Sustainable management of floodplain fisheries through aquaculture in Nigeria

Abstract

Fish and fish products are important sources of valuable protein and also provide essential nutrients for balanced human diets. The production of animal protein is insufficient to meet demand in many developing countries of the world. The extent to which Nigeria, a developing country faces protein shortage is alarming. This situation underscores the need to exploit all avenues of protein supply including aquaculture, in the floodplains which has been estimated to cover about 21,300km2. Fish production in the floodplains has been an integral part of domestic fish supply in Nigeria over the years. However, the integrated fish farming during the dry season in floodplains and wetlands “fadama” is gaining more popularity among the local fishing communities. This is not only boosting fish production, but also contributes to sustainability of floodplain fisheries resources. This paper therefore, reviews fisheries resources and various forms of aquaculture in the floodplains. The strategies to improve and sustain the fish production are also provided.

Key words: Floodplain, fish production, sustainable management, Nigeria