FISHERIES SOCIETY OF NIGERIA, FISON 38TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND GENERAL MEETING
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
HARNESSING FISHERIES RESOURCES IN THE BLUE ECONOMY OF NIGERIA
BY
PROFESSOR FRANCIS D. SIKOKI Ffs, DEAN, FACULTY OF BASIC AND APPLIED SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF AFRICA, TORU-ORUA, BAYELSA STATE NIGERIA
28TH OF NOVEMBER, 2023
1.0 PROTOCOL:
i. The Chairman of the occasion
ii. The Honourable Commissioner of Agriculture, Hon. David Alagoa
iii. The President of the FISON, Dr. Mrs. Ebinimi J. Ansa
iv. The Chairman, Council of Fellows, Dr. Abba Abdulahi
v. Past President of FISON and Chairman of CoFs
vi. Members of FISON NEC, CoFs EXCO here present
vii. Distinguished members of FISON
viii. Invited Guests
ix. Members of the Press
x. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.
2.0 PREAMBLE
I feel highly honored to have been invited to give the keynote address at this auspicious occasion of the 38th annual conference and general meeting of our great society, the Fisheries Society of Nigeria, FISON holding at the heartland of the Niger Delta and the “Glory of all Lands, Bayelsa” incidentally this is my home state and that of the President of FISON, Dr. Mrs. Ebinimi J. Ansa.
i. The significance of the Conference cannot be over-emphasized given that it’s the first conference being held following the establishment of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCON and;
ii. The second time in the history of the FISON that Bayelsa State is hosting a FISON National Conference. Given the above, our expectations are very high, considering the theme of the Conference.
“HARNESSING FISHERIES RESOURCES IN THE BLUE ECONOMY OF NIGERIA”
Let me place on record Mr. Chairman, distinguished Ladies and Gentleman that this would be one of the most memorable conferences we have ever held. Permit me also to invite you all to take time off from your busy activities to explore the abundant historical monuments of the state which include the site of the first oil well in Nigeria and warm hospitality of the Ijaw people during your stay in the state.
Permit me Mr. Chairman, distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen to read my address at this juncture
3.0 INTRODUCTION.
The establishment of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry of the Federal Government is the culmination of the efforts of the Founding fathers of the Fisheries Society for the establishment of a Fisheries administrative framework that accords Fisheries its desired attention. It was not until the early 1940s that a formal Fisheries service was established in Nigeria by the British Colonial Government with a vision for Fisheries research. Later, the service (Department) was split into two:
• The Federal Department of Fisheries, FDF with responsibility for development activities; and
• The Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine research, NIOMR for marine fisheries research.
It was not until 1942 that formal fisheries administration started in response to wide-spread protein shortages occasioned by World War II, there is a general belief that the fisheries sub-sector lagged behind other sectors because during periods of food shortages, carbohydrate supply is given priority, over protein supply. This probably explains why even when it was established it was placed in the agriculture department of the colonial office.
However, fisheries received greater attention following the creation of the 12 state structure in 1967. During this period the Federal Fisheries performed mainly coordination functions among the states and today, a few states including Adamawa have established full-fledged Ministries of Fisheries. In 1975, the Federal Military Government created 22 additional research Institutes including two new Fisheries institutes at Maiduguri-Lake Chad Research Institute now National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research, NIFFR. The newly created Ministry of Marine and Blue economy in July, 2023 by the present administration is undoubtedly the most significant development in fisheries administration in nearly 50 years in Nigeria.
This conference with the theme: “Harnessing Fisheries resources in the Marine and Blue Economy of Nigeria” with the following sub-themes:
i. Fisheries Governance and Management;
ii. Aquatic Ecosystem Pollution and Bio-monitoring;
iii. Fisheries Technology and Innovations;
iv. Marine Policy;
v. Sustainable Artisanal and Coastal Aquaculture;
vi. Sustaining Marine Life;
vii. Ecotourism in a Blue economy
viii. Fish Post Harvest Technology and Pathology;
ix. Gender issues in Fish Production
x. Fisheries development and Climate change;
xi. Fisheries marketing systems and development;
xii. Information and communication (ICT) for fisheries development
Is not only timely but highly relevant I commend the organizer for their wisdom.
Mr. Chairman distinguished ladies and gentleman in the next 30 minutes or thereabout, I examine some definitions of Blue economy with a view to putting my address in perspective and examined only fifty percent of the sub-themes and provide areas in which the FISON should take the lead on account of time limitations and not because the others are less important. Let me also point out that the ones I omitted are fairly well know and established.
4.0 MARINE AND BLUE ECONOMY
Various definitions abound depending on the context in which it is viewed but in its simplest form the World Bank defines it as: “Sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth improved livelihoods and jobs while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem. Similarly the United Nations view it as; “a range of economic activities related to oceans seas and coastal areas and whether these activities are sustainable and socially equitable In likewise, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (2016) sees the Blue Economy as “a green economy in a blue world that adapts a novel strategy for economically utilizing the resources of oceans, lakes, rivers and other bodies of water.”
It is instructive to note that all of the above definitions embody the principles of:
• Sustainability;
• Improvement of livelihoods and Job creation; and
• Economic utilization of resources.
Consequent upon the above let us ask ourselves are we fulfilling the obligations enshrined in these definition in the utilization of our ocean resources. I don’t think so let me state some developments over the years to buttress my point.
The fishing profession is one of the worlds oldest but fisheries management for sustainable utilization is still in its infancy owing to a number of reasons:
i. Prior to 1850 the fisheries of the oceans and large water bodies were considered as inexhaustible and to some extent persists in some areas up to today.
ii. Proponents of inexhaustibility believe that fishing had been carried out in coastal areas and in large inland water for years, and the supply of fish seemed infinite.
iii. This supposed infinity led Hugo Grocius in 1608 to formulate the “Principle of the freedom of the seas.” His reasoning was that if fishes and other resources could be exploited without limit; maintain exclusive rights to Oceanic resources was unnecessary (Christy and Scott, 1965).
However, the outcome of both empirical and theoretical principles led to the generalization that for a fish stock, there exists a Maximum Sustainable Yield, (MSY) and an associated fishing level to achieve that yield. Unfortunately, as a theoretical objective, MSY does not consider the SOCIAL, POLITCAL and ECONOMIC issues. In fact, Michael Graham (1943) in his book, “The Fish Gate” stated the Great law of fishing which essentially opined that unregulated fisheries becomes unprofitable.
The social and political issues in fisheries management are well known but the economic implications are more intricate. This is because, the application of economic principles in fisheries management is faced with difficulties relating to property rights on account of fisheries being classified as a common property resource. The essential features of such a resource are that:
i. No one pays for its use; and
ii. No one assesses the yields derived from additional units of effort.
Consequently, as long as any profit is being made, additional effort will be expended either by more fishing per fisher folk or by more fish folks until profits decline to zero.
The above is essentially the situation in our waters and this Conference should give this issue its priority attention as we examine the theme: Harnessing Fisheries Resources in the Blue Economy of Nigeria.
In doing so, we must pay attention to indigenous knowledge and traditional methods of fisheries conservation alongside scientific methods. Given the abundant expertise present in this Conference, I have no doubt whatsoever that this issue would be adequately addressed.
Mr. Chairman, distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen. At this juncture permit me to highlight the abundant of fisheries and allied fisheries resources of our dear nation and its Blue Economy Potential.
4.1 BLUE ECONOMY POTENTIAL OF NIGERIA
Nigeria’s coastal marine ecosystem covers a total area of 70,000Km2. In addition, its Exclusive Economic Zone stretching 200 nautical miles gives it a total area of 290Km2 which is approximately one third of its total land-mass of 924 Square Kilometers (Braimah, 2023).
This coastal area is rich in fish, forests, coral reefs and other aquatic flora and fauna (Metcho, 2018).
According to the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA), the value of Nigeria’s blue economy potential is in excess of USD 296bn.
Tapping on this potential is expected to lead to:
i. Improved food security;
ii. Job creation;
iii. Increased tourism; and
iv. Infrastructure development.
Harnessing the fisheries resources in the blue economy to realize this potential is the central theme of this conference. However, in order to achieve this goal there are several challenges to overcome. I commend the organizers of the conference for coming up with well thought-out subthemes to not only examine the issues involved but to proffer solutions to them.
I am also fully aware that seasoned experts have been chosen to dissect these issues in their lead papers. My role therefore is to highlight the issues and attempt to provide a framework for addressing them.
5.0 MAJOR ISSUES IN HARNESSING FISHERIES RESOURCES
The major issues/challenges in harnessing fisheries resources are similar to those of other natural resources except for some that are peculiar to the sector as earlier highlighted. In this section therefore, I will restrict myself to addressing only key ones covered in the subthemes of this conference.
5.1 Fisheries Governance and Management
Simply put, fisheries governance is the “sum of the legal, social, economic and political arrangements used to manage fisheries”. It includes legally binding rules. Fisheries management on the other hand aims at producing sustainable biological, environmental and socioeconomic benefits from renewable aquatic resources.
At many international fora such as the 20th session of the FOA Committee on fisheries in 1993, and the international conference on responsible fishing in 1992, concerns were raised about the overexploitation and economic loses being incurred by world fisheries worldwide it is now widely recognized that over exploitation undermines fisheries conservation and management efforts, threatens long term sustainability and harms the contribution of fisheries to food security.
These concerns were instrumental in the adoption of FIVE fisheries resolutions at the 49th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 1994. They are:
i. The continuing use of large-scale pelagic driftnets in some countries;
ii. The continuation of the UN conference on straddling fish stocks and highly migratory fish stocks in 1995;
iii. The implementation of the 1982 UN Convention on the law of the sea;
iv. Fisheries bye-catch and discards; and
v. Unauthorized fishing in zones of national jurisdiction.
Unfortunately, our fisheries continue to suffer from all the provisions of these resolutions due largely to weak governing structure. FISON and the Federal Department of Fisheries must collaborate and work towards the implementation of this resolution to ensure effective governance and rational exploitation of our fisheries resources in the blue economy.
5.2 Aquatic Ecosystem Pollution and Bio monitoring
The aquatic ecosystem is the ultimate sink for many pollutants generated through human activities. These activities are already affecting large areas of the Oceans and inland waters.
For example, work carried out by Babatunde and Sikoki (2012) showed that steady increases in PH values and heavy metal contamination of the sediment of the Bonny Estuary has been taking place since 1971 with peak values occurring in 1979, 1987, 1995, 2005 and 2008. These periods were found to correspond with heightened oil and gas production, and urbanization in the Niger Delta.
Similarly, sediment ages determined through 210 pb Constant Rate of Supply (CRS) and constant initial concentration, (CIC) models revealed that annual sediment mass accumulation rate in the Bonny Estuary was influenced by environmental perturbation also corresponding to heightened oil and urbanizations activities.
The model further predicted that sedimentation rates as high as 4.226 cm per year are likely by 2020 resulting in complete reclamation of shallow areas in the next 100 years.
The implications of these trends on available fish stocks are very grave and this Conference must address this issue through formulation of strategies to identify sources of marine pollution to enhance healthy aquatic ecosystem.
5.3 Sustainable Artisanal and Coastal Aquaculture
Approximately 90% of world fish catches come from oceans and seas, and have remained relatively constant since the mid-1990s at between 0 and 86 tonnes. The primary production activities engage some 200 million people worldwide. It is also a source of income for millions of women and children who engage in processing marketing of fish and fish products.
However, in Nigeria and many coastal rural communities fishing is the occupation of last resort; a situation which makes rational exploitation of the resource difficult.
The conservation and sustainable use of the oceans seas and marine resources for sustainable development is directly relevant to Sustainable Development Goal, SDG 14. Therefore, concerted effort must be made to address the key components of sustainability namely: economic, social and environmental through governance policies that are realistic in our situation.
5.4 Fisheries Development and Climate Change.
The average temperature near the earth’s surface has risen by about 0.750oc since 1900. Most scientist believe that if we continue to emit greenhouse gases at current rates, global temperatures may rise by between 1.1 and 1.40oc above 1980 to 1999 levels by the end of this century. This phenomenon could cause floods droughts and tropical storms. Nigeria has already witnessed several such disasters.
In fact, it is estimated that if global temperatures increase by 2oc many plants and animals stand the risk of extinction. Already, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, IUCN;
• Six marine turtles out of seven are threatened with extinction;
• 75% of genetic diversity of agricultural crops has been lost.
• 75% of the world’s fisheries are fully or over exploited; and
• One third of coral reefs are threatened with extinction.
It is instructive to note that marine ecosystems contributes to climate change mitigation and decarbonization processes. FISON should therefore ensure that the oceans are functioning properly in collaboration with sister Associations and institutions.
5.5 Eco-Tourism in a Blue Economy
Nigeria with its diverse landscape, cultures and natural resources. Presents great potential for ecotourism. In the context of marine and blue economy, Nigeria being blessed with diverse aquatic resources ranging from inland to marine waters, can establish marine ecotourism to promote conservation and preservation of its marine resources.
At present Bayelsa and Rivers states have the highest density of protected areas numbering six and eight respectively. Among these, only three, (stubbs creek, Olague and Thremure Yokri) are coastal with Apoi creek in Bayelsa State being the only Ramsar site. It is home to the endemic Niger Delta Colobus, Piliocolobus pennant epieni.
Despite the economic and environmental benefits to be derived from this sector, it is constrained by poor foundering and inadequate infrastructure. The FISON and the Federal Department of Fisheries should take the lead in formulating strategies for overcoming these constrains.
5.6 Gender Issues in Fish Production
Earlier in this address, I had stated the role women and children play in the fisheries sub-sector which include: fish processing, transportation and marketing. However, their participation in the value chain of the sector in the Blue economy is very dismal. For instance, they are said to comprise only 20 percent of the workforce in fisheries and aquaculture, and hold lower paid jobs in the industry.
Some of the issues in gender equality are; inadequate gender mainstreaming in policy formulation and lack of data on sex-disaggregation. As a consequence of the above, women suffer gender-based violence and a general lack of awareness of the ocean economy.
In view of the above, there is urgent need to ensure that women have access to finance and opportunity to develop skills. Furthermore, women must be carried along in decision making roles in the ocean economy. I strongly believe that FISON can play the role of advocating for gender equality.
6.0 CONCLUSION
Mr. Chairman, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I have spent the last 30 minutes discussing the opportunities the marine and blue economy can offer our nation and highlighted some of the salient issues this Conference should pay attention to.
At present, marine trade and fisheries are estimated to be contributing some 1.6 and 3.0 to 5.0 percent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product respectively. With the abundant fisheries resources that abound in our waters, we can increase these figures several folds. We are therefore counting on FISON at this conference to examine the identified challenges and proffer solutions.
I thank you all for your attention and may God bless you.
Long live FISON
Long live Bayelsa State
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Prof. Francis D. Sikoki
REFERENCES CITED
Babatunde B. B, Pates J. M., Sikoki, F. D, 2012. Optimization of plating conditions for determination of Polonium using copper foils. Conference proceedings and special edition of Journal of Radio-analytical and Nuclear Chemistry. Coordination group Environmental Radioactivity, COGER Plymouth, United Kingdom, 2012, 22-41.
Braimah, Ehi, 2023. How the blue economy can boost Nigeria’s revenue. Premium Times, August 18, 2023.
Christy, F.T (Jr.) and Scott, 1965. The commonwealth in ocean fisheries: some problems of growth and economic allocation. Johns Hopkins Press, Inc. Baltimore, 281pp.
Michael Graham, 1943. The fish Gate. Faber and Faber, Ltd London. 106pp.
