A Professor of Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Management, Prof. Yemi Akegbejo-Samsons, has said that the nation needs science-based policies for fisheries management as obtainable in other developed countries. He stated this while delivering the 75th Inaugural Lecture of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, titled: ‘Repositioning Our Coastal Environment: A Rescue Mission for Aquaculture and Fisheries Production and Management in Nigeria’, held at the Oluwafemi Balogun Ceremonial Building of the University. The don reiterated that sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture through science-based formulation of national policies was imperative for huge national development, adding that funding for the study of climate change and prediction should be adequately provided for by the government and other funding agencies.
According to him, Nigeria had signed and ratified many international and regional regulations and conventions, which included the Sea Fisheries Act of 1971, the Sea Fisheries (Licensing) Regulations of 1971, the Sea Fisheries (Fishing) Regulations of 1972, and the Exclusive Economic Zone Decree of 1978 among others, saying they are meant to assist every coastal nation in the efficient management of its seas, oceans and coastal zones. The Inaugural Lecturer, who is of the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, College of Environmental Resources Management (COLERM), of FUNAAB, said in order to cultivate the country’s freshwater fish species in the entire coastal zone, the government must amplify numerous pond culture techniques through the establishment of raceways and floating cages for the nation’s marine species. He noted that capacity building of human resources was paramount, adding that fisheries research stations while universities teaching aquaculture and fisheries management should be adequately funded, to train Nigerian youths. Prof. Akegbejo-Samsons also charged the government to design specific programmes that would develop the nation’s fish industry.