The relationship between some physicochemical parameters and plankton composition on fish production in ponds

The effect of physico-chemical parameters and plankton composition on fish production in ponds was investigated in six fish farms for eight weeks. The physicochemical parameters investigated were temperature=25-30 plus or minus C, transparency=0.45-0.57m, dissolved oxygen=3.0-10.9mg/l, pH=6.0-7.7, dissolved carbon dioxide=5.46-28.3mg/l, total alkalinity=44.37-80.0ppm, chemical oxygen demand=31.88-72.18mg/l and biological oxygen demand=0.66-48.34mg/l. Plankton composition varies and was made of four families of phytoplankton namely; Cyanophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Dinophyceae and Diatomida; and four families of zooplankton viz; Protozoa, Rotifera, Copepoda and Dinoflagellates. Farm 1 and 6 recorded the highest average weight of about 1.0kg and average total length of about 40.0cm for the two fish species. This study showed that fish yield was dependable on the quality and management of pond water characteristic

Thalassorama: Economic Viability of Small-scale Marine Capture Fisheries in the Bonny Area, Rivers State, Nigeria

Small-scale, costs, earnings, returns, Environmental Economics and Policy, International Development, Production Economics, Public Economics, Q,

Assessment of the impact of development control measure on residential property rental values in Minna Metropolis

The study determined the impact of development control on the trend in rental of property in Minna. Data for the study were from residents of the neighbourhood, estate surveyors and valuers, town planners and personal observation through questionnaire. Cluster random sampling technique was adapted to divide the area into residential neighbourhoods; and furthermore, a purposive sampling technique was used because of the residential property characteristic. The data were analysed using inference statistical tools like Gini-co-efficient, correlation and multi-regression analysis among others. The resultant outcome showed that there is a strong positive relationship between development control measures and residential property rental values and also development control measures are not adequately enforced in the planned and unplanned neighbourhoods. It was recommended that estate surveyor and valuer's should advise their clients on the need and importance of investing in neighbourhood that have harmonious land use in order to easily recoup the huge capital outlay invested on residential property development and government should adopt new trends like the guided land development (GLD) and sustainable city programme (SCP). This will provide advancement in the frontier of investment in residential property development through proper execution of development control measures.Keywords: Development Control, Residential Property, Rental Valu

Crab value chain in Lagos Lagoon complex: implications for food security in a recession economy

This study aims at bridging the knowledge gap in respect of production and marketing of crab fisheries in Lagos lagoon complex of Lagos State, Nigeria. The data have been collated through specific survey carried out between August 2008 and April 2009 in each of the five lagoon systems of Lagos State including Badagry, Ologe, Lagos, Epe and Lekki lagoon. The production systems and targeted clientele of each lagoon differ greatly. The profit margin per unit weight retained at each stage of transaction was relatively low. The crab fishery was observed to be economically viable because of the large turnover and small size of individual operations. The crabs plays significant role in the livelihood of the fisher folks and are very important as export commodity in West Africa

Analysis of Arable Crop Farmers’ Utilization of Unorthodox and Orthodox Healthcare Services in Oyo State, Nigeria.

This study analysed farmers’ utilization of Unorthodox and Orthodox health-care services in Oyo State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected using structured interview guide administered to 200 respondents selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC), Chi-square and t-test. Results showed that the mean age of the farmers was 52 years, majority (93.00%) were males, and 47.50% had no formal education. The average household size was 9 persons with mean income of N238,435.00 per annum while the mean farm size was 3.84 hectares. Almost (99.50%) all the farmers did not patronize unorthodox health care services. The farmers preferred orthodox over unorthodox health care services. Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships (p < 0.05) between farmers’ income level (r = 0.15); household size (r = 0.18) and their utilization of orthodox health-care services. Chi-square analysis showed a significant association (p < 0.01) between farmers’ educational level and utilization of unorthodox health-care services (?2 = 19.48, df = 5). There was a significant difference (p < 0.01) between the patronage of orthodox and unorthodox health-care services by farming households (t = 10.00, df = 398). The study concluded that more arable crop farmers in Oyo state patronized orthodox health-care services than unorthodox health-care services. It was recommended that Government should facilitate the establishment of orthodox health-care services in the rural communities to further increase utilization of available services within the medical sphere. Keywords: Arable crop farmers, utilization, healthcar

Identification, distribution and prevalence of ecto-parasites associated with cultured fish in Ogun State, Nigeria

Public health issues can he considered as those of direct importance to both producers and consumers of fish and include broader issues of food production, processing and delivery systems. As aquaculture assumes an expanding role in meeting consumer demands for fish and fishery products, it is natural that they meet safety and quality standards. Aquaculture is a growing industry in Nigeria and it has assumed commercial importance activity. This study was part of the project on epizootiological survey of pathogenic diseases of cultured fish species and is aimed at identifying ecto-parasite associated with cultured fish in Ogun State, Nigeria. The study which was carried out in 2012 covered fifty fish farm, spread across the three senatorial zones. Five pieces of fish were randomly picked from each farm surveyed. Participants observation and structured questionnaires were administered to fish farmers in order to gather information on source of fries, fish feeding and feed type, use of manure and its type, pond type, stocking density, pond hygiene, water source, frequency of changing water and history of diseases and mortalities of fish. Before the fish samples were collected, pond size and physicochemical water quality were assessed. Water test kits were used to measure parameters like iron, nitrate, alkalinity and ammonia. All the procedures for physicochemical water quality parameter analysis was done according to the manufacturer's instructions. Water pH was measured using a probe while dissolved oxygen and both water as well as air temperature were measured by using Hanna kit. All types of farms are included in the survey such as hatcheries, brood stock farms as well as grow out farms. The study revealed the spread of parasites across the senatorial zones. The most common encountered parasites were Trichodina sp, Gyrodactylus sp, Dactylogyrus sp and trematodes. The intensity of the parasites differed markedly