Fishery is the branch of agriculture that deals with the catching, rearing, breeding and management of fish and other aquatic animals (such as prawns, crabs, snails, oysters) for human consumption and commercial purposes.

It includes both wild capture in seas, rivers and lakes, and fish farming or culture in ponds and other controlled water bodies.

Fishery is important in many ways:

1. It provides a rich source of animal protein for human growth and repair.


2. It generates income and employment for fishers, fish farmers, processors and traders.


3. It helps to improve food security by increasing the supply of animal-food.


4. It offers by-products (fish oil, fish meal, fish bones, skins) that are used in feed, industry and medicine.


5. It helps in using land and water resources efficiently.


6. It can contribute to foreign exchange when fish and fish products are exported.

Fish and aquatic animals can be classified by different criteria:

(a) Based on Habitat

1. Freshwater fish: those which live and reproduce in water with little or no salt (ponds, rivers, lakes).


2. Saltwater (marine) fish: those which live and reproduce in salt water (sea, oceans, lagoons).


3. Estuarine fish: those which live where freshwater mixes with sea water (lagoons, mangrove areas).

(b) Based on Morphology (Skeleton / Body Structure)

1. Bony fish: fish with skeletons made primarily of bone.


2. Cartilaginous fish: fish whose skeleton is made mostly of cartilage (e.g., sharks, rays).

(c) Other Aquatic Animals of Agricultural Importance

1. Shell-fish (crabs, prawns, lobsters).


2. Molluscs (snails, oysters).


3. Aquatic reptiles/mammals (in some cases, though less common in ordinary fish-farming curriculum).

It helps you to recognise different types of aquatic organisms used in fishery.

Fish farming involves creating a controlled environment to raise fish for sale or consumption. Key points:

(a) Types of Fish Ponds

1. Earthen pond (dug in soil).


2. Concrete pond.


3. Plastic/fibre lined pond.


4. Tarpaulin/portable pond.

(b) Factors to Consider Before Siteing a Fish Pond

1. Soil type (clay or suitable to retain water).


2. Water supply (clean, steady source).


3. Drainage system/outlet for water management.


4. Accessibility (for maintenance, feed delivery, harvesting).


5. Predators control (birds, snakes, frogs).


6. Proximity to market/transport.


7. Quality of fingerlings (young fish) and feed availability.

(c) Steps in Constructing a Pond

1. Site selection and clearing.


2. Marking and excavation or construction of pond.


3. Installing inlet and outlet pipes.


4. Filling with water and letting it equilibrate.


5. Fertilizing (if needed) to promote natural food.


6. Stocking fingerlings at recommended rate.

(d) Maintenance of the Fish Pond

1. Regular feeding of fish with suitable feed.


2. Removal of weeds, unwanted plants and excess algae.


3. Checking and maintaining water quality (oxygen, pH, clarity).


4. Preventing entry of predators or thieves.


5. Regular harvesting and cleaning of pond when needed.


6. Desilting and repair of embankments as required.

It helps you to understand how to build and maintain a fish pond for good results.

Fishing refers to the methods used to catch or harvest fish from ponds, rivers, lakes or seas. Some key methods include:

1. Hook and Line: using a baited hook attached to a line.


2. Netting: using different nets (gill nets, seine nets, drag nets, cast nets).


3. Trapping: using fish traps or baskets placed in water.


4. Spearing or Harpooning: using a spear or pointed tool to catch fish, often in shallow water.


5. Modern Methods: trawling (large nets behind boats), use of sonar/fish locators, electro-fishing.

It helps you to recognise which method is suitable for which water body or fish type.

Important tools used in fishery include:

1. Various nets (cast net, drag net, seine net).


2. Fishing hooks and lines.


3. Fish traps/baskets.


4. Canoes, fishing boats, paddles or oars.


5. Floats, sinkers, twines and other accessories.


6. Containers for transporting and storing fish.

It helps you to identify and use the correct equipment for fishing or pond management.

Fish and fish-products have many uses:

1. Fish flesh is eaten fresh, dried, smoked or canned.


2. Fish oil is used in cooking, in medicines, and in making nutritional supplements.


3. Fish meal (ground fish) is used as feed for poultry and livestock.


4. Fish bones and scales are used in fertilizer, glue, cosmetics, or animal feed.


5. Fish farming or ponds provide recreation, educational tools and research opportunities.

It helps you to understand that fishery adds value beyond just catching fish.

For fish to grow well in a pond, proper nutrition is needed:

1. Fish feed must include protein (for body building), carbohydrates (for energy), fats/oils (for energy and healthy body), vitamins and minerals (for proper functioning).


2. Natural food (plankton, insects) in ponds can supplement prepared feed.


3. Feed must be given in the correct form (pellets, crumbles) and suitable for the size/age of fish.


4. Overfeeding must be avoided because uneaten feed can pollute water.

It helps you to understand how feeding influences growth and health of fish.

Fish and aquatic animals can suffer from diseases and risk factors. Some issues include:

1. Poor water quality (low oxygen, high ammonia, pollution) can cause stress and disease.


2. Parasites, bacterial or fungal infections.


3. Predators and pests (birds, snakes, insects) attacking fish in ponds.


4. Use of harmful chemicals or pollutants entering pond.


5. Overcrowding, poor feed, weak fish.

Prevention and good management reduce losses.

Fishery faces a number of challenges:

1. Polluted water or unreliable water supply.


2. High cost of good feed, fingerlings and equipment.


3. Lack of knowledge or poor management by farmers.


4. Diseases and pests leading to high mortality.


5. Poor market access, inadequate storage and processing facilities.


6. Over-fishing in wild waters leading to fewer fish stocks.

It helps you to recognise the obstacles and think about how to solve them.

To improve fishery production one can:

1. Provide training and extension services to fish farmers.


2. Use quality fingerlings and feed, improve pond design and water management.


3. Build storage and processing facilities (smoking kilns, cold storage) to reduce post-harvest loss.


4. Enforce sustainable fishing practices to protect wild stocks.


5. Government support: loans, grants, input subsidies, market access.

It helps you to see ways to strengthen fishery systems for better outcomes.

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Summary

Fishery is a vital part of agriculture involving the production and management of fish and other aquatic animals. It covers everything from pond establishment, feeding, harvesting, processing, marketing and conservation. Good management, proper feeding, disease control, and efficient use of tools/equipment are key for success.

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Practice Questions

1. Define fishery.


2. Explain five reasons why fishery is important in Nigeria.


3. Classify fish based on habitat and give one example for each category.


4. List and explain three factors to consider before establishing a fish pond.


5. Describe two methods of fishing and the tools used for them.


6. What are the uses of fish products such as fish oil and fish meal?


7. Name three problems facing fishery and suggest possible solutions.


8. Explain why water quality is important in fish farming.