Improved utilization and increased availability of fishery products as an effective control of aggravated animal protein deficiency - induced malnutrition in Nigeria

The estimated potential of Nigerian fish resources is 1,830,994 tonnes(t) whereas the demand based on per capita consumption of 12.0kg and a population of 88.5 million is 1.085 million tonnes. Supply is presently less than 500,000 tons. The gap between demand and supply have to be met through improved utilization and increased availability of fish and fishery products. The role of fish in nutrition is recognized, since it supplies a good balance of protein, vitamins and minerals and a relatively low caloric content. This paper appraises the consumption and utilisation pattern of fish in Nigeria, the spoilage of fish and prevention of losses as a means of increasing the availability of fish for human consumption and consequent control of aggravated animal protein deficiency - induced malnutrition. The paper further highlights the point that without increased landings, increased supply of fish can be achieved through reduction of postharvest loss of what is presently caught. The use of newly designed smoke - drying equipment to achieve such goal is highlighted. The paper also emphasises the need to put into human food chain those non-conventional fishery resources and by-catch of shrimp and demersal trawl fishes by conversion into high value protein products like fish cakes, fish pies and salted dried cakes

Pesticide induced physiological and behavioural changes in an estuarine teleost Therapon jarbua (Forsk)

Static bioassays were conducted with pesticides like PP'-DDT, Dimethoate (Rogor) and Carbaryl (Sevin) to determine the median lethal concentrations (LC sub(50)) on an estuarine teleost Therapon jarbua (Forsk). The respiration rates of fishes exposed to pesticides, as well as those of controls were determined. Respiration abnormalities were noticed in treated fishes. The metabolic rates are generally higher in treated fishes than in the controls. The behaviour of fishes exposed to LC sub(25) (96h) concentrations of pesticides is discussed. Estuarine fishes appear to be more sensitive and susceptible to pesticides than fresh water fishes. The pesticides affect the locomotory and swimming behaviour of fishes. Loss in weight of fishes exposed to LC sub(50) (96 h) concentration of pesticides was also estimated. The present report gives a comprehensive account of the toxic nature of these pesticides to fishes.