Bayelsa FISON has a new Exco

The Bayelsa State Chapter of the Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON) has a new Executive. Members of the the Executive include:

Prof. Abiodun O. Adeyemo                           Chairperson
Mr. Dorrick Oginike                                      Vice Chairperson
Mr. Duke Eduke                                             Secretary
Mr. Woyinpreye Mebine                                Assistant Secretary
Mr. Phillip Inegite                                          Treasurer
Dr. Tonbara' Kingdom                                    Editor

Wishing them goodluck in their various assignments

USAID/MARKETS II Pre/In-Season ToT Aquaculture Training in Ekpan, Ughelli, Kwale and Benin

Memories of the 30th annual conference of the Fisheries Society of Nigeria ( FISON ) held in Asaba, Delta State

COMMUNIQUE OF THE 30TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE FISHERIES SOCIETY OF NIGERIA (FISON)

The Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON) held her 30^th Annual Conference at the ETF Hall, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Asaba from 23^rd to 27^th November 2015 with the theme: “The Fisheries Sub-sector in a Declining Oil-based Economy: Paradigm Shift for Economic Diversification and Employment Generation”.

Participants were drawn from the Academia, Fish Farmers, Feed Producers, Fish Processors, Civil Servants, Non-Governmental Organizations, International Community, Fish Marketers and Students.

The Conference was declared opened by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, who was ably represented by the Secretary to the Delta State Government, Hon. Ovie Agas.

The Keynote address entitled “The Fisheries Sub-sector in a Declining Oil-based Economy: Paradigm Shift for Economic Diversification and Employment Generation” was delivered by the former Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology (FUTA), Akure, Ondo State, Prof. Adebisi M, Balogun, ffs. In addition, Dr. (Mrs) Achor, who represented the Executive Secretary of the National University Commission (NUC) gave a goodwill message.

An award/Dinner night was held on the 25^th of November 2015, where ambassadorial and merit awards were given to two State Governors and others. These are:

·        His Excellency, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa – Governor, Delta State

·        His Excellency, Chief (DR.) Willie O. Obiano – Governor, Anambra State

·     Hon. Afam C. Mbanefo -        Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of    Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development

·  Hon. Emeka M. Iloghalu – Special Adviser to Anambra State Governor on Fisheries

Scientific papers on different sub-themes of the Conference were presented at the Technical Sessions. Also, in the Farmer’s Forum, Dr. G.A. Akande, ffs, the Executive Director of Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), presented an invited paper titled “Encouraging value addition through Value Chain approaches in Fisheries and Aquaculture Businesses”. Mr. Misan Edema, the Market Development Officer, Aquaculture Value Chain, PIND Foundation, also delivered an invited paper titled “Growing the Aquaculture Sector using Market Development Approach”, while Hon. Afam C. Mabanefo presented a paper titled “Revolution in Aquaculture: Anambra State Experience”.

At the end of the Conference, the participants agreed to henceforth emphasize a business approach to all Fisheries and Aquaculture production. To achieve this, participants concluded that there must be value addition to the Fisheries Value Chains of supply and the willingness of Government at various levels of Federal, State and Local to focus on investing in the Fisheries Sub-sector of the economy.

Participants also reaffirmed the importance of Fisheries and Aquaculture as integral part of agriculture, which has the capacity to increase the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and can solve the unemployment problem of our teeming youths, if adequately managed.

Conferees expressed concern over:

       I.            The challenges experienced in meeting the large deficit in the fish supply/demand and over-independence on fish importation

    II.            The obsolete laws and inconsistency in fisheries policies

 III.            The inadequate input support for fish feed and seed for aquaculture and the near collapse of infrastructural and technical support for industrial and artisanal fisheries

IV.            Poor budgetary allocation and funding to the fisheries sub-sector.

Participants, therefore, call on Government to improve budget allocation to fisheries sub-sector in line with the Maputo agreement on agriculture budgetary allocation. In light of the dwindling revenues, as a result of the fall in price of crude oil in the international market, participants emphasized the need for Government to provide stimulus to galvanize the Fisheries Sub-sector by giving a zero import duty on all Fisheries and Aquaculture inputs, while interest rate on aquacultural and fisheries allied investments should be pegged between 1 and 2.5 percent.

CONCLUSION                                                                                                  Participants resolved that 2016 Conference be held in Kastina State, while Lagos State should host the 2017 edition of the FISON National Conference. Participants expressed satisfaction with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for a successful Conference and appreciates the various sponsors and the good people and Government of Delta State for their hospitality.

Communique Drafting Committee                                                                           Prof. Samuel Zelibe                                                                                                   Prof. Clarkson Edema (JP)                                                                                         Prof. Hakeem Fashina-Bombatta                                                                                  Dr. Jerry K. Ekelemu                                                                                                    Dr. Tonbara’ Kingdom

COMMUNIQUE OF THE INNOVATION PLATFORM MEETING OF FISON

The Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON) held the Innovation Platform meeting at the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, Victoria Island, Lagos between Monday 9th and Tuesday 10th November 2015 with the aim of repositioning the fisheries sub-sector for our National fish sufficiency and food fish sovereignty.
Stakeholders were drawn from the Academia, Fish Farmers, Feed Producers, Fish Processors, Civil Servants, Fish Marketers and Non-Governmental Organizations.

The meetings were co-chaired by the National President of Catfish Farmers Association of Nigeria (CAFAN), Chief Tayo Akingbolagun and the Chairman of Council of Fellows (COF), Prof. E. O. Faturoti, Ffs. Goodwill messages were given by representatives of NITOA, CAFAN, TADAN, FDF, Nigerian Navy and the Advocacy for Fisheries group, among others.

Stakeholders were broken into three main Innovation Platforms and deliberated on the following issues:
• Certification processes in Fisheries and Aquaculture
• Marketing strategy for local and export markets
• Networking among stakeholders including governance issue
• Value chain mapping
• Development of demand driven research
• Extension technology issues
• Fish health management
• Guideline of the charter issue of FISON
After two days of deliberation, stakeholders were able to develop guidelines for the operations of fisheries and aquaculture in Nigeria. These guidelines include the visions for the various platforms, procedures for certification and standardization of fish products and charter of fisheries professionals. Also included in the guidelines were strategies for enrolling relevant fisheries professionals and proper monitoring and surveillance of our industrial and artisanal fisheries.
Stakeholders also agreed that fisheries is a business and therefore re-emphasize their earlier call that there should be a stimulus to galvanize the fisheries sub-sector, such as:
• Zero import duty on all fisheries and aquacultural inputs be implemented
• That a regime of 1 and 2.5 percent interest rate for aquacultural and fisheries allied enterprises be implemented to enable local fisheries enterprises to stand with foreign investors who come into the country with cheap funds.
CONCLUSION
Stakeholders summarily agreed that FISON (as a lobby group) in collaboration with FDF, NIOMR, NIFFR, NAFDAC, NEPC, SON, FAO, UNDP, JICA, Worldfish, SMOA’s, MSADP’s, e.t.c should manage the certification, endorsements and accreditation needs of the fisheries sub-sector activities, especially under its charter registration outlook.

FISON CELEBRATES WORLD FISHERIES DAY

FISHERIES SOCIETY OF NIGERIA (FISON)

Old College, Bar Beach Bus Stop, Wilmot Point Road, Off Ahmadu Bello Way,

Victoria Island, P.O. Box 2607, Apapa, Lagos. fison2011@yahoo.com,www.fison.org.ng, fison1976@gmail.com, 08033201198, 08023325185, 08185477818

FISON CELEBRATES WORLD FISHERIES DAY

The Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON) celebrates World Fisheries Day with the pledge to make Fisheries and Aquaculture production sustainable. To celebrate the World Fisheries Day, FISON had a press release at the National Headquarters of the Society today in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.

“Ours is a life time commitment” says Dr. Olajide  Ayinla, the National President of the FISON. The commitment by FISON and her entire membership is to ensure that Nigeria embraces Agriculture especially the fisheries subsector as a major road map to boosting her revenue generating base in a declining oil-based economy. FISON has developed radical steps for Nigeria to shift from the mono- approach economic development to multi – approach. This we know is achievable if we look backwards and develop the fisheries sub sector that has potentials to contribute significantly to the National GDP rather than relying on declining oil- based economy.

As the Apex Professional Body responsible for Fisheries development we are delighted that the carefully planned 30^th Annual Conference is scheduled to take place in Asaba, Delta State between the 23^rd – 27^th of November, 2015 with the theme “The Fisheries Subsector in a Declining Oil Based Economy: A paradigm Shift for Economic Diversification and Employment Generation. This is happening a few days after the World Fisheries Day which we consider another tremendous opportunity to tell the World about the importance of sustainable fish production especially in Nigeria. We know that Nigerians will pledge their support for Fisheries by attending the Annual conference which is opened to Farmers, Researchers, Academics, Students, Government Agencies, International Donors, the public and friends of Fisheries.

The current leadership of FISON has shown exemplary qualities (in the mould of its founding fathers) by organizing the various stakeholders for the innovation platform to decide the way forward for fisheries development in Nigeria. “We have been overwhelmed by the tremendous support for our mission to become a Sustainable Fish Country by our Distinguished Stakeholders and that is why we congratulate you all as we celebrate the “World Fisheries Day” says the National President.

FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE GOVERNANCE

FISHERIES SOCIETY OF NIGERIA (FISON)

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF A THREE – WEEK COURSE  “ TRAIN THE TRAINERS” ON FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE GOVERNANCE  ORGANISED BY FISHERIES SOCIETY OF NIGERIA (FISON) IN COLLABORATION WITH WAGENINGEN UR (CENTRE FOR DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION ) THE NETHERLANDS ; HELD AT TAUBA HOTEL LIMITED OFF SHEHU MUSA YAR”ADUA WAY UTAKO DISTRICT, FCT ABUJA, NIGERIA - 4^TH – 22^ND  MAY , 2015.

A three-week intensive training on Fisheries and Aquaculture Governance was held at TAUBA Hotel Abuja from Monday, 4^th through Friday, 22^nd May, 2015. The course was organized by Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON) in collaboration with (CDI) Wageningen UR, the Netherlands. The broad objective of the workshop is to introduce a result based approach to Fisheries and Aquaculture Governance in Nigeria (FAGN) and provide a framework within which the Key Performance Indicators of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Governance will be effectively monitored in a consistent and professional manner.

A total of 20 participants attended the workshop drawn from the Federal and State Departments of Fisheries, Academic and Research Institutes, Nigerian Trawlers’ Owners Association and the Private sector. 

2. During the Opening address, the National President of Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON), Dr. Olajide Ayinla Ffs informed the participants that the purpose of bringing this workshop to Nigeria was to:

(i) Ensure that participants have full benefits of participation, concentration and attention;

(ii) Have a clear understanding of the principles behind FAGN since the  incoming President of Nigeria is expected  to measure the performance of the Fisheries sub sector (FDF) in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development through a clear and measurable targets or yardstick and

(iii) Know that this is a “Training the Trainers’ workshop” where participants are expected to train other Professional stakeholders across the six geo-political zones in Nigeria particularly Staff of  Government and Private institutions saddled with the responsibilities of Fisheries and Aquaculture Governance; and it should be noted that this is the first time Aquaculture governance was brought to Africa. He encouraged participants to get the best out of the Resource persons (Mr. Peter van der Heidjen and Mrs. Ingrid Gevers ) from CDI  and wish them memorable stay in Nigeria.

3. Arising from the knowledge gained and lessons learnt from global best practices, the following are the highlights of observations and recommendations reached:

a)      Participants adjudged the training successful and recommended that it should be replicated to update knowledge of management staff and teach all senior cadre - officers at the Federal and State Ministries (especially FDF and SDF); other stakeholders including private sectors interested and / or affected in order to bring about the achievement of the Results and Targets set by the Ministry

b)      The drafted Fisheries Act 2014 is to be reviewed to accommodate policies in the field of Aquaculture especially in the areas of certification and endorsement while fines and penalties on defaulters in the industry should be included.

c)      The participants recommended that the Federal Government should establish Fisheries Commission. However, Aquaculture Development Project is to be introduced at local government levels by States especially in the coastal areas of Nigeria.

d)     Participants suggested that inter and intra Departmental synergy especially between FISON, FDF, Ministries of Environment and Water Resources respectively should be strengthened and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) visits should be timely with clearly defined objectives.

e)      Participants observed a gap in the working relationship between the Desk Officers of FMARD, ADP (Extension) and Research institutes currently. It was suggested that there is need for periodic meetings between the Desk Officers in the ministry (Federal or State), Researchers and Farmers (Farmers’ Forum) to enhance proper working relationships and reporting.

f)       It was agreed by stakeholders that the Syllabi used by Nigerian Universities, Polytechnics, Monotechnics in Fisheries and Aquaculture should be urgently reviewed to accommodate core areas demanded by employers of labour and curtail the current practice of our Graduates being retrained at neighbouring countries .

g)      Participants resolved that Subsidies on inputs for Fisheries and Aquaculture by the government should be at end of production.

h)      The budget allocation for Fisheries sub sector should be improved to allow for synergy with relevant stakeholders for effective governance, data collection, monitoring and evaluation.

i)        Participants noted the importance of certification of Fisheries products and consumer protection; hence, stakeholders in Fisheries sub-sector are advised to adopt principles of Responsible Fisheries and Aquaculture based on global best practices in order to exploit international market.

j)        It was also agreed that State governors should be visited as soon as possible to sensitize them on the need to create Ministries of Fisheries as it is able to reduce unemployment among the youths and women.

4.         The outcomes of the workshop was achieved as participants attested at the closing of the study/workshop to have learned how to develop a Result-Based Monitoring and Evaluation System and its application to the various priority Commodity Value Chain programmes of the Fisheries Industry

5.         The participants wish to use this opportunity to acknowledge and thank the Government of the Netherlands especially CDI who funded the training, Resource persons and Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON) for facilitating this very important programme, being the first in Africa.

LIST OF MEMBERS OF COMMINIQUE COMMITTEE                                           

1. MR. SHEHU IBRAHIM MUSAWA (Chairman)

2. PROF. OGBE FRIDAY

3. MR RILIWANU UMAR

4. MR. OBINNA ANOZIE

5. MRS. AGNES OLADIPO

6. MR IBRAHIM ABUBAKAR

7. AGBABIAKA, L. ADEGOKE (PhD), Mfs. (Secretary)

WAR AGAINST ILLEGAL, UNREPORTED AND UNREGULATED FISHING

A new report on Chinese companies’ illegal fishing practices in West African waters was recently released by the environmental watchdog, Greenpeace. The report showed irresponsible Chinese Distant Water Fishing (DWF) companies, including China’s largest DWF company - China National Fisheries Corporation (CNFC) undermining the long-term sustainability of West Africa’s fisheries through persistent Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing practices, including systematic fishing vessel tonnage fraud and the exportation of a destructive fisheries model. It observed that West African fisheries resources are increasingly being overfished and that, while these Chinese DWF companies’ activities contribute little to China's overall overseas investments, they undermine the mutually-beneficial partnership which the Chinese government is seeking with African countries. The report further went on to call on the Chinese government to urgently reform its DWF regulatory framework and management system to close the loopholes that have allowed Chinese companies to overfish and flout rules with quasi impunity for decades. It also called on West African governments to urgently strengthen governance and adopt and implement policies to ensure that the exploitation of their marine resources is environmentally sustainable and socially equitable. The report ended with a plea that all States concerned should also adopt and implement effective national and regional plans of action to combat and deter IUU fishing in the region.

I add my voice to the call of Greenpeace, that while West African governments wake up to their responsibilities, sub-regional governments like Bayelsa State should put in measures to combat IUU within the state by enacting into law the Fisheries Bill that has been packaged and submitted to the State’ Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources by the Bayelsa State Chapter of Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON). It should also establish an effective, well equipped and funded Monitoring, Control and Surveillance unit (MCS) in the State Department of fisheries to ensure sustainability of fisheries resources.

Inception meeting for 2015 Cropping Season in Lagos organised by USAID-funded MARKETS II

Reception for Prof. Abiodun Adeyemo and Prof. Reginald Keremah and induction of graduating students of Niger Delta University into Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON)

30th Annual Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON) Conference Delta 2015

PRESS RELEASE

                 

FISHERIES SOCIETY OF NIGERIA (FISON)

Old College, Bar Beach Bus Stop, Wilmot Point Road, Off Ahmadu Bello Way,

Victoria Island, P.O. Box 2607, Apapa, Lagos. fison2011@yahoo.com,www.fison.org.ng,fison1976@gmail.com

08023261588, 08023325185, 08023545803

23^rd February, 2015

PRESS RELEASE

SEVEN DAYS EVICTION NOTICE BY THE NIGERIAN PORTS AUTHORITY (NPA) TO FISH TRAWLING COMPANIES IN KIRIKIRI LIGHTER TERMINAL 1 AND 2

The Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON) is an organization established for the purpose of enhancing the development of the Nigerian fisheries Industry and the attendant protection of its members. The Nigerian Fisheries Forum (NFF) and the Nigerian Trawler Owners Association (NITOA) are affiliate member associations of FISON.

Our attention has been drawn to the seven (7) days eviction notice by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to fish trawling companies to quit their present location, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal 2 (KTT2)  as NPA intends to allocate the said property to the Maritime Operators of Containers.

It is important to note from the records available that the Supreme Military Council (SMC) the highest policy making body in Nigeria during General Obasanjo’s regime in the 1970s approved the concession of KLT 1 and 2 to the Federal Department of Fisheries (FDF) for the development as a dedicated CENTRALIZED FISHING TERMINAL, Harbour complex particularly for Tuna Fishing vessels and other categories of fishing vessels on behalf of all the entire fishing companies in Nigeria. The allocation of the said property was duly publicized in a gazette.

In view of the fact that the collective concession was done in the interest of the overall public, NPA has no right to allocate the said property to a few Nigerian Operators of Containers without going through due process. It is very important to note that Federal Department Fisheries paid the concession fee to NPA on behalf of all fishing companies.

The main objective for the allocated concession done by Government in the 1970s was to develop a Tuna Fishing Industry which was very important for Nigeria to diversify her economy in view of the down trend in oil industry even now. Ghana a West African neighbour of Nigeria has developed its Tuna fisheries with a labour force of three million people employed. This eviction notice must not be allowed to be enforced in view of the windows of investment opportunities available in Tuna Fishing.

It is important to note that thirty (30) of the (34) fishing trawling companies operating in Nigeria within the last decade have relocated to other neighbouring West African countries where they claim that the fishing environment is more conducive for investment than in Nigeria . With Public Private Participation (PPP) approach, Federal Government can develop a viable fishing terminal that will open up Nigeria for Tuna fishing.

Our plea to the Federal Government is to please prevail on NPA not to evict fishing companies for the reasons stated above.

Dr. Olajide Adeleke Ayinla, Fellow Fisheries Society of Nigeria

NATIONAL PRESIDENT

COMMUNIQUE OF THE 1ST FISHERIES STAKEHOLDERS MEETING ORGANIZED THE FISHERIES SOCIETY OF NIGERIA (FISON) HELD AT THE NIGERIAN INSTITUTE FOR OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE RESEARCH, VICTORIA ISLAND, LAGOS ON THURSDAY 29TH JANUARY 2015

The Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON) held the 1^st Fisheries stakeholders meeting at the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday 29^th January 2015 with the aim of reappraising the fisheries sub-sector and proffering solutions to identified challenges.

Stakeholders were drawn from the Academia, Embassies, Fish Farmers, Feed Producers, Fish Processors, Civil Servants, Fish Marketers, Students and Non-Governmental Organizations.

The meeting was chaired by the National President of Catfish Farmers Association of Nigeria (CAFAN), Chief Tayo Akingbolagun. Goodwill messages were given by the Director of Fisheries, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Pastor Aderemi Abioye and representatives of NITOA, CAFAN, TADAN, AFISUN, NUFAS, WINROCK, and the Advocacy for Fisheries group, among others.

Stakeholders were broken into sessions, including the following: Industrial/Artisanal fisheries, Brookstock and fingerlings production, fish production, women in fisheries, fish marketing, fish feed, fish processing and value addition, fish transportation/ornamental fisheries, Charter strategy/Human resources development, and Review of Fisheries Act.

At the end of the meeting, stakeholders identified the following challenges facing fisheries:

Illegal incursion of foreign fishing vessels into Nigerian Territorial waters and lack of surveillance, control and monitoring of our waters.

Absence of adequate fisheries data base.

The current Fisheries Acts of 1992 are now obsolete.

The relationship between the Ministry, Department of Fisheries and the Fisheries Commission is not clearly stated in the proposed Fisheries Act.

High cost of raw materials and fisheries equipment.

Overlapping/conflicting roles of regulating bodies.

No standardized processing methods.

Non-compliance to standard packaging materials.

Ornamental fisheries has been neglected over decades.

High licensing fees for the use of natural water bodies for aquacultural purposes such as fish cage culture.

Participants made the following recommendations for fisheries to go forward in Nigeria:

Updating and speeding up of the enactment of Fisheries Act with clear cut definition of duties of the Federal Department of Fisheries, States, local Government and private sector.

Monitoring, Control and Surveillance should be improved upon to discourage illegal fishing and poaching.

Private sector should go into Tuna exploitation to reduce our fish import bill and develop local Tuna canning industry.

Private sector to consider collaborating with NIOMR to operate the Research vessel of the institute for the purpose of fishing pelagic species for fish meal production.

Stakeholders should be encouraged to develop comprehensive data base for the industry.

Stock assessment and enhancement should be carried out in our natural water bodies.

Government should encourage private sector to establish commercial fish feed mills in the six geo-political zones of the country emphasizing locally available feed materials in the zones.

Stakeholders agreed that there should be standardization and certification of processing and packaging of fish and fish products

Aggressive enlightenment campaign should be carried out on consumers on the health benefits of consuming wholesome fish and fish products.

The forum identified the immense contribution of women in value addition and marketing, and that they should be supported with EASY access to soft loans and encouraged to imbibe modern technology.

Stakeholders also identified the need for broodstock development of various fish species and availability of viable fingerlings production.

Ornamental fisheries should be recognized as a veritable economic venture in the country.

There should be a renewed interest in the use of water bodies across the country for cage aquaculture that is capable of increasing production within a short period of time.

Stakeholders have tasked themselves to be self-sufficient in food fish production in the country and encourage government to implement a phased ban on fish importation.

CONCLUSION

Stakeholders called on Government to establish a Fisheries Commission and immediately start the process of chartering the fisheries profession. A Committee was immediately set up to coordinate the effort of the Society towards the charter. Participants also advised that since there is a fall in the price of crude oil in the international market, there should be a stimulus to galvanize the fisheries sub-sector and as such a zero import duty on all fisheries and aquacultural inputs is being recommended. Stakeholders also suggested a regime of 1 and 2.5 percent interest rate for aquacultural and fisheries allied investments respectively.

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FISHERIES SOCIETY OF NIGERIA (FISON) FISHERIES SUBSECTOR STAKEHOLDERS FORUM

Fisheries Society of Nigeria is inviting you to the Fisheries sub-sector stakeholders meeting scheduled to take place on Thursday 29th January 2015 at the Conference Room of the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria at 9.00 am with registration at 8.00 am.

The Stakeholders meeting will be a brainstorming session that would catalyze activities that would move the fisheries sub-sector forward.

Expecting you.