island, the Phyllospadix habitat was not extensive enough to be the sole lobster nursery. In laboratory tests, puerulus larvae and early juveniles chose Phyllospadix over rubble rocks or broad-bladed kelp, but did not consistently prefer Phyllospadix over reticulate algae. Ecology, growth, and behavior of juvenile P. interruptus inhabiting a discrete Phyllospadix habitat at Bird Rock, Santa Catalina Island, were investigated from October 1974 through December 1976 by means of frequent scuba surveys. Pueruli settled from June to November. Peak recruitment occurred from July to September, when seasonal temperatures were maximal. Settled larvae were approximately one year old. Juvenile growth was determined by size-frequency, single molt increment, mark-recapture, and laboratory culture studies. Carapace length vs. wet weight relationships fit standard power curve equations. Bird Rock juveniles grew from 7 to 32mm CL in 10-11 molts and from 32 to 56mm CL in 5-6 molts during their first and second benthic years, respectively. Growth rates were similar for males and females. Juveniles regenerating more than two limbs grew less per molt than intact lobsters. Long-term growth of laboratory-reared juveniles was 20% less than that of field lobsters. Growth component multiple regression analyses demonstrated that molt increment was directly proportional to premolt size and temperature for age 1+ lobsters. Molt frequency was inversely proportional to size and directly proportional to temperature. Temperature affected age 2+ lobsters similarly, but molt increment was independent of size, and molt frequency declined at a different rate. Juvenile growth rates more than doubled during warm water months compared to cold water months, primarily because of increased molt frequency. Based on results from this study and from previous investigations, it is estimated that P. interruptus males and females become sexually mature by ages 4 and 5 years, respectively, and that legai size is reached by 7 or 8 years of age. Juvenile P. interruptus activity patterns and foraging behavior were similar to those of adults, except that juvenile home ranges were proportionally smaller, and small juveniles were apparently not attracted to distant food. Small mollusks, abundant in Phyllospadix habitats, were the major food items. Size-dependent predation by fish and octopus apparently caused the considerable juvenile mortality observed at Bird Rock. Juveniles approaching 2 years of age gathered in mixed size-class aggregations by day and foraged beyond the grass beds at night. In autumn, these juveniles migrated to deeper habitats, coincident with new puerulus settlement in the Phyllospadix beds. Based on strong inferences from the results, it is proposed that size-dependent predation is the most important factor determining the !ife history strategy of juvenile P. interruptus. Life history tactics promoting rapid growth apparently function dually in reducing the period of high vulnerability to predation and decreasing the time required to reach sexual maturity. The Phyllospadix habitat is an excellent lobster nursery because it provides shelter from predators and possesses abundant food resources for sustaining optimum juvenile growth rates in shallow, warm water.

Solomon Islands: Malaita Hub scoping report

The CGIAR Research Program (CRP) Aquatic Agricultural Systems (AAS) will target five countries, including Solomon Islands. The proposed hubs for Solomon Islands were to cover most provinces, referencing the Western, Central and Eastern regions. Scoping of the initial ‘Central’ hub was undertaken in Guadalcanal, Malaita and Central Islands provinces and this report details findings from all three. As scoping progressed however, it was agreed that, based on the AAS context and priority needs of each province and the Program’s capacity for full implementation, the Central Hub would be restricted to Malaita Province only and renamed “Malaita Hub”. Consistent in each AAS country, there are four steps in the program rollout: planning, scoping, diagnosis and design. Rollout of the Program in Solomon Islands began with a five month planning phase between August and December 2011, and scoping of the first hub began in January 2012. This report, the second to be produced during rollout, describes the findings from the scoping process between January and June 2012. This report marks the transition from the scoping phase to the diagnosis phase in which output from scoping was used to develop a hub level theory of change for identifying research opportunities. Subsequent reports detail in-depth analyses of gender, governance, nutrition and partner activities and discuss Program engagement with community members to identify grass-roots demand for research.

Increasing farm income by introducing fish culture in deepwater rice environment

Fish culture in deep-water-rice (DWR) environment using net pen and polder systems was evaluated. In net pen rohu and Thai silver barb were cultured, whereas a 5-species combination (rohu, mrigal, common carp, grass carp and Thai silver barb) were cultured with BR3 rice variety and DWR. Boro-fish production system produced 2.8 t/ha of fish and 7.33 t/ha of rice in polder system with 5-species combinations.

Catch assessment of indigenous and exotic carp species of Nasti baor

An investigation on length-weight relationship, length-frequency distribution, catch per unit of effort (CPUE) and stocking and harvesting status of three Indian major carps: rohu Labeo rohita, catla Catla catla and mrigal Cirrhinus mrigala and three exotic carps: silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella) and common carp Cyprinus carpio was carried out in Nasti baor (oxbow lake) for the harvesting season from August to December 1995. The length-weight relationship for six carp species was established for the harvesting months of November and December 1995. The b values for different species respectively for the months of November and December were 2.95 and 2.58 for rohu, 3.06 and 2.98 for catla, 2,84 and 2.90 for mrigal, 2.75 and 2.60 for silver carp, 2.51 and 1.97 for grass carp and 2.38 and 2.50 for common carp. In CPUE study, the CPUE was 0.58 kg/ha/hr while the catch per gear was 0.08 kg/ha/hr/purse-seine. The recovery percentage of mrigal was highest (63.57%) and it was lowest (16.81%) in case of silver carp. The density of submerged macrophytes (Hydrilla, Utricularia, Ceratophyllum and Vallisneria) was highest (4.39 kg/sqm) in November and was lowest (0.76 kg/sqm) in September.

Utilisation of vegetable leaves for carp production

The results of two sets of experiments on mono-culture of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) and mixed culture of carps (grass carp 50 : catla 20 : rohu 15 : mrigal 15) fed exclusively with vegetable leaves are reported. The experiments were conducted with two replicates each in 0.02 ha ponds of Wastewater Aquaculture Division of the Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Rahara during 1991-93. Monoculture of grass carp stocked at 1000/ha demonstrated an average net production of 21.0 kg/ 0.02 ha/8 months (1501 kg/ha/yr). Mixed culture of carps stocked at 5000 /ha recorded an average net production of 22.5 kg/0.02 ha/8 months (1903.7 kg/ha/yr). Field studies revealed that water bind weed (Ipomoea aquatica) is the most preferred feed of grass carp amongst vegetable leaves followed by amaranths (Amaranthus gangeticus and Amaranthus viridis), cauliflower (Brassica oleracia var. votrytis) and cabbage (Brassica oleracia var. capitata) leaves. Through selection of highly productive leaf vegetables and suitable crop planning on fallow fish pond dykes, round the year feeding programme of grass carp has been explored. Recycling of sewage effluent for vegetable production and utilisation of vegetable leaves for fish production is considered an ideal way of integrated resource management for low cost production.