Plankton periodicity and some physicochemical parameters of the intake channel of Lake Chad

This study examines zooplankton periodicity and some physicochemical parameters of the intake channel of Lake Chad (Nigeria). Nine different zooplankton species were identified at the sampling station 1, while seven different zooplankton species were identified at the sampling station 2 (the intake channel of Lake Chad). Each identified zooplankton species was grouped according to its major group of copepods, Cladocera or Rotifera. The copepods dominated the zooplankton community with the highest numbers of occurrence as Cyclopedia species throughout the course of the study at both station l and 2. There was a clear evidence of the influence of organic manure nutrients on total zooplankton population at station 1 when compared to that of station 2. The water quality variables measured in the course of this study show that the surface water temperature in station 1 ranges from 27.5 degree C to 30.5 degree C. The pH ranges from 6.8 to 8.5, while D.O. contents ranges from 2.9mg/L to 6.1mg/L and alkalinity recorded was 172.00 to 208.00. At the station 2 the water quality parameters obtained show that surface water temperature ranges from 27.3 degree C to 30.2 degree C, pH ranges between 6.9 to 8.5, while the D.O contents ranges from 3.0 mg/L to 6.2 mg/L.Alkalinity ranges from 172mg/L to 212 mg/

Vocational training of Nigeria unemployed youths in Northeast Nigeria as fish farmers: a means of ensuring food security

Vocational training for unemployed youths as fish farmers plays an important role in meeting fish protein need of Nigeria, contributing immensely to the national economy by providing nutritious food for the populace, creating jobs and enhancing national health and wealth. Youths are the leaders of tomorrow thereby their contribution towards food security is important. The study considered their opinion on the training based on skills acquired during a-6-week intensive vocational training. Results show that most trainees (97.03%) are within the economically active age group of 20-39years. Most trainees were confident that the programme will ensure food abundance and have a great impact on national economy. They also considered the training helpful and not only to their immediate families but also to the country at large. Skills were acquired in 8 various enterprises of fisheries but most trainees (43.56%) show greatest interest in fish fingerlings production through induced breeding, a situation that could boost aquaculture in Nigeria in few years to come. According to the trainees, the programme is laudable, and came at the right time when Nigeria is agitating to be put among the economically developed nations. However, youths exercise fear over inconsistency that could impede the progress of the programme. Recommendations are made on how to ensure better food security through a laudable programme of this nature

Efficiency of vocational training of Nigeria unemployed youths in Northeast Nigeria as fish farmers

Vocational training for unemployed youths plays an important role in solving the problem of unemployment in Nigeria, assisting the teeming unemployed youths to find their footing in society as responsible citizens and for wealth building and creation. Youths as participants are the major actors in appraising the vocational training. The study probed into the activities of these youths during their six weeks stay at the Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology, Baga. Result shows that most trainees (81.19%) were within the age range of 20-29 years. 94.06% were males while 5.94% were females. Desires for self employment made these youths to participate in vocational training as many of them (51.49%) are in total unemployment while the rest are involving in menial jobs. Skills were acquired in 8 different fisheries enterprises and these include Fish production, fish processing technology, fish feed production technology, boat construction, aquarium construction, fish marketing, extension methods and fishing gear construction and maintenance. Most trainees (43.56%) preferred and show enthusiasm for fingerlings production through induced breeding. Trainees were from 41 local government areas in 7 states in the North-east Nigeria. Virtually all participants performed above average, a result that is encouraging if aquaculture must develop and solve unemployment problem. Vocational training has distortions that impede its efficiency

Growth and production of fingerlings of Dutch Clarias gariepinus in indoor tanks in arid zone, Nigeria

Study on the growth and percentage survival of seasonal induced breeding was carried out at the Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology Baga. About 40,414 fingerlings were produced with percentage survival of 81.1 % at water temperature of 28degrees C between April and May, 2009. The average weight of fingerlings produced was 1.54 g with average standard and total length of 3.0 cm and 3.5 cm respectively. However, environmental factors that could hinder mass production of Dutch Clarias fry/fingerlings stocked at low and high stocking densities were monitored for eight weeks at 3.6 m2 indoor concrete tanks with water aeration using flow-through system. The percentage survival of 83.5% and 92.5% were obtained after the period of 8 weeks. The fry/fingerlings were fed with Artemia mixed with powdered feed of 35 % crude protein. The study shows that for Dutch Clarias fry/fingerlings production and management, smaller concrete tanks with flow-through mechanism are required and 3.6 m2 should not be stocked with more than 3,500 fingerlings per tank in the first 8 weeks before transferring them to production ponds. It was observed that apart from efficient water aeration, constant feeding and sampling of fingerlings will increase growth rate, increase resistance to disease and uniformity in size of the Dutch Clarias. The mean water temperature measured in this study ranged from 27.5degrees C in April and 28.5degrees C in May while pH ranged between 7.5 and 7.3 in April and May, respectively

Some water quality parameters and zooplankton periodicity of the Baga in-take channel of Lake Chad

Assessment of some water quality parameters and zooplankton periodicity of the Baga in-take channel of Lake Chad was reviewed. Seven different species of zooplankton were identified at the two sampling stations of the channel. Each identified zooplankton species were grouped according to its major group of Copepods, Cladocera and Rotifera. The copepods dominated the total population with the highest number of occurrence as Cyc1opoids species. There was a mark evidence of organic manure nutrient on total zooplankton population. Surface water temperature in station 1 ranged from 22.8-28. 1degreesC the pH ranged from 6.10 - 7.12 while D.O ranges from 4.00mg/1 -6.20 mg/I. At station 2, temp ranged from 22.0-28.1 OdegreesC, pH ranged 7.1 - 8.6 while D.O. ranged from 4.00mg/1 - 6.20mg/1