Relevance of the programmes of the federal fisheries schools to Nigeria's fishing industry

Nigeria's three federal fisheries schools are administered by three autonomous research institutes located in Lagos, New Bussa, and Maiduguri. The schools were established at different periods to train the required manpower for Nigeria's fishing industry which has remained predominantly artisanal since its inception in 1942 as a Second World War exigency. Despite the establishment of the schools, the industry's manpower is still being dominated by non-nationals especially in the capture fisheries sub-sector. The common features of the schools include the apparent insensitivity of their programmes to the industry's dynamic manpower needs; the absence of coordination of their programmes by a national body which would have ensured that the schools are able to communicate with one another and are willing to act and share a purpose. The need and the methodology for a change of emphasis from the on-going training of extension agents and officers to that of fishing operatives and technicians to enable Nigeria effectively harness her local fish resources towards self-sufficiency is highlighted.

The shape of fisheries to come. Some thoughts on fisheries development and education with special reference to aquaculture

A brief discussion is presented on the current situation regarding world fisheries and the future role of aquaculture. The various components involved in fisheries, and affecting all changes in fisheries through time, include the biology of the species involved, environment, technology/engineering and socio-economics. The importance of education in fisheries and aquaculture development is also examined

Small scale commercial production of tilapia fingerlings in floating bamboo net-hapas

The inadequate supply of tilapia seed is considered as one of the major present constraints to the development of the culture industry in Nigeria. The floating bamboo net-hapa hatchery/nursery system was observed to be very efficient in the mass production of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry and fingerlings at Kainji Lake Research Institute. This system was therefore, recommended for small-scale (artisanal) commercial operators consisting of fishermen families in order to increase their productivity and hasten development of rural communities. The economic analysis of this system showed that loan obtained for the recommended scale of operation can be amortized within 2 years of the project. It was emphasized that the operational and managerial skills of the fish farm operators account largely to the production cost and profitability of the enterprise

Trace metals -- a potential threat to our fishing industry

Trace metals constitute a major form of water pollutant that can adversely affect fish production. The potentially toxic metals have been identified as lead, zinc, copper, arsenic, antimony, mercury beryllium, barium, cadmium, chromium, nickel, selenium among others. Preliminary laboratory studies have been directed to the determination of traces of lead in the aquatic biota and its toxicity. There are indications that the levels reported in effluents from some of the industries may be above the tolerant limits of local fish species and organisms that make up their food. Metal pollution could become a serious problem to freshwater fisheries in the future as a result of increasing urbanization and industrialization, unless efforts are made to prevent it

Artisanal canoe fishing industry of the Rivers State: its economic viability and investment potentials

Consequent upon the present national call in Nigeria for all to go back to agriculture including fishing, most retrenched workers and unemployed youths from the riverine areas are taking up fishing as a legitimate and gainful livelihood. To sustain this tempo and attract more investment, the economic viability of such projects must be known. This study is an attempt to document the profitability and investment potential of artisanal canoe fishing. Socio-economic information including catches, operational cost and returns were obtained through a personal interview questionnaire survey of 240 randomly selected artisanal canoe fishermen from Bonny, Brass and Degema Local Government Areas (LGA) of the State and analyzed. With an investment cost of about 8,135, 8,490 and 6,571 and operation cost of 750, 776 and 627, the analysis showed an average monthly gross income of 1,869, 3,221 and 1,775 for the three local government areas respectively. A benefit-cost-ratio of 1:8, net present value of 400, 603 and internal rate of return greater than 50% were obtained. Since capital invested in fisheries is not tied up for long before benefits start flowing, coupled with the high IRR, it is concluded that artisanal canoe fishing would be an economically viable venture if well managed

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

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

The contribution of fish intake, aquaculture, and small-scale fisheries to improving nutrition security: a literature review

Much of fish consumed by the poor are caught by household members and traded in local markets. These fish are rarely or poorly included in national statistics, and it is therefore difficult to estimate precisely the real contribution of fish to the rural poor households. This report is the first global overview of the role played by fish in improving nutrition. Fish consumption patterns of the poor, the nutritional value of fish, and small-scale fisheries and aquaculture activities are considered. It also highlights the gap in knowledge where more research is needed.

Commercial aquaculture in Nigeria: a vertically integrated approach in the commercial freshwater farming of tilapia in floating bamboo net-hapas and cages systems

Tilapia once termed "poor man's" fish, still remains as the highly-priced food fish in many developing countries. The good attributes of this fish prompt its use in intensive aquaculture vertically integrated systems (VIS) which embrace broodstock development, hatchery/nursery and growout phase. Based on the series of studies carried out at Kainji Lake Research Institute, in New Bussa, Nigeria using Oreochromis (Tilapia niloticus) in floating bamboo hapas/cages, the recommended intensive modular systems were estimated to be capable of producing 4 million Tilapia fingerlings and 729 tons fish (Market-size) annually. Cost-benefit analysis showed the venture to have high prospects. It is recommended that priority be given to Tilapia cage culture at the national level in order to contribute immensely towards increased fish production

Techniques of producing monosex or sterile population of fish for aquaculture -- a review of selected literature

The need to develop techniques that can make the male grow faster in many species of fish as well as the female in some other species cannot be over-emphasized. Monosex culture of the faster growing sex can increase production if the method is reliable. The use of such techniques as manual sexing, sterilisation, hybridization, gynogenesis, androgenesis polyploidy and sex-reversal can provide solutions or partial solutions to the problems associated with sexual difference, sexual maturation and unwanted reproduction

An economic overview of the fish and shrimp production of the Nigeria fish trawling industry under the structural adjustment programme

Over the years, Nigeria have witnessed different government with different policy measures. Against the negative consequences of the past policies, the structural adjustment was initiated in 1986. Its aims is to effectively altar and restructure the consumption patterns of the economy as well as to eliminate price distortions and heavy dependence on the oil and the imports of consumer goods and services. Within the period of implementation, there has been a decreasing trend in yearly fish catch landings and sizes but the reverse in shrimping. There is also a gradual shift from fishing to shrimping, from the vessels purchased with 83.3% increase of shrimpers from 1985 to 1989. Decreasing fish catch sizes and quantity aggravated by the present high cost of fishing coupled with the favourable export market for Nigeria shrimp tend to influence the sift. This economic situation is the result of the supply measures of SAP through the devaluation of the Naira. There is also overconcentration of vessels on the inshore waters as majority of the vessels are old and low powers hence incapable of fishing on the deep sea. Rotterdam price being paid for automotive gas oil (AGO) by fishing industries is observed to be discriminating and unhealthy to the growth of the industry as it is exceedingly high and unstable thus affecting planning for fishing operation. Fuel alone takes 43% of the total cost of operation. The overall consequences is that fishing days are loss and therefore higher overhead cost. It was concluded that for a healthy growth and sustainable resources of our marine fishery under the structural adjustment programme licensing of new fishing vessels should be stopped immediately and the demand side of SAP should be employed by subsidizing high powered fishing vessels which can operate effectively on the deep sea

Aquaculture Asia, Vol.14, No.3, pp.1-44, July-September 2009

Sustainable aquaculture Contrasting community management and revenue sharing practices of culture-based fisheries in Lao PDR Saphakdy, B., Phomsouvanh, A., Davy, B., Nguyen, T.T.T. and De Silva, S.S.; Floodplain aquaculture in Begumgonj: New horizon for rural livelihoods in Bangladesh Hossain, M. S.; Promoting small-scale inland aquaculture in Papua New Guinea Edwards, P.; Group approach to shrimp farming: The key to sustainability Kumaran, M.; Research and farming techniques Native catfish culture - a technology package for fish farmers Haniffa, M. A.; An assessment on the influence of salinity in the growth of black clam (Villorita cyprinoides) in cages in Cochin estuary with a special emphasis on the impact of Thennermukkom Salinity Barrier Arun, A. U.; Aquatic animal health EUS in Asia and Africa: Stimulus for regional initiatives!!! Mohan, C.V. Marine Finfish Aquaculture Network Offshore opportunities for artisanal aquaculture Stock, C.; Grouper aquaculture in Brazil Sanches, E.G. and Von Seckendorff, R.W. NACA Newsletter