Potential for sustainable floodplain fisheries development: a case study of Tatabu floodplain

This study presents evidence from a case study of an ecological appraisal of Tatabu flood plain aimed at formulation management approaches for the enhancement of the fishing communities social economic and cultural realities. Tabtabu flood plain is located north of Jebba and at high water the ecosystems cover about 700 hectares. Fishing constitutes the principal economic activity of natural fish food and flora (especially phytoplankton and zooplankton) which support and favour the growth of over 26 fish species that belong to 15 families. Among the commercially important species in terms of dominance on percentage weight basis are Mochokidae, Cichlidae, Claridae and Characidae with an overall average standing crop of 88.24kg/ha based on gill net experiment. The study based on the intrinsic ecological attributes and local people willingness for sustained contribution of fisheries to food supply indicates that with adequate management Tatabu flood plain ecosystems have tremendous fishery potentials that would enhance the economic well being of the communities. Several management options that are applicable to similar plain are discusse

Water hyacinth cover and hydrological pattern of Kainji Lake

(8 page document

Effects of different sources of water on water hyacinth growth performance

(11 page document

The nutritive value of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and its utilisation in fish feed

(6 page document

Community mobilization for water hyacinth control strategies: experiences from Kainji Lake area, Nigeria

(12 page document

Effect of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassippes) infestation on zooplankton populations in Awba Reservoir, Ibadan, south-west Nigeria

The effect of water hyacinth infestation on the abundance, distribution and species composition of zooplankton in Awba Reservoir were investigated. Samples were collected in each of the sampling areas (water hyacinth infested and open water) by vertical zooplankton hauls using §1Yro bolting silk net. The species composition of the zooplankton from the sampled areas consisted of 3 taxa, comprising of 6 species of Cladocera (Moina sp.,Ceriodaphnia sp.,Pleuroxus sp.,Diaphanosoma sp.,Chydorus sp., and Leydigia sp.,) 6 species of Rotifers(Asplanchna sp.,Trichocerca.,Filinia sp., Polyarthra sp.,Brachionus sp.,and Lecane sp.) and 3 species of Copepoda(Cycloid copepods, Copepodite nauphii and Calanoid copepods). However, the study showed that the Rotifers had higher numerical abundance in the study areas. Water hyacinth infested area had a total density of 95 individuals/I while open water had 225 individuals/I. The study showed that the density of zooplankton was significantly lower (P<0.05) in the infested area. Biotic indices such as Margalefs, and Simpson's indices were lower in the infested area while Shannon-Weiner diversity index was significantly lower (P<0.05). The result suggests that water hyacinth dense mats affected the numerical abundance of the zooplanktons

Fish hatchery survey in Borno State, Nigeria

Aquaculture is regarded as being uniquely placed to reverse declining supplies from capture fisheries and for this to be realized, fish hatchery has a notable role to play. Fish hatchery is the bedrock upon which true and sustainable fish farming can be built. A field survey was conducted in the 3 geo-political zones of the State to look into the number and functionality of fish hatcheries. Results showed that there were about 23 fish hatcheries in the State with the majority concentrated in Maiduguri metropolis. Private ownership (79%) dominated of which 84% were functional. Average annual production is less than 10,000 fingerlings in most hatcheries while the wild sourced fingerlings were used as alternative by the majority. Most hatcheries (62%) made use of concrete tanks for breeding and nursery. All the respondents were of the opinion that the level of patronage was encouraging, though agreed that the level of aquaculture development in the State was low. However, few among the respondents said aquaculture development in the State is on the increase due to low productivity of natural water bodies for the past 10 years. Recommendations were made on how to improve hatchery operation that could help to boost aquaculture development in the Stat

Some soil nutrient composition favouring the growth of Typha grass in Kebbi and Katsina States, Nigeria

This study was carried out by surveying all the water bodies of two states where Typha grass exists. Soil auger was used to take soil samples randomly from five different locations in both Kebbi and Katsina state at the depths of 0-5cm, 510cm, 10 15cm. Soil nutrient was analyzed for the mineral composition of the two States at different season and soil depths. The result showed that, soil depth between 5-10cm has the highest percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium during dry season. The nutrient composition of soil from the two states followed the same pattern during wet season

Impact of seasonal variation on population of weevils (Neochetina spp)

The impact of seasonal variation on population of weevils (Neochetina Spp), commonly used as water hyacinth bio-control agent was carried out in the National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research water-hyacinth insect laboratory. The experiment was conducted between May 2006 and April, 2007. Ten plastic containers of 50cm depth, 60cm diameter and 20-litre capacity each filled with 16- litters of water and 20 bunches of water hyacinth were used for the experiment. Ten weevils made up of five male and five female were introduced into each of the plastics container. The weevils were monitored daily, their numbers recorded. The result showed that, during wet season (May to October) the population of weevils increased, while it decreased during the dry season (November to April). Data analysis showed that, there was significant difference between wet season and dry season (P<0.05)

Utilization of some aquatic macrophytes in Nigeria in-land water bodies: a review

Aquatic vegetation is an essential component of the aquatic ecosystem with both positive and negative implications on the water body. Efforts are always made to curtail the excessive growth of aquatic plants in order to prevent them from becoming a nuisance in the ecosystem. One of the ways of solving such problem is the positive economic use of such plants. Utilization as a method of weed control within the aquatic ecosystem is considered to be one of the safest methods of weed control as this provides the riparian communities double advantages in terms of save environment and personal benefits of the plant. The flora diversity of freshwater and brackish environments posses a great potential to both man and higher animals alike. Due to this fact, this paper attempt to review the exploited and unexploited aquatic plants resources of many of our water bodies in Nigeria both economica/ly and socially, to the populace. Recommendations are also advanced for further studies that will enhance sound management of the resources for maximum benefits and sustainabilit