Fishery resources are very important resource from the aquatic environment to the Nigerian economy. Stakeholders involvement in its management is highly important therefore, this paper proposes two frameworks against which sustainable fishery should be based, vis-a-vis stakeholders participation. The paper showed that decision-making involving stakeholders would enhance the goals of sustainable fishery development and create unity of purpose among various stakeholder

Agboola, J.I.

Akintola, S.L.

Clarke, E.

Denloye, O.A.

Olarinmoye, O.

Onanuga, A.I.

Aquatic Commons

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP OF STAKEHOLDERS: A VERITABLE TOOL FOR
SUSTAINABLE FISHERY RESOURCES IN NIGERIA
*AGBOOLA J. L1; O. A.2 ; CLARKE E.1; AKINTOLA S.L1 ONANUGA
OLARINMOYE O'
1.0epartment of Fisheries, Lagos State University
2. Department of Zoology, Lagos State University
ABSTRACT:
A very important resource from the aquatic environment to the Nigerian economy is fishery
resources. Stakeholder's involvement in its management has beet? around for some time. but fe ¡Ai
analytical papers ha ve been published on the subject in Africa. ThiS paper proposes two
frameworks against which sustainable fishery should be based, vis-à-vis stakeholders
participation, for decision making, in terms of knowing the goals of sustainable fishery and how
best to achieve them and also creating unity of purpose among various stakeholders to enable
the fishery sector cope with environmental dynamics. These frameworks will tremendously
improve the quality of Nigeria's fishery resources, since the duty of ensuring sustainable fishery
resources involves the participation of all and sundry,
Keywords: Fishery, strategic partnership, stakeholders, sustainable
development, Nigeria
Correspondent Author
Jb_agboola @yahoo.com
INTRODUCTION:
The global experience of " energy crisis" as a result of ever increasing human population,
has shifted survival pressure from land to water, In Nigeria, the abundant fishery resources within
the inland and territorial waters has greatly aided the establishment of fishing industries and fishing
as a pre-occupation of riverine locals.
Adversely, our waters are over-exploited, thus reducing the volume of fish catch and
enhancing the catch of undersized fish; the waters are polluted by oil and run-off of chemicals and
fertilizers, the nutrient enrichment leads to algal blooms and mats of water hyacinth impedes
navigation, thereby minimizing social and economic activities in the riverine areas. In addition, the
supposed fishery stakeholders, namely, the government, the fishermen - fishers (artisanal &
trawling) and fishfarmers, fish traders (Processors and Marketers) and consumers have either
directly or remotely jeopardized the objective of sustainable fishery resources by their actions and
counter- actions in time past. To be more objective and assertive, the relevance of strategic
partnership of stakeholders in the sustainability of fishery resources in Nigeria cannot be over-
emphasized. One can readily appreciate the importance when the long-term costs of not taking
actions to reverse and avoid the depletion of fishery resources are appraised.
Against this backdrop, there is therefore the need to foster good partnership among
fishery stakeholders in Nigeria, with a view of promoting friendship, understanding and
symbolically protecting our fishery resources, sustainably. The benefits of strategic partnership of
stakeholders are numerous, some of which are to ensure synthesization and cross fertilization of
539
information on sustainable fishery, capacity building, cooperation, integration and promoting
effective and efficient use of fishery resources. Also, the workability and effectiveness of the
objectives of sustainable fishery resources is ensured, environmental changes are better managed
and consistency among !the short, medium and long-term objectives/goals, plans and control.
This present paper therefore, aims at providing a framework against which sustainable
fishery resources is based, for decision making in terms of knowing the goals of sustainable
fishery and how best to achieve them. It is equally aimed at creating unity of purpose among
various stakeholders thereby assisting the fishery sector to cope with current environmental
dynamics.
NIGERIAN FISHERY RESOURCES
Fisheries ( a plural of fishery) is a term used to refer to industries of culturing , capturing
processing and marketing of fish. (Udeh Nwagwu, 2000) Various estimates have been made of
Nigerian fishery resource potentials. Although these estimates differ but they all point to one fact,
which is that production from fishery resources, is less than 1.5 million tons per annum. Some of
these estimates are considered high and yet they are not enough to meet fish dernand in Nigeria.
Moreover the actual production still remains less than the potential estimates. Fish production in
Nigerian inshore waters is relative to the width of the continental shelf, which ranges from 8 to 25
nautical miles; and this is one of the reasons why her fish production is not as high as that of some
°tiles neighboring countries. Secondly pelagic fish production is closely related to the level of
upwelling, which is not substantial in Nigeria inshore waters. Such pelagic species include
,E-1:thrnalosa fimbriata, llisha africana, Sardinelia maderensis, Scomberomeros tritor to mention a
few. Nutrient deposits from inland into the coastal waters are another factor that influences the
leve.lof fish production in such coastal waters. Another reason for low fish productivity in Nigeria is
non - adherence to fishing laws/regulations. It is also very difficult to give an accurate estimation of
Nigeria's fishery production and reSource potentials. This is because over 80% of fish production
is frorn the artisanal fishery sector. These numerous small-scale fishermen are scattered in remote
villages along the coastline and the extensive brackish-water system. In addition to this, Nigeria
has an extensive freshwater system and fishermen settle in remote villages around rivers,
streams, lakes and flood plains. It is therefore clear that improvement in fish supply in Nigeria is
very dependent on the cultivation of fish in both fresh and brackish-waters, and much more on
strategic partnership of various stakeholders.
Table 1: Pritlected Populadon of Nigeria and Fish demand 1989 2000 AD
rr-Year Projected
Po ulation(millions
106,345 1
09.067
1989
1990
1991
1992
993
1994
1995
996
1997
r 1998
1999
2000
1
111,858
14,720
117,657
120,669
123,759
126,929
130,180
133,516
136,933
140 446
Adapted from Okpanefe (1982)
540
human Projected Fish Demand
(Millions Tons)
69
1,199
1,230
1,262
1,294
1,327
1,381
1,396
1,432
1,469
1,506
1,545
Table 2: Estimated Domestic Fisheries production in Nigeria Between 1990 and 1996 (,000
tons)
Adapted from Otitolaiye (1999)
Table 3: Comparison between Domestic Fisheries Production and Importation in Nigeria.
1 53.12
42.95
Adapted from Otitolaiye (1999)
It is quite evident that fish supply in Nigeria has been grossly inadequate and lower than
the projected fish demand as indicated in tables 1,2 &3 above, Thus, the imperative for the
sustainability of the Nigerian fishery resources in order to meet the need (protein requirement) of
the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own
needs.(protein requirement).
SUSTAINABLE FISHERY RESOURCES
FAO (1989) defined -Sustainable development" as the management and conservation of
the natural resource-base, and the orientation of technological and institutional changes, in such a
manner as to ensure their the attainment and continued satisfaction of human needs for present
and future generations. Such sustainable development (in agriculture, forestry and fishery sectors)
conserves land, water, plant and animal genetic resources, is envir.onmentally non-degrading,
technically appropriate, economically viable and socially acceptable.
"Industrialization, urbanization, deforestation, mining, and agricultural land and water use
often cause degradation of aquatic environments, which is the greatest threat to inland fish
production,"according to FAO."Fishery resources are being affected by destruction and
541
51.64
51.95
47.33
47.23
40.86
47.83
Year Coastal
Brackish
water
Inland rivers &
lakes
Fish Farms Industrial
Production
Total
1990 170,000 113,000 7,000 25,000 315,000
1991 168,000 123,000 16,000 36,000 343,000
1992 184,000 100,000 20,000 39,000 343,000
1993 184,000 99,500 19,770 34,965 338,642
1994 106,276 94,876 18,704 31,420 251,275
1995 124,117 110,476 18,104 20,753 273,276
1996 142,279 26,642 20,753 10,497 200,171
Mean 154,154 95,356 17,190 28,190 294,909
S1990 298,552 31-5,000 613,552
1991 317,244 343.0004 660,244
1992 343,000381,625 724,625
1993 378,414 338,642 717,056
1994 363.688 251,275 614,963
1995 241,133 273,276 514,409
r 1996 265,882 200,171 466,053
Mean 320,934 294,909 615,843
Year Import Domestic Estimated Domestic Production
Production total
requirement
as % of total
requirement.
fragmentation of aquatic habitat by aquatic pollution due to the release of urban and industrial
effluents and run-off of agro-chemicals, impc.)undment, channelization of water bodies, excessive
water abstraction or diversion, soil erosion and manipulation of hydrological characteristics of
rivers, lakes and flood plains.'
In order to achieve sustanable fishery development, management strategies need to be
enhanced beyond the present level. Survey of resources should be regularly carried out. This will
provide ready information on the state and identity of stock, which is used for quick intervention in
* cases of excessive drop in yield There is a need for an extensive and quantitative study of the
artisanarfishery for further development. This is as a result of overexploitation of stock occasioned
by excessive fishing and the use of small mesh size net, which results in mortality of young fishes.
which ought to grow and replenish the stock. Sampling of catches of artisanal and industrial fleets
'should be improved and reliable statistics made available on species caught, size, yield, etc
Moreover, measures should be taken to reduce conflicts in artisanal fishery which is caused by the
open access phenomenon of the resources hence competition and consequent conflict among
fishermen. Measures to enhance inland fisheries management include aquaculture, adequate
IE,gislation, environmental engineering and more importantly partnership of various stake,holders in
order to cope with the changing environment
Table 4: The estimated cost of Un-sustained Development in Nigeria a World Bank 1990
Report
Water contamination
VVater tlyacinth
Deforestation
Fishery Losses
Wild Life losses
Soil Degradation
GOy Erosion
Coastal Erosion
Total
54-7
--N=10 Billion per year
=N=5 Billionyer year
=N=7.5 billion per year
=N=0 5,Billion per year
=Nz--021 Billion per Year
! =N=3 Billion per year
=N=1 6 Billion per year
=N=1.5 Billion per year
=1\1=29.2 Billion per year
Source Adapted from Ama (1992)
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP OF FISHERY STAKEHOLDERS
'Strategic Partnership" denotes a formal, comprehensive and systematic; approach (mutual
cooperation). to clarifying objectives, making decision and checking progress toward the objective.
The objective in this context is sustainable fishery resources. The relevance/benefits of strategic
partnership of stakeholders in the sustainability of Nigerian Fishery resources cannot be over-
emphasized Needless to say:
it boosts and fosters unimpeded groWth within the Nigeria Fishery Sector.
it improves the quality of decision and management control-to-be about sustainable fishery
resources
o Environmental changes are better managed
<> A sense of purpose is imbibed in all the stakeholders as they are constantly engaged in
creativity and initiative in ideas
Resources depletion are due to inefficient or ineffective use of resources. In managing this
risk, strategic partnership of stakeholders do help.
Effectiveness and workability of sustainable fishery objective'is ensured.
It creates unity of purpose among various stakeholders
Assist the fishery sector in coping with environmental dynamics
There is consistency among long term, medium term and short-term objectives, plans and
control.
ACTION PLAN
PROPOSED FRAME WORK (I) FOR SUSTAINABLE FISHERY RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
Framework against which sustainable fishery should be based is put together as
A Outward/Outreach Plan
B. Inward/in-reach Plan
1.0utward/Outreach Plan: This has to do with:
The identification of various stakeholders in fishery and the determination of their roles
and interplay.
Environmental analysis which has to do with the ways through which the fishery sector of
the Nigerian economy has changed over time. The need for forecasting and other
management science methods, because of the degree of changes in all the
environmental factors. Here the SWOT analysis is employed
(S=Strength;W=Weaknesses: 0=Opprtunities & T=Threats)
Resource Analysis: the essence of this is the identification of fishery biodiversity,the
relative abundance of species from different location
Strategic decision making: To look at the current performance gap,it may be necessary to
change the existing strategy through identification, evaluation and selection of alternative
approaches e.g breaking of new grounds (Aquaculture),Pruning of current fishing
industries to a reasonable/adequate size,review and modification of existing laws etc.
'Inward/In-reach' Plan: It is much easier to sustain our fishery resources when a strategy
enjoys long tenure and this can only be achieved through partnership of the various
stakeholders. Gaps, which exist between fishery stakeholders as a result of loss of
resources, choice of objective, consumer pressure and environmental dynamics, can be
bridged by this plan.
SWOT ANALYSIS
SWOT is the acronym for strength, weakness, opportunities and threats. It is a unique
inward management plan which takes into cognisance: the Strength (Nigeria's vast rich land,
wetland and water resources suitable for fishing and aquaculture),our Weaknesses(over-
fishing,non adherence to fishing laws,lack of partnership among stakeholders,government
regulatory negligence and finance),Opportunities(Aquaculture and viable fish seeds amongst
others),and Threats (pollution,fishing by non licensed fishermen, aquatic, loss of wetlands and
,Automotive Gas Oil(AGO) scarcity).
The strength as mentioned above and the weaknesses of the Nigerian Fishery Sector
can be matched with the Opportunities and threats in operation within the external environment so
that an effective strategy can be formulated.
Strategic Partnership if made strength along with others through the opportunities of
breaking new grounds will no doubt neutralize our threats by minimizing the impact of our
weaknesses.
543
The rationale for partnership involves two themes. One suggests that partnership is a
necessary input to improve the chances of success of development initiatives. The other suggest
that partnership is a goal in itself and it is not simply a means to improving development
initiatives.
PROPOSED FRAME WORK (II) FOR SFRM (Sustainable Fishery Resources management)
STAKEHOLDERS-BASED Am PROACH (SBA): This is a comprehensive strategy that seeks to
address the multi-face ed issues affecting the fishery resources through active and meaningful
partnership of fishery stakeholders.
Underlying, the term "Stakeholders-based" is a principle that the users of fishery resources
(directly or indirectly) should be the rightful managers of the resources. Through its various
processes, SBA hopes to restore the sense of "ownership" and responsibility to both the primary
and secondary users of fishery resources.
SBA integrates the various roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders to achieve our
objective of sustainable fishery resources.
The Fishery Stakeholders:
A successful sustainable management of fishery resources must utilize a comprehensive
approach stakeholders' partnership. Fishery stakeholders are
The Government
The Fishermen -Fishers(Artisanal & Trawl Fishing), fish farmers
Fish Traders (Processors & Marketers)
Consumers
CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATION
Our fishery resources are being depleted at an alarming rate as a result of heavy wz'3r
pollution, poor harvesting methods, and over fishing. Unless adequate steps are taken to protect
our fishery resources and increase fish production through aquaculture, government's desire to
increase the protein in take of the people will not be realized. The adequate step to be taken so
as to incfease the potentials of Nigerian aquatic resources is no other than the strategic
partnership of fishery stakeholders. There is therefore the need to 'foster good partnership among
fishery stakeholders in Nigeria with a view of promoting friendship, understanding and
symtolically protecting our fishery resources sustainably.
To meet the challenge, governments, in collaboration with stakeholders, must have a
clear and comprehensive strategy for the development of their aquatic resources. This should
take a holistic approach, given the multifaceted nature of resource use and the potential for
conflict and competition. This strategic framework is all the more important as fiscal and human
reiources for many countries are becoming more and more limited and the public sector is asked
to do more with less, frequently in close collaboration with the private sector. This strategy must
unambiguously identify the roles of all stakeholders, assigning responsibilities and benefits.
Government, development agencies and other stakeholders should accept that there could be
merit in incorporating traditional knowledge within fisheries and aquaculture development
programs. Thus, studies should be undertaken to expand the knowledge base of existing
traditional knowledge in fisheries and fishery development, to improve understanding of the
complexities of resource utilization. Efforts should be made to build on existing enhancement
practices or to merge them with modern know-how and technology. Through these processes
there is an inherent dependence on information. Effective and current information channels are
necessary for the full spectrum of players involved in fishery resource management to be able to
make meaningful decisions and fully appreciate the dynamics of the aquatic systems. More so,
544
Government should implement Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) 'prior to embarking on
activities that has negative impacts on aquatic resources and should continue to monitor the
ecosystem changes.
Finally, if sustainable fishery resources are truly to become. a 'development paradigm'
then it will be nécessary to effect a basic change in our life-style, in our attitude, and in the value
systems. No doubt, this could be achieved largely through the strategic partnership of the various
stakeholders, since the duty of ensuring sustainable fishery resources involves the participation of
all and sundry.
REFERENCES
Aina, E.O.A. (1992): "Transition to sustainable Development through Environmental
Protection" The 1992 Annual FEPA Press Briefing, Abuja, FEPA
Akpoyomare Oghojafor (2000); Strategic Planning; A Guide. Malthouse Press Ltd. lkeja.
Lagos Nigeria.
FAO (2003) : Review of the state of World Aquaculture. FAO Fisheries Circula No. 886,
Rev. 2
Folke, et al., (1992): Biodiversity Loss: An introduction. Ambio 21(3), pp. 200-2.
Food and Agricultural organisation of the United Nation (cited as FAO 1989). The state of
food Agriculture. FAO. Rome, Italy (not available for checking).
Okpanefe, M. O. (1982) Demand Analysis of Nigerian Fisheries. Proc. 2nd Ann. Conf.
FISON, 25 27 January 193-206.
Olaosebikan, B. D. án 1 Raji, A. (1998); Field Guide to Nigerian Freshwater Fishes Pub
Federal College of Freshwaters Fisheries Technology, New Bussa
Otitolaiye, J. 0. (1999). Economic analysis of fisheries production in Nigeria J. Fish.
Tech. Vol 1. No. 1 34-38.
Polunin, Nicholas & Worthington, E. Banton (1990): On the use and misuse of the term
"Ecosystem" Environmental Conservation, 17 (3), P. 274.
Udeh Nwagwu E. 0. (2000): Elements of Fisheries Compu-Graph Press, Abakaliki,
Nigeria.
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Strategic partnership of stakeholders: a veritable tool for sustainable fishery resources in Nigeria

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