Diversification of farmed fish species: A means to increase aquaculture production in Nigeria

Abstract

Aquaculture produces about half the fish consumed globally and is the fastestgrowing food sector. In Africa, fish is one of the major sources of animal protein, and although the need for increased production of farmed fish to make up for the decline in capture fisheries is acknowledged, efforts put into aquaculture in the continent have not yielded commensurate results. The success recorded in aquaculture in Nigeria is based on the production of the African catfish. However, a high level of production and resilience within the aquaculture sector has been shown to be positively correlated with the culture of several species or species items. Thus, enhanced diversification of species and farming systems may boost aquaculture in Nigeria, as diversification of farming systems would allow optimum utilization of the abundant natural resources in the country. Many indigenous fish species that can be domesticated for culture have been identified. A great deal of scientific research and collaboration between major stakeholders, including the government, private industries, research institutions, and researchers, is required, so the production of these species can thrive like the already farmed catfish in Nigeria. As the successful domestication of any fish species takes a lot of time, effort, and resources, the species that have already proven to some extent to thrive in Nigeria, should be explored first. It is recommended that the best strategy for diversification of aquaculture for Nigeria is to increase the use of some already farmed species and the employment of a variety of production systems.