FISON Update

We thank God for a successful 32nd annual national FISON conference. We shall continue to grow from strength to strength. All those who presented papers at the last conference should send corrected copies to the following address: fison2017anambra@gmail.com on or before 30th November 2017.  LOC will not be held responsible if you fail to comply. Regards. National Conference Coordinator

We thank God for a successful 32nd annual national FISON conference. We shall continue to grow from strength to strength. All those who presented papers at the last conference should send corrected copies to the following address: fison2017anambra@gmail.com on or before 30th November 2017.  LOC will not be held responsible if you fail to comply. Regards. National Conference Coordinator

COMMUNIQUE OF THE 32ND ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE FISHERIES SOCIETY OF NIGERIA (FISON) HELD IN AKWA, ANAMBRA STATE, FROM 23RD -27TH OCTOBER 2017

COMMUNIQUE OF THE 32^ND ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE FISHERIES SOCIETY OF NIGERIA (FISON) HELD IN AKWA, ANAMBRA STATE, FROM 23^RD -27^TH OCTOBER 2017

The 32^nd Annual Conference of Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON) took place from 23^rd to 27^th October 2017 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka Anambra State, with the theme ‘Harnessing the Fisheries and Aquaculture value chain in a recession developing economy’. The Conference was declared open by His Excellency, the Governor of Anambra State - Chief Dr. Willie Obiano, who was ably represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Afam Mbanefo. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development was also represented by the Deputy Director Fisheries, Mr. Istifanus Emmanuel Pwaspo, while the keynote address was delivered by Prof A.O Fagbenro, FFS of Federal University of Technology, Akure.

A total of 304 participants attended the conference where papers were presented on various aspects of Fisheries and Aquaculture highlighting the challenges facing the industry and recommendations for probable solutions were proffered.

At the end of the conference the Society, therefore resolved as follows:

i.                    That it reaffirmed her commitment to promoting the professional and practitioner development of all categories of stakeholders involved in Aquaculture, Capture fisheries and Post-harvest management subsector operations as well as fisheries research and development in Nigeria.

ii.                  That the conference resolves that harnessing the fisheries and aquaculture value chain is the panacea for Nigeria developing economy and as such the Society called on both the Federal and State Governments to provide the enabling environment, infrastructure (power, good roads, access to single-digit interest rate credit facilities, etc) in order to enhance the growth and development of the fisheries and aquaculture operations.

iii.                That Society noted that there has been appreciable development in human capital and researches in the Fisheries and Aquaculture operations and is in good standing to export her expertise to other African countries.

iv.               That the Society appreciated the Federal and State Governments in their efforts to get the country certified for export of her Capture fisheries and aquaculture products to International markets.  She, however, emphasized that the process should be fast-tracked and concluded to enable investors’ access foreign market for the requisite foreign exchange earnings.

v.                 That the Society has also resolved that there is the need for specialization along the fish production value chain for proper development and optimal maximization of the benefits of Fisheries sub-sector.

vi.               The Conference also empowered youths to opportunities in the Fisheries industry for self-empowerment.

Communique Drafting Committee:

Prof. Emmanuel Ude                     Chairman

Prof. Daniel Ama - Abasi              Member

Dr. Innocent Anabaronyo              Member

Mrs. Olabisi Adepegba                 Member

Dr. Jerry Ekelemu                          Secretary

Memories of the 32nd Annual National Conference of Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON) held at Awka, Anambra State

Final Announcement of 32nd Annual National Conference Anambra 2017

32nd FISON Annual National Conference "Anambra 2017"

FISON New NEC Officers Elected at Annual General Meeting in Katsina

New officers of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Fisheries Society of Nigeria have been elected to pilot the affairs of the Society for the next two years. Names of the members of the the Exco are given below.

NAME	Position
Dr. A.O. Ayinla, ffs	President
Dr. Bola B. Adekoya, ffs	1st Vice President
Prof. Emmanuel F. Ude , ffs	2nd Vice President
Dr. Lukman A. Agbabiaka, ffs	3rd Vice President
Dr. Tonbara’ Kingdom, mfs	4th Vice President
Dr. Mohammed Diyaware, mfs	Secretary
Dr. Akinyemi A. Adeolu, mfs	Financial Secretary
Mrs. Justina Balogun, mfs	Treasurer
Mr. Simon Iorchor, mfs	Public Relations Officer
Dr. Jerry Ekelemu, mfs	Assistant National Secretary

COMMUNIQUE OF THE 31ST ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF FISON HELD AT THE UMARU MUSA YARDUA UNIVERSITY AUDITORIUM, KATSINA FROM 30TH – 4TH NOV., 2016

COMMUNIQUE OF THE 31^ST ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF FISON HELD AT THE UMARU MUSA YARDUA UNIVERSITY AUDITORIUM, KATSINA FROM 30^TH – 4^TH NOV., 2016

THEME: Harnessing Resources for Fisheries and Agriculture transformation: A panacea for food and security in Nigeria

The participants were drawn from the academia, fish farmers, fish processors, fish marketers, civil and public servants, NGOs and Students.

The conference was declared open by His Excellency Rt. Hon. Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari, the Executive Governor of Katsina State, represented by Dr. Abba Abdullah, the Special Adviser to the Katsina State Governor on Agriculture.

The keynote address titled, “Low Productivity in Capture Fisheries: Issues, Challenges and Matters Arising” was delivered by Prof. Bolorunduro of the NEARLS, ABU, Zaria.

The Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development was represented by the Director of Federal Department of Fisheries, Mallam Muazu Mohammed, who presented a goodwill message and used the opportunity to highlight the policy thrust of the Federal Government for the development of fisheries sector.

The Society appreciated the contribution of Katsina State Government for her financial and moral support to the success of the conference. The State was also commended for her giant strides in fisheries and aquaculture development irrespective of her location in the arid zone of the country. The State Chapter of the Society and Umar Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina, was appreciated by the FISON for hosting and providing conducive venue for the conference respectively.

The technical sections included:

a.      Scientific research paper presentations in Fish biology and pathology, Aquaculture, Capture fisheries, fish processing and value addition, Ecotoxicology and Environment and Socio-Economics and Marketing.

b.      Students’ poster presentation, Quiz and scientific paper presentations.

c.       Farmers’ Forum: The following papers were presented: Role of women in Fisheries/Aquaculture in a declining economy by Dr. Ebinimi Ansa, Mfs.

Export potential of fish products in the global markets by Prof. P.I. Bolorunduro, Ffs.

During the conference, the Society awarded honorary fellowship to the following distinguished personalities:

        i.            His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, OFR, (Emir of Katsina)

      ii.            His Royal Highness, Alhaji Umar Farouk Umar, (Emir of Daura)

    iii.            His Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, OFR (Executive Governor of Kano State).

     iv.            Dr. Maraliyya Zayyan, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Federal University Dutsi-ma.

       v.            Prof. Idris Isa Funtua, Vice Chancellor, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina

     vi.            Prof. Haruna Abdu Kaita, Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Dutsi-ma

At the end of the conference the Fisheries Society of Nigeria came up with the following resolutions:

·         The Society commended the Federal Government for her effort in building upon Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) of the previous administration by coming up with the Agricultural Promotion Policy (APP).

·         The Society believed that for Nigeria to be self - sufficient in fish production and reduce foreign exchange loss through fish importation, more emphasis should be placed on aquaculture, which has been recognized as the fastest growing food production sector in the world. That the water resources of the country, particularly reservoirs, be put to maximum use through cage culture and stock enhancement. The Society, therefore suggested that FDF, FISON and other stakeholders should work together to develop a pragmatic blueprint to achieve this goal.

·         The Society also recognizes the need to diversify the culturable species (apart from Catfish) to other species like Tilapia, Heterotis, Labeo, Chrisichthys etc. Therefore the Federal Government was encouraged to fund research in this direction.

·         The Society noticed that the Federal Department of Fisheries is grossly incapacitated as a result of lack of staff at low and middle levels, it therefore appealed to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) to recruit fisheries officers and technicians as a matter of urgency to replace the ageing and retiring officers for the purpose of continuity.

·         The Society wants the Federal Department of Fisheries (FDF) to resuscitate the annual publication of National Fisheries Development and Statistic Directory which has been stopped for some years. A National Fisheries Development and Statistic Technical Committee for moderating fisheries statistics is suggested by the Society.

·         The Society requested the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to collaborate with Federal Department of Fisheries, Research Institutes and universities in the pre-impoundment study before a reservoir is constructed. This will enable fisheries development to be factored into the development of these water bodies.

·         The Society recognized that Nigerian fisheries products are finding it difficult to make inroad into the international market because the country lacks food certification procedure. The Society therefore implored the Federal Department of Fisheries to fast track the development of certification with the Federal Ministry of Justice to enable farmers and fisher folks tap into the international market.

·         In addition to certification, the Society understand that the Food Safety Bill requires National Fish Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory, it therefore implored the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to pursue the establishment of this laboratory for fish and livestock and their products in Nigeria.

·         In the area of coastal fisheries, the Society wants the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development through the Federal Department of Fisheries to quickly intervene in the threat to take away Kirikiri Light Terminal from Nigerian Fisheries Trawler’s Owners Association (NITOA) by Nigerian Port Authority (NPA).

·          The Society also frowned at the situation in which individuals import exotic fishes into the country for culture production without taking into consideration the effect on the genetic diversity of the indigenous fish species. The Society implored the National Quarantine Services to work in collaboration with Federal Department of Fisheries to curb this unwholesome practice.

·         The Society recognized the need to partner with private sector fish farmers in the development of the sector especially when they are the main beneficiary of research and policy of the government.

·         The Society also put forward that there should be a paradigm shift in the agricultural extensive method from what government can do for the farmers to encouraging and building on the strength of the farmers.

·         The Society recognized the need for various state chapters to be up and doing in order to champion the issues of fisheries development in their states.

Communiqué writing committee

1.      Prof S.J. Oniye

2.      Prof. J. Auta

3.      Dr. J.K. Ekelemu

4.      Dr. B.D. Olaosebikan

COMMUNIQUE OF THE 31ST ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF FISON HELD AT THE UMARU MUSA YARDUA UNIVERSITY AUDITORIUM, KATSINA FROM 30TH – 4TH NOV., 2016

COMMUNIQUE OF THE 31^ST ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF FISON HELD AT THE UMARU MUSA YARDUA UNIVERSITY AUDITORIUM, KATSINA FROM 30^TH – 4^TH NOV., 2016

THEME: Harnessing Resources for Fisheries and Agriculture transformation: A panacea for food and security in Nigeria

The participants were drawn from the academia, fish farmers, fish processors, fish marketers, civil and public servants, NGOs and Students.

The conference was declared open by His Excellency Rt. Hon. Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari, the Executive Governor of Katsina State, represented by Dr. Abba Abdullah, the Special Adviser to the Katsina State Governor on Agriculture.

The keynote address titled, “Low Productivity in Capture Fisheries: Issues, Challenges and Matters Arising” was delivered by Prof. Bolorunduro of the NEARLS, ABU, Zaria.

The Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development was represented by the Director of Federal Department of Fisheries, Mallam Muazu Mohammed, who presented a goodwill message and used the opportunity to highlight the policy thrust of the Federal Government for the development of fisheries sector.

The Society appreciated the contribution of Katsina State Government for her financial and moral support to the success of the conference. The State was also commended for her giant strides in fisheries and aquaculture development irrespective of her location in the arid zone of the country. The State Chapter of the Society and Umar Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina, was appreciated by the FISON for hosting and providing conducive venue for the conference respectively.

The technical sections included:

a.      Scientific research paper presentations in Fish biology and pathology, Aquaculture, Capture fisheries, fish processing and value addition, Ecotoxicology and Environment and Socio-Economics and Marketing.

b.      Students’ poster presentation, Quiz and scientific paper presentations.

c.       Farmers’ Forum: The following papers were presented: Role of women in Fisheries/Aquaculture in a declining economy by Dr. Ebinimi Ansa, Mfs.

Export potential of fish products in the global markets by Prof. P.I. Bolorunduro, Ffs.

During the conference, the Society awarded honorary fellowship to the following distinguished personalities:

        i.            His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, OFR, (Emir of Katsina)

      ii.            His Royal Highness, Alhaji Umar Farouk Umar, (Emir of Daura)

    iii.            His Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, OFR (Executive Governor of Kano State).

     iv.            Dr. Maraliyya Zayyan, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Federal University Dutsi-ma.

       v.            Prof. Idris Isa Funtua, Vice Chancellor, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina

     vi.            Prof. Haruna Abdu Kaita, Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Dutsi-ma

At the end of the conference the Fisheries Society of Nigeria came up with the following resolutions:

·         The Society commended the Federal Government for her effort in building upon Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) of the previous administration by coming up with the Agricultural Promotion Policy (APP).

·         The Society believed that for Nigeria to be self - sufficient in fish production and reduce foreign exchange loss through fish importation, more emphasis should be placed on aquaculture, which has been recognized as the fastest growing food production sector in the world. That the water resources of the country, particularly reservoirs, be put to maximum use through cage culture and stock enhancement. The Society, therefore suggested that FDF, FISON and other stakeholders should work together to develop a pragmatic blueprint to achieve this goal.

·         The Society also recognizes the need to diversify the culturable species (apart from Catfish) to other species like Tilapia, Heterotis, Labeo, Chrisichthys etc. Therefore the Federal Government was encouraged to fund research in this direction.

·         The Society noticed that the Federal Department of Fisheries is grossly incapacitated as a result of lack of staff at low and middle levels, it therefore appealed to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) to recruit fisheries officers and technicians as a matter of urgency to replace the ageing and retiring officers for the purpose of continuity.

·         The Society wants the Federal Department of Fisheries (FDF) to resuscitate the annual publication of National Fisheries Development and Statistic Directory which has been stopped for some years. A National Fisheries Development and Statistic Technical Committee for moderating fisheries statistics is suggested by the Society.

·         The Society requested the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to collaborate with Federal Department of Fisheries, Research Institutes and universities in the pre-impoundment study before a reservoir is constructed. This will enable fisheries development to be factored into the development of these water bodies.

·         The Society recognized that Nigerian fisheries products are finding it difficult to make inroad into the international market because the country lacks food certification procedure. The Society therefore implored the Federal Department of Fisheries to fast track the development of certification with the Federal Ministry of Justice to enable farmers and fisher folks tap into the international market.

·         In addition to certification, the Society understand that the Food Safety Bill requires National Fish Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory, it therefore implored the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to pursue the establishment of this laboratory for fish and livestock and their products in Nigeria.

·         In the area of coastal fisheries, the Society wants the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development through the Federal Department of Fisheries to quickly intervene in the threat to take away Kirikiri Light Terminal from Nigerian Fisheries Trawler’s Owners Association (NITOA) by Nigerian Port Authority (NPA).

·          The Society also frowned at the situation in which individuals import exotic fishes into the country for culture production without taking into consideration the effect on the genetic diversity of the indigenous fish species. The Society implored the National Quarantine Services to work in collaboration with Federal Department of Fisheries to curb this unwholesome practice.

·         The Society recognized the need to partner with private sector fish farmers in the development of the sector especially when they are the main beneficiary of research and policy of the government.

·         The Society also put forward that there should be a paradigm shift in the agricultural extensive method from what government can do for the farmers to encouraging and building on the strength of the farmers.

·         The Society recognized the need for various state chapters to be up and doing in order to champion the issues of fisheries development in their states.

Communiqué writing committee

1.      Prof S.J. Oniye

2.      Prof. J. Auta

3.      Dr. J.K. Ekelemu

4.      Dr. B.D. Olaosebikan

Memories of the 2nd Public Lecture and Awards organized by the Bayelsa State Chapter of Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON)