FG set to regulate fish farming

The Federal Government has concluded plans to start regulating the activities of fish farmers and traders in the country, the federal director of fisheries Akinsola Amire has said.

Mr. Amire who stated this on Wednesday at a two-day stakeholder's workshop jointly organised by the Federal Department of Fisheries (FDF) and the Freshwater Fisheries Research Institute of Nigeria (FFRIN) that the fast growth of the aquaculture industry in the country has made it necessary for an introduction of regulatory policies and the adoption of a global minimum standard which is associated with the sector.

"There is a growing concern about food safety, environmental and social sustainability of agriculture production that has necessitated safety standards and stiff international trade regulations".

"These have created a need to respond to the environmental and consumer concerns on aquaculture production in order to secure better market access and increase the need for certification of aquaculture production systems, practices, processes and products," he said.

Mr. Amire said "Markets around the world have recognised that aquaculture certification is a way of assuring buyers, retailers and consumers that the fishery products are safe and originate from farms with responsible management practices."

The criteria for certification of the fish farm and aquaculture products were outlined by Julius Olokor an official of the research institute.

Mr. Olokor said the minimum requirements for certification covered table fish production, hatchery/fingerling production, water re-circulatory systems and farm personnel.

The Executive Secretary of Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON), Charity Oche, told NEXT that aquaculture farmers in Nigeria are facing many challenges.

"There has been a growth in the industry because many people are now entering into the business of rearing fish but the market forces are not encouraging.

Most fish farmers are always at the mercy of the traders who dictate how much they are going to pay for the goods and which is quite detrimental for the farmers".

"If the government can come up with a regulatory standard to governor the trading of fishes that would conform to international standard by selling of fish and aquaculture product by weighing meters, more people will be encouraged to invest in the business and this will provide employment and self sufficiency of the product for the country's consumption," she said.