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Tilapia Brooder Stock

PLIGHT OF FISH FARMER ON LIVE TILAPIA BREEDERS STOCK TO NIGERIA

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PLIGHT OF FISH FARMER ON LIVE TILAPIA   BREEDERS STOCK TO NIGERIA

By

Nurudeen Tiamiyu

National Vice President

Tilapia Aquaculture Developers Association Nigeria.

Our live fish Tilapia breeder stock import is not able to get official forex because those in the CBN refused to listen to us that fish should not have envelope category and that breeder stock is just like parent stock in the Poultry industry.

We source forex from the black market and even CBN makes it difficult to make payments since it is not valid for forex but still have to be on the queue for approval with too many delay.

The Thai breeders sent the fish even without receiving payments from us believing we would pay based on our explanations.

The fish left Thailand and missed the trans shipment in Dubai on Thursday which should have made it land in Nigeria yesterday. Fish came in 72 hours which is 24 hours outside the time limit of 48 hours.

The Nigerian Customs now decided to take the highest tariff of 10% on the fish when they had an option of grouping it under the 5% which was to be used for fishes without category. We had meeting with Ministry of Finance under GEJ to put Tilapia fry and fingerlings in the HS Codes, they refused. We complained to the Federal department of Fisheries Abuja on this matter, but they never did anything till date under the last minister of Agriculture who failed on several fronts because he was never in tune with farmers, but was chasing anything in White skin calling it foreign investors.

The fish came almost all dead on arrival after all the stress. They even delayed it again in Lagos. Plane landed 8.40am and fish was not released till 12.30 pm even when they knew we had issues since yesterday. There was no urgency in solving our predicament even after most of the paper work was done yesterday.

We must have a serious government that can appoint a serious Agriculture minister that will sit down with real stakeholders and understand issues in all sectors if we are to grow as a nation.

This government must let us know if they really want us to do Tilapia Aquaculture in Nigeria or not.

It has been a long day for me today.

TILAPIA

TILAPIA DISEASE IDENTIFICATION-PARASITIC, VIRAL AND BACTERIA FREE WORKSHOP

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Good afternoon all. This is to inform members that there will be a free training organised by ZOETIS ALPHA a global animal health company dedicated to supporting livestock farmers, veterinary surgeons in Conjunction with TADAN

OVERVIEW OF IMPORTANT DISEASES IN AQUACULTURE (WITH EMPHASIS ON TILAPIA DISEASE IDENTIFICATION-PARASITIC, VIRAL AND BACTERIA)

DIAGNOSTIC APPROACH TO AQUACULTURE (INCLUDING SAMPLING TECHNIQUES)

RECENT AVAILABLE DRUGS, VACCINES AND OTHER INTERVENTIONS IN TILAPIA DISEASE MANAGEMENT PARTICULARLY IN PharmaQ portfolio.

Date is Friday 17 May 2019
Venue is George Town Hotel (Best Western) Ikeja Conference room
Time is 8:00 am
On Thursday 16th of May is a visit to two Tilapia farms in Lagos and a visit to one of the Fisheries research institute in Lagos which will be named once we communicate officially to them. The field tour and visit will enable participants have a first hand view of the latest methods and methodologies in
SAMPLE COLLECTION TECHNIQUES AND EASY RAPID FIELD DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES INCLUDING NECROPSY CAN BE DEMONSTRATED ON THESE FARMS TO BE VISITED.

Only 20 space is available to members for this two days event.

Please make your interest know on the forum. Or directly to the National Secretary on 08033135761

TILAPIA, Uncategorized

TADAN, TRITON seek Federal Government ban on importation of Tilapia in Nigeria

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TILAPIA HARVEST ON IKERE GORGE DAM ,ISEYIN OYO STATE ,NIGERIA

 

 

 

 

Tilapia fish being harvested at the Ikere Gorge Dam, Iseyin, Oyo State

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Federal Government has been urged to place outright ban on the importation of tilapia, to protect fish farmers and ensure the growth of the aquaculture industry.

Stakeholders in the aquaculture industry who made the appeal

during a meeting with members of the Food and Agriculture Writers Association of Nigeria (FAWON) in Lagos, said the smuggled tilapia would not only prevent local producers from getting ready-made markets, it is also dangerous to health, as it is a reject from other countries.

The National President, Tilapia and Aquaculture Developers Association of Nigeria (TADAN), Remi Ahmed, said farmers are producing a lot and can meet the Tilapia deficit if given the right enabling environment.“We want an outright ban because we are producing a lot and we can meet the tilapia deficit if given the right enabling environment. As long as people are getting this cheap import, the tilapia grown in Nigeria will never compete with them.

“As long as we are getting this cheap import coming in, the tilapia grown in Nigeria will never compete with them, because the basic challenge has to do with pricing. This fish is coming from China and no tariff is being paid on it, so they are selling as cheap as possible to kill the local industry,” he said.

Ahmed further stated that the aquaculture sector might go underground if drastic actions are not taken to stop the smuggling, to allow local production to thrive. “Over the past few years, competition from tilapia smuggled from China into the country has intensified and if drastic actions are not taken to stop the smuggling so as for local production to thrive, the aquaculture sector is in serious trouble,”He said that fish farmers in the country especially tilapia farmers would want government to close down outlets that sell these smuggled fish, stressing that they are cheap because taxes are not paid on them.

Ahmed stressed that the imported fish are not nutritious as the locally breed fish since they are not raised in a good condition as best practices are not followed in raising the fish.“Within the short period tilapia was introduced to Nigeria we have been able to develop and produce tilapia feed that is better than the ones used in most African countries,”

The National Vice President of TADAN, Nurudeen Tiamiyu hinted that Nigerian farmers are having low sales because people are getting cheaper fish elsewhere which are smuggled, noting that they are less concerned where the fish is coming from.

“A normal Nigerian wants to eat fish he will be less concerned where the fish comes from, all he is seeing is cheap fish, so they will always prefer to pick up very cheap fish, which they don’t even know their health implications.“These fishes being brought from China are rejected fishes that cannot enter Europe or America market because of the issue of growth hormones and the very bad water conditions where these fishes are raised in volumes can hamper the health of people but Nigerian are less concerned when it comes to buying cheap fish,”Tiamiyu said

Global Technical Head, Fish–Triton Group, Edna Dionisio, said high production cost is another major challenge facing the industry, saying the cost of feed accounts for 70 to 80 per cent of the total cost of aquaculture.She said feeding of the fishes makes the business less profitable, and that in order to improve the sustainability of tilapia production; it is essential to improve feed efficiency.

Dionisio said the most effective way to support advancement of the sector is to provide a consistent supply of high-quality fish feed products, along with technical support to the industry.She noted that ensuring Nigeria raised tilapia to meet the highest quality standards will not only open the door for local farmers, but also that the products would command much better prices.

She said further that there was need to speed up research and implementation of new innovations and technologies such as genetic improvement of local species and formulation of low cost improved fish feed.

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Tilapia Aquaculture Developers Association Nigeria decry exemption of Tilapia from FG’s Import Prohibition List

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The Tilapia and Aquaculture Developers Association of Nigeria (TADAN) on Tuesday decried the exemption of Tilapia, a farmed fish species, from the Federal Government’s import prohibition list.
The association’s National President, Mr. Remi Ahmed, expressed the association’s displeasure with the list in Lagos.
Ahmed said that the omission from the official prohibition list by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) would send a negative signal to the international community.
He said the Nigerian Tilapia farming model was currently being appreciated globally and this would mean unregulated importation of the commodity to retard local production.
“This is coming when the international community is happy with the level of work done in Nigeria’s Tilapia sub-sector.
“Within the short period Tilapia was introduced to Nigeria, we have been able to develop and produce Tilapia feed within the country that is better than the ones used in most African countries.
“Let government stop the importation of Tilapia into the country because afterwards, the smuggled Tilapia will not allow local producers to get ready-made markets.
“Restriction of Tilapia importation is not even enough, we want an outright ban because we are producing a lot and we can meet the Tilapia deficit if given the right playing field, ‘’ Ahmed said.
The president also told NAN that he had over 10 tonnes of farmed Tilapia stored in cold rooms because the smuggled ones were crashing the market price, making it seem like locally produced ones were expensive.
On Tilapia production in Nigeria, Ahmed said that there were bigger farmers across the country and this development would chase entrants and discourage current producers in the long run.
“I have nothing less than 10 tonnes of Tilapia waiting for delivery and I am one of the smallest producers, there is Ejide Farms and others, our fishes are staying too long with us.
“Some of us have invested so much money in the facilities where we farm Tilapia, so, do we remove them now and start doing what? The cost of power and others are serious challenges, so this is not encouraging.
“These importers of the commodity are enjoying grants and other incentives from their countries which is why when the fish is brought here it is very cheap.
“Here, we do not have any sort of support from the government, and this is the height of it,” he said.
Ahmed said that in 2017, the NCS intercepted a 40-foot container containing Tilapia and during the briefing informed Nigerians that Tilapia was banned.
Contributing, the Vice-President of TADAN, Mr Nurudeen Tiamiu, told NAN that the government should collaborate with real stakeholders in the sector to fashion out a roadmap to develop farmed fish in the country.
Tiamiu said that the aquaculture sector had been besieged by people who were not known fish farmers, making and taking decisions on behalf of the real-time producers.
Tiamiu said: “I see no reason why the Ministry of Finance is making policies on fish import, while the Ministry of Agriculture is not doing anything for stakeholders.
“We have a bunch of stakeholders, you have not met with them and have not seen their capabilities in production and that means the Nigerian government do not understand the issues to be addressed when it comes to food safety.
“We do not even know the quantity of Tilapia needed for consumption, we only know that we have 15 million metric tonnes of fish deficit.
“The exemption of Tilapia from the import prohibition list is not a good development because we have spent so much money in production and dealt with unforeseen environmental issues.
“If insurance that is not structured at the end of the day, you cannot compete with what comes in from China and other competing countries.
“Let government meet with stakeholders and fashion out a roadmap to develop farmed fish and farmed fish is the only way aquaculture can survive in Nigeria,’’ Tiamiu Said.
The National Secretary of the association , Mr Abiodun Adedeji, said that stakeholders were not duly consulted before the decision to strike out Tilapia from the list was made.
According to Adedeji, the decision is made without ascertaining the effects on local producers of the fish.
“It is not a good decision and I am sure that the ministry did not get stakeholders’ opinion on this matter to ascertain how the exemption will affect the local producer of the fish.
“We are already facing problems with market pricing as a result of importation through neighbouring countries which usually brings down market price for Tilapia.
“Whereas Nigeria farmers produce with higher production cost as against the lower imported price of the same products.
“This decision will affect investment in Tilapia aquaculture by foreign investors.
“Government is expected to protect the industry by doing things in active consultation with stakeholders and also encourage these importers to invest in local production in Nigeria, ‘’ he said.
The Import Prohibition List by the NCS restricts importation of items.

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Nigeria workshop seeks to scale up proven technologies, boost aquaculture production in West and Central Africa

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Nigeria workshop seeks to scale up proven technologies, boost aquaculture production in West and Central Africa

6 August 2018
Participants from several West and Central African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin and Cameroon, will convene in Abuja, Nigeria on 6–7 August 2018 to discuss approaches to boosting aquaculture production in the region under the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) program.
Funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), TAAT is a knowledge- and innovation-based response to the need to scale up proven technologies across Africa. The program aims to support AfDB’s Feed Africa Strategy to eliminate the continent’s current high import of food through ‘commodity technology delivery compacts’ between implementing institutions, including WorldFish.
David Shearer, WorldFish Director, International Partnerships and Program Delivery: “Aquaculture is one of the key compacts of TAAT. It has a special focus around self-sufficiency of inland fisheries, which is also a WorldFish objective. Our engagement with the TAAT program will enable us to achieve our goal of improving the diversity of fish in people’s diet.”
Specifically, the aquaculture compact aims to ensure access to improved fish seed by 80 percent of fish farmers, a 20 percent increase in aquaculture production, a 10-30 percent reduction in fish imports, improved household nutrition and employment creation for youth in the value chain.
During the workshop, which is being organized by WorldFish, delegates from participating countries, representing stakeholders from the private sector, national agricultural research and extension systems (NARES), universities, research institutions and others, will present their main challenges and opportunities, current programs for aquaculture development and baseline data on aquaculture production.
A similar workshop was organized from 9-10 July 2018 in Nairobi for East and Southern African countries (Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia).
Dr. Harrison, Country Director, WorldFish Egypt and Nigeria: “By applying proven innovative technologies, TAAT is already transforming the aquaculture value chains across the continent. By embracing new technologies and ways of doing things, Africa is likely to catch up and surpass other aquaculture-producing regions of the world, thereby enhancing food security, creating jobs and uplifting the livelihoods of rural women and the youth.”
In the same week as the Abuja workshop, Dr. Gareth Johnstone, WorldFish Director General, will visit Nigeria to meet government officials and other stakeholders.
Nigeria is a new focal country for WorldFish, which is hosted by the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan. During the visit, Dr. Johnstone will discuss further avenues for collaboration between the two institutions as well as other regional bodies such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
For more information or to request an interview, contact:
Prof. Bernadette Fregene (Aquaculture Compact Leader)
Mobile tel: +234 803 347 618 4
Email: B.Fregene@cgiar.org
Web: worldfishcenter.org / fish.cgiar.org
Photography: flickr.com/photos/theworldfishcenter

TILAPIA

FG Seeks Self-Sufficiency In Fish Production In Nigeria

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In a bid to be self-sufficient in fish production, the federal government has entered into a partnership with an international organization, WorldFish as part of efforts to meet the country’s fish production demand, which stands at 3.2 million Metric Tonnes. It was reported that Nigeria currently produces 1.1 million Metric Tonnes of fish and fishery products with a deficit of 2.1 million MT. The Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development,           Dr. Heineken Lokpobiri stated at stakeholder’s workshop meeting, yesterday in Abuja that the international organization is expected to support the country to achieve its target on food and nutrition. He said all fish importers have been directed to do backward integration through commercial aquaculture, adding that some of the compliant organisations have been certified by the ministry to commence fish and fishery products export to international markets. The Minister, who acknowledged capacity of the country to produce fish to meet local fish demand, noted that the country still has huge gap on tilapia fish. “Nigeria, as you all know is a large fish consuming nation and a net importer of fish and fishery products. Currently, our annual fish demand is in excess of 3.2 million MT while the production is about 1.1 million MT from all sources resulting in a demand-supply gap of about 2.1 million MT. “Nigeria was importing over 2 million metric tons of fish in 2015 with 500, 000 metric tons local capacity but currently produce 1.1 million metric tons,” he added. According to the minister, the nation largely produces catfish, which he considered as expensive, that is 80 per cent cat fish and 20 per cent Tilapia. He stressed increased production of different varieties. He appealed to the international organization to help the country increase its local production on tilapia as it did to Ghana and Egypt. “The FMARD have the mandate to harness potentials in the agriculture sector. So we will give you every support to succeed.” Earlier, WorldFish director of International Partnership, David Sheurer said the partnership became imperative to build capacity of local fish farmers and meet nutritional needs. The deputy director, Mr. Segun Babatunde called for the establishment of tilapia breeding centre to meet the deficit. He said despite that the country is the second largest fish producer in Africa after Egypt, there is need for concerted effort to produce more of tilapia. Source: https://leadership.ng/2018/03/21/fg-seeks-self-sufficiency-in-fish-production/

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TADAN PARTICIPATES IN 2-DAYS STAKEHOLDER’S WORKSHOP ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF WORLDFISH RESEARCH PROGRAM IN NIGERIA

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Increasing human population coupled with improved awareness of the benefits of eating fish has led to the present growing demand for fish and fish products. This demand is current beyond supply globally and especially in Africa. African lags behind the world in fish consumption, consuming about 10 kg per person per year. Africa will need to double its fish production from both fisheries and aquaculture by 2030 to cater for present consumption levels. The scale of this challenge requires research innovations across the whole spectrum of aquaculture and fisheries production systems and associated value chains.

In line with CGIAR Research Program on fish agri-food systems (FISH CRP), the WorldFish Strategy 2017-2022 prioritizes the expansion of research programs into focal and scaling countries in Africa. This is a means for responding to emerging opportunities for partnerships, influence and impact in fisheries and aquaculture. Nigeria is one of WorldFish focal countries whose research program is being established. The development of the research program in Nigeria by WorldFish is geared towards fostering  strong partnerships and developing an appropriate level of engagement through establishment of offices, having appropriate staff presence, and determination of an appropriate research agenda.

In the past year, WorldFish has worked with partners to bring about a number of key developments in Nigeria. These include the country scoping and completion of the value chain assessment led by the University of Ibadan, and the approval for funding of the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) program by the Board of the African Development Bank. The aquaculture value chain compact under TAAT,which is being led by WorldFish, will be undertaken in several prioritized African countries consisting of Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria from where it will be coordinated. Since Nigeria also hosts the Regional Aquaculture Centre of Excellence, under West and Central Africa Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF/WECARD), CORAF will have a major role to play in establishing the WorldFish research program in Nigeria.In support of the development of WorldFish country research program in Nigeria,WorldFish and the Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will co-host a two-day Stakeholders workshop on 20-21 March 2018. The meeting will take place at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja and will bring together a diverse group of participants including donors, government officials, regional and national research organizations, and stakeholders from the aquaculture and fisheries industry.

Objectives:

This main objective of this workshop is to bring together different stakeholders to deliberate on steps towards establishment of WorldFish Nigeria programs. Specifically,the objectives of the meeting are:

(i) Discuss the scoping and aquaculture value chain assessment reports (2017);

(ii) Present small-scale fishery status in the country;

(iii) Discuss early implementation of TAAT;

(iv) Discuss the West African Agriculture Productivity Program (WAAPP) and the potential inclusion of aquaculture and the Centre of Excellence designed for Nigeria

(v) Discuss and recommend program based approach and modalities for the establishment of WorldFish Nigeria program.

Expected outcomes

The workshop is expected develop a roadmap for the establishment of the WorldFish Nigeria country research program and set up the research agenda for the intervening period. The workshop will review the ongoing activities and align them with the broader

WorldFish strategy and Fish CRP. Participants

Participants to the workshop will include fish farmers, fishers and their associations, fish feed manufacturers, input providers, processors, officials from the Government of Nigeria, universities, WorldFish, regional economic commissions including and development partners.

WORKSHOP PROGRAM

Opportunities in Partnering with WorldFish – David Shearer- Director, International Partnership, WorldFish

Address by- Dr Yvonne Pinto- Chairman of the Board of Trustees, WorldFish

Key note Address and Official opening of the Workshop – Honourable Minister of Agriculture

  • Introduction and Expectations of Workshop Participants
  • Objectives of the Workshop and Fish CRP in Africa – Dr. Harrison Karisa, Country Director Egypt and Nigeria, WorldFish
  • Status of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Nigeria, FDF perspective and ongoing research projects- Istifanus Pwaspo

. Aquaculture Value Chain Assessment in Oyo State, Nigeria Report – Prof. Bernadette T. Fregene and Prof. Bola Omonona

. Discussions and recommendations

  • Fish for Food, Nutrition and Income through Enabling Youth in Nigeria: Scoping Report -Dr. Rohana Subasinghe
  • Discussions and recommendations

Group Discussion on Challenges of Aquaculture and Fisheries Development

  • Grp 1: Sustainable Aquaculture: Fish breeds and genetics
  • Grp 2: Sustainable Aquaculture: Fish Health, Nutrition and feeds
  • Grp 3: Sustaining Small scale fisheries
  • Grp 4: Value Chains and Nutrition: Production systems, Post-harvest handling and nutrition

Presentation of Group Reports on Challenges

Discussion of Group Reports

Recap of Previous Day Programmes

  • Breeding Programs and Genetically Improved Fish Seed – Dr Harrison Karisa
  • Q&A
  • Fish Feed and Survival of the Aquaculture Industry in Nigeria – Dr. Rodrigue Yossa
  • Q&A

. Fish Production, Value Addition, Market Linkages – Experiences from across the world- Prof. Bernadette T. Fregene

. Discussion and Recommendation

Group Formation & Objectives: Priority research activities and Practical steps -Creating synergies with Fish CRP

Group Discussions: Priority research activities and Practical steps

  • Grp 1: Sustainable Aquaculture: Fish breeds and genetics
  • Grp 2: Sustainable Aquaculture: Fish Health, Nutrition and feeds

Group Discussions: Priority research activities and Practical steps (continued)

Grp 3: Sustaining Small scale fisheries

  • Grp 4: Value Chains and Nutrition: Production systems, Post-harvest handling and nutrition

Presentations by the Groups

  • Grp 1: Sustainable Aquaculture: Fish breeds and genetics
  • Grp 2: Sustainable Aquaculture: Fish Health, Nutrition and feeds
  • Grp 3: Sustaining Small scale fisheries
  • Grp 4: Value Chains and Nutrition: Production systems, Post-harvest handling and nutrition
  • Discussion

Next Steps – David Shearer

Closing Remarks

Training

Short course on Responsible Aquaculture Development to be held in the Netherlands

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Wageningen Centre for Development Innovation will in February-March 2018 again organise the short course ‘Responsible Aquaculture Development for Food Security and Economic Progress’. The course duration is 3 weeks and it is organised in collaboration with FAO Fisheries Department and Wageningen University and Research. At the beginning of the course the focus will be on responsible development of the sector, using the Ecosystem Approach to Aquaculture as promoted by FAO. Next we will zoom in on – what can be done at farm level to make aquaculture more responsible. Criteria for participation:

  • BSc or higher level of formal education in a subject relevant to aquaculture
  • At least 3 years working experience in aquaculture
  • Good command of English lanuage

Click for more information about the course, the criteria for applicants, application procedures, costs, etc. on

https://www.wur.nl/en/Expertise-Services/Research-Institutes/centre-for-development-innovation/short-courses/Short_courses_2018/CDIcourse_aquaculture_2018.htm

For citizens of 18 developing countries including Nigeria a limited number of fellowships will be made available by NUFFIC. To see this list of countries (called KOP country list for individual scholarships) click on

https://www.nuffic.nl/en/capacity-building/kop

Questions regarding course content & programme can be send to Peter G.M. van der Heijden peter.vanderheijden@wur.nl . Queries regarding application procedures, logistics, costs and scholarships can be addressed attraining.cdi@wur.nl

Responsible aquaculture development for food security and economic progress

On a global scale aquaculture has been growing steadily in the past decades. The global demand for aquaculture products is driven by an increasing world population, stagnant capture fisheries production and a growing awareness of the positive impact of consumption of fish and other aquatic products on human health. Fish and other seafood have become important export commodities for several developing countries. Especially in East, South and S.E. Asia aquaculture is a well-established and growing sector.

Organised by Wageningen Centre for Development Innovation
Date Mon 26 February 2018 until Fri 16 March 2018
Setup Campus WUR
Venue Hof van Wageningen
Price EUR3,900.00

Aquaculture sector governance and improvements at farm-level

But not everywhere and not always on a responsible manner.

In many other regions however aquaculture development has been slow and problematic due a lack of tradition with aquaculture; insufficient availability of inputs (feeds, fingerlings, credit); lack of trained personnel; unsuitable and unsupportive legal framework and other factors. In the countries and regions where aquaculture has developed, its growth often came with ecological and social costs. Large areas of wetlands were privatised and converted to ponds, affecting the livelihoods of local communities. Pumping of fresh or saline water affects the level and salinity of groundwater tables and the availability of good quality drinking water. Pond effluent is often discharged to the environment without any treatment. Unchecked increase of cage farms has affected water quality and contributed to fish disease problems.

Better sector governance, improvements at farm level

The formulation of policies, strategies and action plans for aquaculture development require the involvement of all stakeholders, taking the ecosystem where development is taking place (or planned) as a basis. At farm level best management practices should be applied and environmentally responsible methods and techniques can be used to reduce negative impacts and ensure the long-term sustainability.

Main objectives of the course

The course aims to

  • train policy makers, researchers, teachers, extension officers, farm managers and private sector representatives in making strategic sector management plans in line with the FAO ecosystem approach to aquaculture;
  • orient them about the possibilities and design principles of more intensive aquaculture techniques such as recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS);
  • make them familiar with better management practices and certification standards that are growing in importance on the western food market

The course will be organised in cooperation with Wageningen University and private companies.

FISON CONFERENCE 2017

FISHERIES SOCIETY OF NIGERIA (FISON) REPORT OF THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT TO THE FISON GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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FISHERIES SOCIETY OF NIGERIA (FISON) REPORT OF THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT TO THE FISON GENERAL ASSEMBLY  OCTOBER 26TH , 2017
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen you are all welcome to the 32nd National Conference of our Great Society FISON. I seize this opportunity to thank all of you for your Cooperation and your understanding. That we are able to be at this conference is a testimony to your support and commitment to FISON.
I have the honour to brief the General Assembly of the development in the review period as follows:
I. CHARTER OF FISHERIES SOCIETY NIGERIA
A. Fund Raising
As all of us are aware we needed to raise fund for documentation and other items for ease of presentation of documents to the Nation Assembly. To this effect a request for donations was made to Members of Councils of Fellows and the generality of FISON Members. The response received from many of the Distinguished Fellows is heartwarming and encouraging. The list of donors by Members of the Council of Fellows is attached as AnnexureA for ease of reference. I must also express the appreciation of the Council of Fellows and Executive Council to many members of FISON Members who Contributed Five Thousand Naira (N5, 000=) each towards the loudable project. We also note the contributions of the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology and Federal polytechnic Ado-Ekiti for their donation towards this venture.
B. FISHERIES INSTITUTE BILL
We have gone beyond the status of successful first and second readings at the floor of National Assembly. The chairman of the Charter project Professor Adebisi Balogun, Ffs will be given the floor to brief the house of the latest development on the matter.
2. HORNOR TO MEMBERS
It is note worthy that Prof. Adebisi Balogun Ffs was given awards at the Ondo State and the National body of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association on August 10th , 2017 and 16th September respectively. The later award was most Distinguished AWARD by the Association. On behalf of FISON a Good Will Message was placed in the programme of Ondo State Chapter Ceremony at which occasion he was the Guest Lecture as well. A similar Good will message is also in 2017 Conference Programme of FISON. I take this opportunity to congratulate Prof. Adebisi Balogun, Ffs on these epoch making awards and achievements. We are proud of you.
3. EMPLOYMENT
To develop FISON National Membership database, a data Capturing officer Miss. Deborah Olayinka was employed in June 2017, Consequently she  developed the
database of FISON Membership which is put at about 2650. Also she has developed the database of some of our members along their line of Specialization. Information of Members who have responded is attached as AnnexB. Member’s responses were low hence we extended deadline of submission to November 10th, 2017. We intend to publish the document as a Compendium of Fisheries and Aquaculture Consultants.
4. FISON NATIONAL PLATFORM
The FISON National Platform was created in July 2017 under the Chairmanship of Dr. O. R. Oguntade. The platform is designed for dissemination of information among FISON Members Nationally. Dr.O.R. Oguntade is doing a very good job of the exercise.
5. OBITUARY
With Heavy Heart and Glory to God we announce the passing unto Glory of our former National President Dr. Samuel Olanrewaju Talabi, Ffs who died in June 2017 and was buried on the 1st of September, 2017. We express our appreciation to the Council of Fellows Members who donated towards the support of the Family for a befitting burial. I seize this opportunity to thank all Distinguished Fellows who contributed towards the support of the Talabi Family through Dr. G.R. Akande’s bank Account. A total sum of Two Hundred and Seventy Six Thousand (N276, 000) was paid into FISON Account by Dr. G.R. Akande, Ffs. Consequently a gift in cheque of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N250, 000) was presented to Mrs. Foluke Talabi while we spent Twenty Eight Thousand Five Hundred Naira Only (N28,500) for flexi banner postals. By implication a total sum of Two Hundred and Seventy Eight Thousand and Five Hundred Naira Only (N278, 500) was committed on the burial support to the family.
6. FISHERIES STUDENTS INDUCTION FOR 2017
Although we are aware that the process will be modified as soon as the Society gets its charter status, it is important to put on record our efforts along this line before the Charter of the Society. Following are the Induction exercises carried out in the review period:
I. University of Lagos(Unilag ),Lagos state – 22
II. Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta(FUNAAB)  Ogun State – 72
III. Ebonyi State University, Ebonyi State  – 26
IV. Federal Polytechic Nekede, Imo State – 52
V. Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State – 23
VI. University of Maiduguri, Bornu State – 12
VII. Federal University of Technology (FUTA)Akure (yet to take place) – 26
7. CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN AQUACULTURE INDUSTRY
In view of the reported Aquaculture product price crisis we are planning a stakeholders forum for conflict resolution to address the issue. We have identified some stakeholders and currently working out the funding of the Stakeholders meeting. The Stakeholders identified so far include CAFFAN, LASCAFAN, DURANTE, TADAN(Tilapia Aquaculture Developers Association )FISON and others.
8. FISON REPRESENTATION AT THE SUMMIT NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS GROUP (NABG) IN ABUJA (2017).
FISON presented a position paper on Aquaculture Industry in Nigeria at the summit Organized by National Agricultural Business Group NABG. FISON was recognized as the focal association for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development in Nigeria. It was a very great outing for FISON. The paper presented is “Harnessing the Aquaculture Value Chain for Economic Transformation of Nigeria.
9. COLLABORATION WITH THE STANDARD ORGANIZATION OF NIGERIA (SON)
Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) Invited FISON inputs for its review of standards in Commodities including Fish and Fisheries products. FISON submitted its input Prepared by some of our specialists in the relevant subject matter.
10. JOURNAL OF FISHERIES
The new Editorial Board has earnestly commenced its work. It  will be officially inaugurated during this Conference. Dr. (Mrs.) E.J Ansa completed the production of 2016 edition of Journal of Fisheries and it is currently on sale. The effort of Dr. E.J. Ansa to this effect is appreciated.
11. INAUGURAL LECTURES
We take this time to congratulate some of our distinguished scholars and professors who delivered their Inaugural Lectures in the review period. They include:
– Prof. A.O. Ogwumba,Ffs – Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta
– Prof. Paul Bolorunduro, Ffs- Ahmadu Bello University Zaria
– Prof. (Mrs.) O.k Adeyemo  – Niger Delta University
– Prof. Ibukunoluwa Ayodele – University of Ibadan
12. AWARD OF “FISON AMBASSADORS”
Category of Membership age breakdown is as follows:
7o Years and Above : 67
60-69 years : 303
Below 60years : 2280
Our last resolution was to give “FISON AMBASSADOR” award to 60years and above. In view of 370 Members will be too large for award hence we should come with selection criteria for deserving numbers hence 60years of age should be one of the eligible criteria. The Executive Council may be mandated to work out the acceptable criteria for selection.
Thank You
Olajide Ayinla, Ffs
National President
FISON CONFERENCE 2017

PROSPECT OF TILAPIA CULTURE IN NIGERIA.

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                             PROSPECT OF TILAPIA CULTURE IN NIGERIA.

Being the text of the lecture delivered by Mr Remi Ahmed The National President of Tilapia Aquaculture Developers Association Nigeria at the farmers forum of the Fisheries Society of Nigeria 32nd annual conference held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University,Akwa, Anambra State Nigeria between 23rd to 28th October 2017

INTRODUCTION: Tilapia is a native species of Africa, which is widely accepted by African population from decades, robust fish to culture, growing to market desired size in 6 months period. Take low protein diet and give high protein white meat with low fat and less odour. Tilapia is the fish that would solve all the protein problems of developing countries and the increasing demand for fish in the developed world.

CULTURABLE STRAIN:Majorly culture species belong to the genus Orechromis . The number one commercially cultured is Orechromis niloticus. Popularly refer to as Nile Tilapia. Two major improved breeds of Nile Tilapia that grow up to 28-30 per cent faster are great asset to farmers in West Africa and Egypt. These developments are the results of breeding programs in Ghana and Egypt by worldfish and partners to improve two strains of Nile Tilapia. (Orechromis niloticus). Through selective breeding program in Egypt carried out for over ten years, Abbassa strain of Nile tilapia that grows 28 per cent than the most commonly used commercial strain in Egypt.

In partnership with world fish, Water Research Institute (WRI) in Ghana, Akosombo strain was developed. This confers 30 % growth advantage over unimproved Nile Tilapia in Ghana. Nigeria research institute should wake up, to develop Nigerian strain. Abassa strain is not very popular in Nigeria but the time we started applying for Akosombo strain from Ghana, it has lost its vigor. Right now most of our stock came from Asia, particularly from Thailand.

The same worldfish played a major Genetic breed to evolve what is popularly refer to as GIFT Tilapia. This is what we are currently importing from Asia.

TILAPIA HATCHERY: Most of the hatchery in Nigeria today is earthen pond base.  The pond bears different type of hapa depends on the usage. The first set BREEDING hapa. This is where broodstock are stocked at the ratio of 3 females to 1male. The mating takes place here. The fry and eggs are recovered from here to sex reversal hapa and automatic incubator respectively.  To hasten the growth, all male fry are taken to Fingerling hapa where they grow to the size that can go to grow- out or supply to interested farmers as fingerlings.

GROWOUT:   Earthen pond, There are three type rearing systems for Tilapia. Only two of them were adopted in Nigeria. The first preference is pond. Countries like Nigeria where temperature is good, land is in abundant and very cheap, environmental regulations not so strict, abundance water sources. Pond culture is the best. The stocking density should not be higher 2-3fish/cubic meter. To get up to 800gm after 6 -8months, proper fertilization may be necessary.

Second preference is Cages. Temperature is good. There is abundance of water bodies, with high level of Oxygen in most cases. No pollution, No predators.  Most of the lakes, dams, reservoirs and embankments are either government owned or very few belong to private individuals. Most of the Federal Government lakes have been constructed and abandoned for a very long time ago. Best usage been got for many of them now. In the cages, cost of production will be 25 to 40% higher than in pond. We are very comfortable with as much as 75fish per cubic meter. So, the yield of about 37.5kg is possible per cubic meter.

Third and the last preference is Water recirculatory system. It is not advisable to embrace this system in a country where there is no electricity like Nigeria. Cost of production is always higher with as much as 120%.

From different type of systems system adopted all over the world production continue unabatedly. Indonesia in particular report a large increase in production. China held relatively steady. With recent production figures reported by various sources, the global production estimate for 2015 is 5,576,800mt. China continues its position as a single largest producer with over 1,800,000 MT in 2015. Indonesia moved up to the second position with over 1,100,000MT to beat Egypt to third position with over 800,000MT.

 

 

 

 

The fish need of Nigeria as a nation to compare with countries in sub region of West Africa.

Countries                                                Per capita fish consumption (Kg/yr)

Sierra Leone                                           34.2

Ghana                                                     27.2

Gambia                                                   26.6

Senegal                                                  23.5

Nigeria                                                   17.1

It is still very doubtful if per capita fish consumption of Nigeria is up to 17.1 kg per year.  Even with the catfish, which we are mainly producing, is only for the rich. The imported frozen food is even more expensive. The solution lies in TILAPIA.  If Tilapia is embraced and even when fed primarily with vegetable feed, it will still delivers first class fish protein. Then a cheaper and avoidable protein will be on our table. With cheaper feed, we should be able to return Tilapia to “common mans’ food as it is been done in Ghana. Some farmers are already feeding with plants in Nigeria.

Other reasons why we must produce Tilapia includes:

  • Great business opportunities. USA bill on Tilapia exceeded USD 1billion annually. Per capita consumption of Tilapia in USA increased from 0.5kg in 2009 to 0.65kg in 2010. What then stop us from Exporting our Tilapia to US?.
  • Consumption of Tilapia is not restricted by religious observances as it is Togo and the Hindus which forbid the eating of Catfish and other scale-less fish.
  • Production constraints being reduced and production cost reducing. Sex reversal to convert all fry to male fish will make the Tilapia grows bigger and faster.
  • Markets are still expanding. Latest reports from the FAO(Globefish) released early this month indicate that International Tilapia trade has grown due to demand from the United states and many non-traditional emerging markets. The government of Uganda has started advising his farmers to take advantage of surging global demand and ramp up production. The same government is all over Europe looking for market for his farmer’s Tilapia.
  • Low cost of feed inputs. Tilapia can grow to a market-able size of 250-450gm within eight months, even when fed primarily with vegetable feed.
  • Nigeria has a solid marketing opportunity for Tilapia- Producers, processors and traders. A lot of new jobs are been created with Tilapia culture. Diver, net maker, paddler, Tilapia hawker, Smoked Tilapia plant, Barbecue Sport etc.

Ladies and gentlemen, Tilapia is the fish that will take us to paradise of fish protein and get the country name registered in the export market of fish internationally.

Thank you.

Remi Ahmed.

 

 

 

Tilapia Barbecue

Smoked Tilapia.