STATUS OF FISH FARMING PRACTICES: A CASE STUDY OF SELECTED FISH FARMS IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Fish is essential in human diet, providing the necessary protein components. In aquaculture, fish are produced
under controlled environment to support food security. This study assessed the current status of fish farming
practices and identified the available resources and culture management practices deployed for fish production
in the aquaculture industry in Lagos State. One hundred fish farms were randomly selected from 3 agricultural
zones in Lagos, Nigeria; East, West and Far-East. Structured questionnaires were used for data collection, which
were analysed using MS Excel tool and descriptive statistics. Men below 50 years of age constitute 53.08% of
overall respondents. Use of boreholes as water source was predominant in the East (92.59%) and West (76.67%),
while stream/spring was more in the Far-East (75%). Majority of the fish farms operates small-scale; monoculture
of clariid catfish is predominant. The stocking densities of ≤ 100/m3 (fingerlings), ≤ 50/m3 (juveniles and adults)
and 2,000/m3 (fry) were estimated in grow-out and hatcheries accordingly. Annual average production of fish
seeds were ≤ 100,000 while table sized fish (500 – 999g) was prominent per cycle. Mortality was caused in order
of importance: water pollution, infections and feed contamination. Therefore, good aquaculture management
practices should be adopted to improve production.