Investment prospects in inland capture fisheries -- revolving loan scheme to artisanal fishermen

Fishing inputs in the form of the netting materials, boats and outboard engines were issued to 20 fishermen on revolving loan basis at 2 centres - Shagunu. and Monai along the western bank of Kainji Lake, Nigeria. The agreement was that the recipients should sell all their catches to the Institute and surrender 20% as part payment of the loan, until they offset the loan after which the inputs would become theirs'. The scheme was monitored for 5 years during which time most recipients had completed payment. It was observed that adequate revenue could be made from the scheme provided there was effective supervision. A proposal has been made for large scale supply of fishing inputs to one hundred fishermen. The scheme is laudable as a means of improving the lot of the fishermen and implementing management proposals in water bodies through the recipients

An evaluation of the artisanal fisheries resources of the Cross River State of Nigeria

The Cross River State (Nigeria) marine and freshwater artisanal capture fisheries are divided into 4 categories according to the type of resources being exploited. Schaefer's production model is applied to each of the fisheries to estimate the maximum sustainable yields (Ymax). The total potential yield for all the fisheries in natural waters is 178,650 tonnes/year. This potential is unlikely to be achieved as more fishermen are abandoning the occupation due to the scarcity of boats, outboard engines and nets. Even if the full potentials were realized the production would still be short of what the State should produce by about 30.5%. Investment opportunities which, if effected can help to narrow the gap between the available and the desired level of production are enumerated

Investment opportunities in fish seed technology

An examination is made of the requirements for the commercial propagation of carp and tilapia in Nigeria. It is concluded that the operation of a successful Fish Hatchery and fry production system will depend on the following factors: 1) Correct initial planning for intended production (both species and intended numbers); 2) Design of the appropriate facilities to enable required production; 3) Selection of top calibre, dedicated and experienced hatchery staff; and, 4) The ethical responsibility taken by the hatchery management to produce only the highest quality seed under the best possible conditions. Purchasing farmers are dependent on this

Small-scale commercial production of tilapia fry and fingerlings in concrete raceways

This paper discusses the investment prospects in Tilapia fry and fingerling production in raceways created from the concrete drainage channel of a reservoir or pond of an existing fish farm in Nigeria. With an initial capital of 1,300 and an annual operating cost of 310 spent on procurement of fish feed and brood stock for a 10 m super(2) raceway per se, a net profit of 4,100 and 5,090 would be realized from Sarotherodon galilaeus in the first year and subsequent years of production respectively, assuming that the fingerling production rate has been maintained through the production period. It is concluded that the application of this approach of optimizing the use of available resources in the fish farm for the productive breeding of Tilapia fry and fingerlings will apart from alleviating the problem of scarcity of stocking materials in the country, increase the profit margin accruing to the fish farmer

Commercial production of Clarias fry and fingerlings in indoor and outdoor concrete tank systems

Induced breeding technique by hypophysation is being applied at the Kainji Lake Research Institute Fisheries Division Hatchery complex in New Bussa, Nigeria, for the production of Clarias fry and fingerlings in indoor and outdoor concrete tank systems. The hatchlings are fed on livefood (zooplankton) and artificial feed. Source of zooplankton is from cultured stock which is maintained throughout the breeding season by fertilization. Production values show that an average of over 4,000 hatchlings (larvae) can be produced by a female breeder (over-700g wt) and percentage survival after two months ranges between 70 to 75%. With the proposed modification and expansion project, an estimated production of over 0.5 million fingerlings per breeding season is projected

Investment prospects in the production of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fingerlings in freshwater ponds

Since the introduction of Common carp Cyprinus carpio in Oyo State (Nigeria) from Israel in 1964, various local breeding methods have been employed in carp rearing to improve the survival rate at all stages of development during breeding. The physico-chemical parameters of the ponds which were simultaneously investigated for carp rearing in this study includes temperature (t), dissolved oxygen (DO) and hydrogen-ion concentration (pH). However, high rates of water displacement in the breeding ponds were unfavourable to the development of zooplankton which play important role in the food web of C. carpio. The survival rates of 15.88-69.50% and 19.60-33.83% obtained for the egg-hatchling and hatchling-fingerling stages respectively were encouraging. A breeding performance of this magnitude was found to be viable, breaking even in the fourth year. However, an increase in size of this trial project would be more profitable and increase fingerling supply as well as provide employment opportunities. This study thereby provides some baseline information on some local techniques and progress in the propagation of C. carpio and scope for further improvement

Investment prospects in fish feed technology

The author endeavours to analyse the recent trend in the local production of fish by sector over a period of 5 years, 1980-1985 and the data available to the author on the Nigerian fish imports. The present and future deficit in fish production in Nigeria could only be met from the capture fishery and the fish farm industry but more likely from the latter. The production techniques involved in fish feed industry are illustrated in this paper with standard feed formulations to arrive at a suitable fish diet. Associated problems of fish feed industry and their possible solutions are highlighted. A case study of investment prospects in fish feed industry as well as the production of brine shrimps are suggested as possible areas of investments in the industry. The unit production cost of fish feed is about 700/ton, while in the case of artemia (brine shrimp), the estimated unit cost if about 400/ton

The potentials for commercial production of fish feeds in Nigeria

Studies in fish feed technology revealed that there is a potential for big time investment into fish feed production and marketing in view of the growing awareness of fish farming in Nigeria. Intensification of aquaculture is one of the primary methods of food (finfish) production which requires technical knowledge and expertise in the formulation and manufacture of adequate feeds for the cultured species. Studies also revealed that all sort of food items were used by fish farmers ranging from animal dung, groundnut cake etc, to culture fish to table size because of non-availability of rightly prepared feeds. Inadequate knowledge of detailed requirements of tropical cultured species was found to pose a hindrance to formulation despite the fact that a lot has been accumulated in terms of biochemical and nutritive values of food sources in Nigeria. The investigation further revealed the challenges posed to researchers in aquaculture, fish nutritionists and fisheries biologists among others to elucidate the complete requirements of local fish species in terms of their protein, lipid and carbohydrate requirements such that their patents could be made available to companies like PFIZER, IBRU etc, and individuals alike to make commercialization of fish feeds a reality

Commercial production of natural freshwater fish food

A review is made of some of the methods that can be used for mass cultivation of natural fish food and the types of organisms that are cultured, which include various algae and zooplankton. Some examples are given of successful case histories in the mass cultivation of natural fish food in order to stimulate the interest of Nigerian scientists on research activities of live fish food for use by fish farmers in the country

Possible inclusion of fish waste (scales and fins) in the diet of fishes in aquaculture

The scales and fins of some freshwater fish species (Sarotherodon galilaeus, Oreochromis niloticus, Tilapia zillii, Barbus callipterus, Hemichromis fasciatus) from Kainji Lake, Nigeria were analyzed for their organic and inorganic matter. The aim of such study is to determine the usefulness of these waste parts of the fish in fish feed preparation. In all instances, the inorganic matter was found to be quite high in the fish exoskeleton, and calcium formed the highest element in the scales and the fins. These waste materials are therefore, considered as possible replacement for mineral sources in fish feed and probably the feed for other livestock

Commercial production of fish meal from fish waste

The importance of fish meal production as a means of reducing fish waste currently being experienced in the fisheries subsector is discussed. Cost estimate for Nigeria establishing a fish meal manufacturing plant and suggestions on rational execution of the project are presented. If properly located and well managed, the project will serve to convert fish waste to cash in the industrial fishery

Investment opportunity in aquarium technology. Export marketing of tropical aquarium fishes

A brief account is given of the demand for ornamental fish, providing also estimates of world trade volume. The major importing countries are the USA, Japan, Germany, the UK and the Netherlands. Present supply patterns are outlined; although Nigeria has vast natural resources of tropical aquatic life and the right climate for breeding, current exports are estimated at only 5% of the total potential. Recommendations for the promotion of exports of tropical aquarium fish in Nigeria are included

Economic analysis of utilizing Kainji gas kiln for fish smoking in the Kainji Lake Basin of Nigeria

Marketing of smoked fish in the Kainji Lake Basin (Nigeria) has been found to be complex, traditional and inefficient. It is also said to be limited in scope due to poor handling and processing techniques, lack of storage facilities and inadequate marketing informations. The invention of Kainji gas kiln has been found suitable to overcoming poor handling and processing techniques. This paper discusses the feasibility of operating Kainji gas kiln commercially supported with adequate storage facilities and competent management hands. The financial indicators of net present value (NPV), 47,481.11, Internal rate of return (IRR) 24% and payback period of 2.3 years that are calculated confirmed that the commercial use of Kainji gas kiln is indeed profitably feasible

Investment prospects in integrated fish and poultry farming project: The Kainji Lake Research Institute integrated fish and poultry farm model

The paper examines the feasibility of a small-scale integrated fish and poultry farming project based on an existing experimental model currently in operation at the Kainji Lake Research Institute, New Bussa, Nigeria. Financial analysis reveals a viable investment based on the output from a 2 ha fish pond or reservoir

Investment prospects of fish farming in the Jos-Plateau, Nigeria

The investment prospects of fish farming in the Jos-Plateau, Nigeria, strategically located in about the centre of the country are discussed with special reference to its numerous abandoned mine lakes and the tripartite role of government, universities and individuals. In the Jos-Plateau, about 17.0 km super(2) is covered by these disused mine lakes, making up about 20-30% of the area covered. In such enterprise, problems commonly encountered, like population growth and government planning policies, fish demand and supply, manpower, feed and seed availability, preservation, processing and marketing are discussed. Inspite of these, prospects still abound with regards to land-use of these numerous disused mine lakes and feed availability based on the principles of using both industrial and farm by-products for fish culture, processing and marketing. These potentials, if properly harnessed, will help to supplement the protein insufficiency in the diet of the populace. In this regard, proposals on the economics of production and sales, strategies for achieving these development goals, cost-benefit analysis and their implications in further development of fish culture are discussed