ISSN 2756-388X
International Journal of Plant and Animal Sciences Vol. 1 (1), pp. 001-004, March, 2013. © International Scholars Journals
Review
Effective fish health management strategy in Nigeria: A review
Adeyemo, A.O
Department of Fisheries Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, P.M.B.071, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Email: [email protected].
Accepted 31 January, 2013
Abstract
The paper reviewed issues of increased aquaculture production in the country and the need to address the health of fish for consumer’s safety. Nigeria has moved rapidly from aquaculture production level of 25,720 metric tonnes in 2000 to 85,087 metric tonnes in 2007 as reported by the federal Department of Fisheries while the estimated aquaculture potential is actually 2.5 million metric tonnes. The aquaculture sector has recently been characterised by high capital investment, intense material and labour inputs, more over one of the policy objectives of the national aquaculture strategy is to achieve an effective National safety and quality assurance system that can protect consumer’s health. The consumer can only be protected through production of healthy fish. Fish health care is an aspect of aquaculture design and management; hence the need to put in place all points of hazard critical control programme that will meet the required international standards at the farm level. Meanwhile, the Fish Disease unit at the Federal level should mandate all departments of Fisheries at the State level to set up Fish Disease unit and appoint focal officers for fish health management. Training institutions must endeavour to review their curriculum on fish diseases in the various aquaculture programmes to pay adequate attention to emerging fish health issues.
Key words: Fish health, policy, public health, aquaculture.