Innovation in utilization of fish tanks for fish culture among fish farmers in Obio/Akpor Local Government, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated innovation in utilization of fish tanks for fish culture among fish farmers in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Data for this study was obtained through the administration of questionnaire and scheduled interview to 120 sampled fish farmers randomly selected from the study area. Analysis of the data was done using descriptive statistics; frequencies, percentages and means. The results showed that fish farmers in the study area utilized innovation on fish tank; raise of platform to keep the tank (77.5%), construction of water inlet and outlet on tank (74.2%) and use of tank for incubation and hatching (64.2%). Fish farmers’ perception of the benefits on innovation utilization of fish tank include mobile and its position can be changed (80.0%), allows a quick view at the base (65.8%), easy to maintain (61.7%), cheap and economical (54.2%). Major constraint to innovation utilization on fish tanks is low stocking density (71.7%). It is recommended that fish farmers should explore all available sources of information on various innovations on fish tank for fish culture. Also, manufacturers of fish tanks should take into consideration various sizes that would accommodate high stocking density.

Keyword: fish culture, fish farmer, fish tank, innovation, utilization