By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe
The Imo State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Honourable Tony Mgbeahuruike, has advocated for more investment into fish production, saying the importance of the sector to human nutritional needs as well as it potentials in advancing economic development makes it imperative for the stakeholders to collaborate efforts in strengthening activities in the area.
The Commissioner was speaking as the Special Guest at the 2023 World Fisheries Day organized by the Imo State Chapter of the Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON) in collaboration with the Ministry of Livestock Development at the Imo International Exhibition Centre, Owerri on Thursday.
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According to him, the need to galvanize synergy towards ensuring massive fish production can never be overemphasized as the nation struggles to meet its food security objectives.
"Fishery is a very important aspect of livestock. As a ministry, we are happy to be part of the planning of this event. This special occasion will help us to address some of the challenges facing the industry and the association in Imo State.
"We must note the important roles we have to play in ensuring food security in the country. Fish is a very important source of protein to human, hence its production should be accorded priority."
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"It our duties as experts to ensure massive production of fish in order to meet the demand of the teeming populace. We have to fill the gaps in the quest for food security and revenue generation. Many countries, including Norway have fish production as their main source of revenue.
"Unfortunately, our country is yet to harness the potentials in fisheries. As an association, you have an important role to play. I urge you to galvanize and encourage all those in this industry from production, marketing and to those in extension services to work towards reviving this important aspect of livestock production.
"This conference offers us the opportunity to reach out to all involved to highlight the importance of fisheries and fish production to our society.
Always count on us as a ministry to provide all the necessary support you need because this government is committed to seeing that this important aspect of livestock operates optimally for the benefits of our health and economy, Honourable Mgbeahuruike, said, while commending members of FISON for their efforts.
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In his address, Rev Dr. Godwin Adaka, the Imo State Chairman of FISON and Head of Department, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, said that the annual event which takes place on November 21st, brings to awareness, as well as celebrates the importance of fish as the best and cheapest animal protein in meals, and the need for people to go into fish farming towards sustaining fisheries as natural resources.
He used the opportunity and solicited for more government support towards the activities of the their Association.
Professor Afamdi Anene, of the Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, Abia State University, while presenting the event's lecture titled: "Climate Change and Blue Economy" disclosed that climate change had become a topical global issue with respect to environmental sustainability.
He noted that the lecture was necessary to highlight the critical importance of healthy aquatic ecosystems to ensure sustainable stocks of fisheries, adding that fish farmers need to adopt good measures to minimize the adverse effects of climate change.
He decried some practices which contribute to global warming with its attendant change in the climate conditions to include: carbon emissions, deforestation and improper wastes disposal.
He urged the participants to always demonstrate environmental stewardship as well as to apply discretion in managing thier fisheries.
"Aquaculture resources are threatened by changes in physio-chemical properties of water (temperatures, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, nutrients inputs, sea level and evaporation in the face of declining rainfall) with all these factors affecting relative abundance and size at maturity of fish," he said.
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Professor Anene, also informed his audience that blue economy as a concept, encourages better management of sea resources, aquatic ecosystems and related activities.
He explained that this which entails having effective policies in place, aimed at improving economic growth and healthy aquatic ecosystems.
Describing blue economy as one of the country's anchor sub-sectors because of its contributions to the economy, the lecturer posited that rivers, ponds and lakes form part of the blue economy, as he urged stakeholders in the sector to leverage the opportunities provided by it.
He called on government to implement policies that would ensure infrastructural development, improved maritime security, investment in tourism and environmentally friendly fishing technologies in order to support fish value chain.
He added: " Fisheries and aquaculture are intrinsically linked to environmental quality. They derive their inputs from the environment and their outputs are also domiciled in the environment.
"The impact of climate change can be minimal if practitioners show high level of environmental stewardship. Also, the idea of blue economy can only be maximally utilized if we fundamentally incline to such technologies," Professor Anene said.
Meanwhile, stakeholders at the event called on government to ensure the restocking of water bodies in the state towards ensuring the sustenance of fisheries.
Others in attendance included: Mr. Nwike Obi Emanuel of Fisheries Department, Imo Livestock Ministry; Dr. Chukwuma Ogueri of FUTO and Mrs. Iwuji Ngozi, Fisheries Officer, Ehime Mbano LGA among others.
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