Problems of industrial fisheries development in the Cross River State

The industrial fisheries as opposed to artisanal fisheries in Cross River State, Nigeria, is discussed, considering the prospect of industrial fisheries in the State and identifying the major fish and shrimp resources within the coastal waters. Industrial fishing was introduced in 1973 when the state government invited a Japaneese company to carry out a joint exploratory shrimp fishing venture. The contributions made by the Seastate Seafoods Company, the Eyib's Nutritional Food and the Arawak Fishing Companies towards the increase in the number of fishing fleet in the state are noted.

Feasibility of adopting integrated rice-cum-fish culture system to enhance the development of conventional aquaculture participation in Niger State

In a survey conducted to find out the status of integrated rice-cum-fish culture in Niger State, Nigeria, 0.37 ha of Fadama wetlands was utilized for rice-cum-fish culture and at experimental stage. In the case study of this rice-cum-fish model, the Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was involved. The result was that 1,4720 kg/ha/yr could be produced using chick manure application under rice-cum-fish culture model. The available records reveal that 233,079 ha out of 495,000 ha of estimated Fadama in Niger State was used for rice cultivation in 1997. If 233,079 ha were to be used for integrated rice-cum fish culture, it is estimated that 343,092 mt of fish (Oreochromis niloticus) could be produced per year. The fish demand in Niger State in 2002 was 50,000 mt. The NPK application under rice-cum-fish production gave the best rice production estimated at 43,968.0 kg/ha/yr. The percentage increase in rice yield as well as increase in net income due to introduction of fish was 10.1 % and 54.4% respectively. The culture system is therefore recommended for adoption towards greater participation in aquaculture development by the farmers

Fisheries development in Nigeria with special reference to Cross River State

The paper appraises fisheries development in Nigeria with specific reference to Cross River State and the problems militating against increased fish production. The potential for developing the industry to supplement the low level of animal protein consumption in Nigeria is discussed as well as the import of a vibrant fishery industry to contribute to the employment and international trade. The need to legislate on fisheries activities while enforcing the existing laws for sustainable exploitation of the fisheries resources is elaborated. Similarly, the need to maximize the proceeds from Nigeria's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by protecting the operations of this economic sector and other unauthorized fishing practices is elucidated. In view of the present situation where most of the country's water bodies have been over-fished, more attention and emphasis should be placed on aquaculture development. The paper also proffers recommendations to boost fish production in capture and culture fisheries

Reforming state-level coastal management and development policies: strategic retreat as an innovative, proactive and equitable coastal environmental management strategy

Atlantic and Gulf Coast shorelines include some of the most unique and biologically rich ecosystems in the United States that provide immeasurable aesthetic, habitat and economic benefits. Natural coastal ecosystems, however, are under increasing threat from rampant and irresponsible growth and development. Once a boon to local economies, complex natural forces – enhanced by global climate change and sea level rise - are now considered hazards and eroding the very foundation upon which coastal development is based. For nearly a century, beach restoration and erosion control structures have been used to artificially stabilize shorelines in an effort to protect structures and infrastructure. Beach restoration, the import and emplacement of sand on an eroding beach, is expensive, unpredictable, inefficient and may result in long-term environmental impacts. The detrimental environmental impacts of erosion control structures such as sea walls, groins, bulkheads and revetments include sediment deficits, accelerated erosion and beach loss. These and other traditional responses to coastal erosion and storm impacts- along with archaic federal and state policies, subsidies and development incentives - are costly, encourage risky development, artificially increase property values of high-risk or environmentally sensitive properties, reduce the post-storm resilience of shorelines, damage coastal ecosystems and are becoming increasingly unsustainable. Although communities, coastal managers and property owners face increasingly complex and difficult challenges, there is an emerging public, social and political awareness that, without meaningful policy reforms, coastal ecosystems and economies are in jeopardy. Strategic retreat is a sustainable, interdisciplinary management strategy that supports the proactive, planned removal of vulnerable coastal development; reduces risk; increases shoreline resiliency and ensures long term protection of coastal systems. Public policies and management strategies that can overcome common economic misperceptions and promote the removal of vulnerable development will provide state and local policy makers and coastal managers with an effective management tool that concomitantly addresses the economic, environmental, legal and political issues along developed shorelines. (PDF contains 4 pages)

Reforming state-level coastal management and development policies: strategic retreat as an innovative, proactive and equitable coastal environmental management strategy

Atlantic and Gulf Coast shorelines include some of the most unique and biologically rich ecosystems in the United States that provide immeasurable aesthetic, habitat and economic benefits. Natural coastal ecosystems, however, are under increasing threat from rampant and irresponsible growth and development. Once a boon to local economies, complex natural forces – enhanced by global climate change and sea level rise - are now considered hazards and eroding the very foundation upon which coastal development is based. For nearly a century, beach restoration and erosion control structures have been used to artificially stabilize shorelines in an effort to protect structures and infrastructure. Beach restoration, the import and emplacement of sand on an eroding beach, is expensive, unpredictable, inefficient and may result in long-term environmental impacts. The detrimental environmental impacts of erosion control structures such as sea walls, groins, bulkheads and revetments include sediment deficits, accelerated erosion and beach loss. These and other traditional responses to coastal erosion and storm impacts- along with archaic federal and state policies, subsidies and development incentives - are costly, encourage risky development, artificially increase property values of high-risk or environmentally sensitive properties, reduce the post-storm resilience of shorelines, damage coastal ecosystems and are becoming increasingly unsustainable. Although communities, coastal managers and property owners face increasingly complex and difficult challenges, there is an emerging public, social and political awareness that, without meaningful policy reforms, coastal ecosystems and economies are in jeopardy. Strategic retreat is a sustainable, interdisciplinary management strategy that supports the proactive, planned removal of vulnerable coastal development; reduces risk; increases shoreline resiliency and ensures long term protection of coastal systems. Public policies and management strategies that can overcome common economic misperceptions and promote the removal of vulnerable development will provide state and local policy makers and coastal managers with an effective management tool that concomitantly addresses the economic, environmental, legal and political issues along developed shorelines. (PDF contains 4 pages)

Development of trophic state and phytoplankton in an oligo-mesotrophic reservoir (Kleine Kinzig) in Black Forest, Germany

Since 1989, intensive studies have been made on a relatively new (1983-84) oligotrophic reservoir and its pre-reservoir in the Black Forest. This paper briefly reports on the hydrochemistry, especially annual variations in phosphorus loadings, and the seasonal development of phytoplankton in 1989 and 1990.

Facilitated advocacy: supporting farmers to have a voice in policy making and the development of service provision

Listening to people, especially those who are poor, and involving them in policy making and decisions about service delivery processes are logical steps in building better services and improving policies aimed at poverty alleviation. This case describes a facilitated advocacy that helped to negotiate and support a role for poor people who farm and fish, to contribute recommendations for changes in services and policies that impact on their lives. The national Government of India’s Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying and the Indian Council for Agricultural Research, both in the capital Delhi, have been linking with farmers and fishers and state government officials in the eastern states of Jharkhand, Orissa and West Bengal, in partnership with the STREAM Initiative of the intergovernmental Network of Aquaculture Centers in Asia Pacific and with the support of the UK Government Department for International Development, Natural resources Systems Program supporting farmers to have a voice(13 p.)

Channel Islands Deep Water Monitoring Plan Development Workshop Report April 26-27, 2005 University of California, Santa Barbara

In 2003, twelve marine protected areas were established in state waters (0-3 nmi) surrounding the Channel Islands. NOAA is considering extending this network (3-6 nmi) into deeper waters of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS). In order for effective long-term management of the deep water reserves to occur, a well-structured monitoring program is required to assess effectiveness. The CINMS and the National Marine Sanctuary Program (NMSP) hosted a 2-day workshop in April 2005 to develop a monitoring plan for the proposed federal marine reserves in that sanctuary. Conducted at the University of California at Santa Barbara, participants included scientists from academic, state, federal, and private research institutions. Workshop participants developed project ideas that could answer priority questions posed by the NMSP. This workshop report will be used to develop a monitoring plan for the reserves. (PDF contains 47 pages.)

State of Technology for In Situ Measures of Salinity Using Conductive Temperature Sensors, Savannah, Georgia, December 3-5, 2007: workshop proceedings

This Alliance for Coastal Technologies (ACT) workshop was convened to assess the availability and state of development of conductivity-temperature sensors that can meet the needs of coastal monitoring and management communities. Rased on the discussion, there are presently a number of commercial sensor options available, with a wide range of package configurations suitable for deployment in a range of coastal environments. However, some of the central questions posed in the workshop planning documents were left somewhat unresolved. The workshop description emphasized coastal management requirements and, in particular, whether less expensive, easily deployed, lower-resolution instruments might serve many management needs. While several participants expressed interest in this class of conductivity-temperature sensors, based on input from the manufacturers, it is not clear that simply relaxing the present level of resolution of existing instruments will result in instruments of significantly lower unit cost. Conductivity-temperature sensors are available near or under the $1,000 unit cost that was operationally defined at the workshop as a breakpoint for what might be considered to be a "low cost" sensor. For the manufacturers, a key consideration before undertaking the effort to develop lower cost sensors is whether there will be a significant market. In terms of defining "low cost," it was also emphasized that the "life cycle costs" for a given instrument must be considered (e.g., including personnel costs for deployment and maintenance). An adequate market survey to demonstrate likely applications and a viable market for lower cost sensors is needed. Another topic for the workshop was the introduction to the proposed ACT verification for conductivity-temperature sensors. Following a summary of the process as envisioned by ACT, initial feedback was solicited. Protocol development will be pursued further in a workshop involving ACT personnel and conductivity-temperature sensor manufacturers.[PDF contains 28 pages]

Fish farming in Anambra State: economic criteria

The paper is based on the premise that an understanding of the role and potentials of fish farming entrepreneurs in terms of their activities and expectations would enhance fish production and productivity. To this end, the present paper investigates the activities of 24 fish farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria. Based on the fish farmers' experience, the paper presents fish farming investments, budgets and recommendations that could ensure fish farming development as a profitable business venture and at the same time ensure greater fish production in the country

Practical suggestions for the commercialisation of fishery production in Ondo State

The paper examines the fisheries resources and activities in Ondo State, Nigeria. As a result of the geographical advantage via location along the Atlantic coast the potentials and constraints of coastal artisanal fisheries in Ondo State are assessed. Practical suggestions and approaches for a successful commercialisation of fishery production are given. These include: (a) Identification of useful and reliable fisheries institutions, (b) Inauguration establishment and coordination of a fishery development agency, (c) establishment of aquaculture technology centres (ATC), (d) provision of fishery development fund, (e) Standardisation of fishery consultancy units, etc

Aquaculture research: technology transfer for rural development in Nigeria

Conventional aquaculture has been promoted in Nigeria for the past five decades with minimal impact on rural communities: from the findings of Maclearen (1949) where he popularized the use of culturable fish predators Lutjanus sp; Pomades sp; Tarpon adanticus; Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus in earthen ponds near Onikan-Lagos, Nigeria; to the finding of Zwilling, 1963, who reported common carp, Cyprinus carpio propagation and culture in Panyan Fish Farm, near Jos; to the findings of FAO, 1965, when the potential culture of marine mullets culture in brackish water ponds in Buguma, Rivers State was presented. The work of other researchers Sivalingam, (1970; 1973), Ezenwa (1976), development officers and extension officers contributed to the development of aquaculture in few rural areas of the country and informed on public and private owned fish farm infrastructures. Despite a moderate long history of aquaculture research and development in Nigeria, an annual production level of 25,000 metric tons was recorded in 1999. This situation calls for a more sustainable approach for a stronger link between aquaculture research and technology transfer for the development of rural communities of Nigeria. This paper therefore examines some of the issues involved in the continuous flow of the new aquaculture technology in the improvement of fish protein output, standard of living of rural farmers and prevention of urban migration by the youth

Review paper on the production trials of rice-cum fish culture - a transferable concept into Niger State, Nigeria

This paper reviews the production trials of rice-cum-fish culture. Rice and various fish species using rotation and concurrent methods of cultivation are used. The farming system is mostly practiced and researched in to in Southeast Asian countries. It addresses the problems of high external inputs, sustainable aquaculture, poverty and nutrition in the rural population, insect pests, use of insecticides, weeds control and under-utilization of agricultural lands. The production trials yields are summarized and a summary of annual income per hectare from rice and fish have been given. The yield however depends to a large extent on the species stocked, culture period, fertility of the soil and water, degree of supplemental feeding and culturing methods. The production results are discussed. Niger state is blessed with abundant wetlands/rice fields suitable for the practice. However, ecological differences from country to country and region to region, research and development trials are necessary to ensure a successful adoption of the technology to farmers in the State

Preparing for and adapting to climate change impacts: Next steps for the Washington state department of National Resources Aquatic Resources Program

In response to a growing body of research on projected climate change impacts to Washington State’s coastal areas, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Aquatic Resources Program (the Program) initiated a climate change preparedness effort in 2009 via the development of a Climate Change Adaptation Strategy (the Strategy)i. The Strategy answers the question “What are the next steps that the Program can take to begin preparing for and adapting to climate change impacts in Washington’s coastal areas?” by considering how projected climate change impacts may effect: (1) Washington’s state-owned aquatic landsii, (2) the Program’s management activities, and (3) DNR’s statutorily established guidelines for managing Washington’s state-owned aquatic lands for the benefit of the public. The Program manages Washington’s state-owned aquatic lands according to the guidelines set forth in Revised Code of Washington 79-105-030, which stipulates that DNR must manage state-owned aquatic lands in a manner which provides a balance of the following public benefits: (1) Encouraging direct public uses and access; (2) Fostering water-dependent uses; (3) Ensuring environmental protection; (4) Utilizing renewable resources. (RCW 79-105-030) The law also stipulates that generating revenue in a manner consistent with these four benefits is a public benefit (RCW 79-105-030). Many of the next steps identified in the Strategy build off of recommendations provided by earlier climate change preparation and adaptation efforts in Washington State, most notably those provided by the Preparation and Adaptation Working Group, which were convened by Washington State Executive Order 70-02 in 2007, and those made in the Washington Climate Change Impacts Assessment (Climate Impacts Group, 2009). (PDF contains 4 pages)