The paper discusses the application of Geographic Information System (GIS) to fisheries management. The paper presents the importance of the emerging technology of GIS and how it can be utilized to greatly speed up and make more efficient location optimizing processes and how the technology can allow for a through examination of the many spatially variable factors which might affect or control fish production both from aquaculture and inland fisheries in Nigeri

Omoyeni, B.A.

English

Aquatic Commons

GIS APPLICATION TO BOOST FISH PRODUCTION IN NIGERIA
BY
OMOYENI BENARD ADEDOTUN
Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology
P.M.B 1060, Maiduguri, Bomo State
ABSRACT
The paper discusses the application of geographic information system (GIS) to fisheries
enhancement, examining the capability of GIS, a computer - assisted analytical tool and spatial
technology to offer the much needed operational strategies and techniques for acquiring.
manipulating, storing, modeling and displaying multi-din-lensional fisheries production data.
Presentation is 017 the importance of the emerging technology of GIS and how it can be utilized to
greatly speed up and make more efficient location optimizing processes and how the technology
can allow for a through examination of the many spatially variable factors which might affect or
control fish production both from aquaculture and inland fisheries in Nigeria,
INTRODUCTION.
Nigeria is a coastal state with a lot of fisheries resources, both in marine and in
inland waters, the potentials for aquaculture is no doubt enormous with about 12.5 million
hectares estimated to be suitable for aquaculture development in freshwater and marne
environment (Gaffer, 1996).
Tobar (1993) estimated that Nigeria has aquatic potentials to produce up to 1.3 million
metric tones of fish through aquaculture. The inland fisheries are estimated to be capable of
producing over 1.5 million metric tones of fish annually with adequate management (Ita, 1993).
The current overall fish production is estimated at 500.000 metric tones, whereas the requirement
or demand for fish production is about 5 million metric tones (Dada 2004). This clearly shows that
there exist a wide gap between fish production and demand for fish products.
It is ironical that Nigerias 15 million hectares of inland water mass (Ita, 1993) and the
12.5 million hectare suitable for aquaculture land mass (Gaffar 1996) have not translated to
abundance of fish for its citizen and economic growth.
It is evident that fish production in Nigeria has not witnessed any appreciable growth
due severally to a number of environmental, socio-economic political and policy issues. The
implication is that people have not been able to provide for themselves at the most basic level
that is to provide a suitable means of producing sufficient food.
In response to this strategies aimed at ensuring food security is been aciopteci world
wide, this is more so because the rapidly rising world population is causing pressure on both
land and water space because of the need to greatly increase food output. F.A.0 (1991)
observed that a realistic and practicable way of supplying more food protein is to increase fish
production through aquaculture and inland fisheries. Fish production can only be increased when
the spatially variable production factors controlling aquaculture and inland fisheries are well
understood and properly addressed.. One of the barriers both to increasing fisheries output and
to enhancing the diffusion process concerning aquacultural techniques, has been the lack of
data on , and method for optimising production location (FA0,1991).
To optimize production location, it is necessary that the great volumes and diversity of
data required be captured efficiently and effectively so that the appropriate management
decision can be made quickly and confidently .
677
The use of .a computer assisted analytical tools such as the geographic information
systems (GIS) fill in this gap .spatial technology offers the much needed operatienal strategies
and techniques for acquiring ,manipulating , storing ,analysing , modulating ,modelling and
displaying geographically referred dada for solving complex human related problems.
Combining Gis with remote sensing technology can greatly assist in the spatial decision making
process.
Emphasizing the significance of this technology to enhance fish production in Nigeria is
quite important at this time. considering the fact that GIS technology is relatively young in Nigeria.
This paper therefore discusses the importance of the emerging technology of GIS and
how it can be utilized to greatly speed up and make more effidient location optimising processes
and how the technology can allow for a thorough examination of the many spatially variable
factors which might affect or control fish production both in aquaculture and the Inland waters of
Nigeria.
FISH PRODUCTION; THE FUTURE OF FOOD SECURITY
Given the emerging scenario, the World population was estimated to be increasing at
a rate approaching 100 million per annum (FAO, 1991). The Nigeria population figure for 2004 is
130 million. This implies that demands for food would increase.
Meanwhile, it has been noted that food production, which was increasing in the past,
has cease to increase and had become inadequate to satisfy rising demands. The effect on
people is under nourishment. (FAO, 1991) noted that grain production per person declined in 51
developing countries between 1981 and 1988, with the total number of malnourished increasing
from 460 to 512 million. VVith the VVorld population likely to quadruple between 1950 and 2025,
and with potential agricultural land being already at a premium" then increasing food yields per
hectare must be maintained. Meanwhile. Much of this increase must be in the form of protein.
At present the production of meat protein in most area is energy wasteful, this is partly
because protein conversion ratio from feedstuff to meat is about 20% (Cox and Atkins, 1979).
This implies that conventionally produced meat will become an expensive luxury with
alternative form of meat protein being increasingly pursued. Much of this will have to be supplied
in the form of fish. Interestingly, it is widely acknowledged that feed conversion ratio FCR can be
up to 67% for fish (Solomon et al, 1996) and that there are considerable evidence in the use of
fish and fish product for solving health, problems. (Abdulahi, 2001). The problem of protein
energy malnutrition (PEM) would be greatly solved by fish consumption.
The combination of fish yields from wild-catch and aquaculture will bring about
increase output in fish food production granting that pragmatic management strategies that will
boost fish productions are put in place.
SPATIALLY VARIABLE PRODUCTION FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING AQUACULTURE AND
INLAND FISHERIES
Fish production is dependent on a number of factors: these factors have been termed
production factors because fish yield/out put is' a function of various combination of parameters or
factors. The factors fall under environmental / physical, economic, and social factors and all
these will show spatial variability within and between given areas or zones.
The rationale for most economic activities is profit maximization or cost reduction
enterprises will seek to manipulate production functions in such a way as to best secure the
maximum outlay of time capital or effort in seeking suitable location for aquaculture and capture
fisheries, profit maximization is often the production rationale.
From the spatial perspective, it is quite possible to optimize production functions by
taking the right decision based on available spatial data e.g. the best location for optimum fish
production can be determined.
678
FAO (1991), observed that both avacultuie and inland fisheries are complex
production activities, and that the range of ,:ontroning production functions will therefore vary
greatly between and within different loc»tions
Attempt is made here to identify some production functions controlling aquaculture
and inland fisheries based on FAO 1991) are:
Land aVailabitity
Capital owneranip
TopogrPF3nY
ciiniate
Seas. --n and area
W availability
(9) Water quality
Potential for competitive water use
Soil properties
Pre.dators
Ad;acent land uses
(I) Proximity 10 supporting infiastructure
(rn) Access roads
Local politicai social & economic factors
Environmental constraints
Security
Availability of skilled manpower
Exploitation method
Pollution
r\quatic macrophytes
Communication Etc
Attompt here i3 not to be exhaustive on production factors, it is to show their
complexities and spatial variability, hence draw alternation to how GIS technology can be applied
to capturing analys.inq and presenting those variables for effective decisions that are relevant for
enhancement 7f ;ish pl oduction in Nigeria
GIS as tool for harrilina fish production functions In order to select a site or choose a
general location from where a spec:tic site may be sele,cted for fisheries enhancement, th:n there
must be infcriratioq oci the manner in Nhich individual production function vary spatially and
preferably hov,,' selected optimum combination of these functions vary in "space making these
information available can well be speeded up by the use of GIS For instance FAO (1991)
observed that effective management of rare species will require detailed information on many
environment variables, in order word, production variables cOvering a broad range of temporal
and spatial scales.
In particular. environmental manager need to know where the biota of concern live,
where threats to the bicta may occur and the extent to which known threats will adversely affect
the biota. Given this information, managers can develop cost-effective strategies to minimize
further losses of biodiversity or to restore ecological systems, which are already degraded.
The great volumes and diversity of data required to manage biodiversity effectively
necessitate-, the use of computer - assisted analytical tools such as GIS, so that appropriate
managen-E:ilr decisions can be made quickly and confidently.
Fabiyi (2002) stated that in recent y-ears the development of GIS makes timely spatial
information accessible, moreover, its capabilities of spatial analysis and presentation makes it
useful tool for studying landscape and spatial structure, landscape changes analysis, land use
and land cover analysis, land degradation, changes io natural resources and ecosystem e.g.
679
hydrological changes, vegetation socio economic analysis of human activities within the
environment etc.
Fabiyi (2002) captured the concept of GIS as a unique integration of computer
hardware, software, peripherals procta,r_iural tochniques and organizational structures, people and
institution for capturing, manipulating, stor;ad, ana!ysing, modelling, modulating and displaying
geographically referenced data for solving huntan re:eted problem. Being that all objects,
phenomenon, features and activities are geographic tantities the spatial relationship between
geographic entities in relation to space can be captured, therefore ,1411 human activities and the
natural environment where these activities take place can be capred as data, analysed and
displayed with GIS for management decision.
Because geographic data can be assessed, transformed and ,71anipulated
irfiteractively, they serve as test bed for studying environmental proceses or for aitaalysird the
re's-tilts of trend or anticipating the possible results of planning decisions (Burrough 198C) ¡I:1
principle, it is possible for planner and decision makers to explore a range of possible scenarios
andto obtain an idea of the consequences of a course of actions.
It is important to state here that all the fish production geographic factors earlier
mentioned have properties, it then means that GIS can be applied to them for investment and
Management decisions
Data on fish production functions can be categorized into spatial and attribute data as
With all geographic data.
Spatial data are earth related data about features on the earth surface. Depending
on the mode of capture spatial data can further be divided into Raster and Vector data.
The raster data type records spatial information in a regular grid or matrix organized
as a set of rows or column. Each cell within this grid or matrix contains a number representing a
particular geographic feature such as soil types, elevation, hydrological changes, land use / land
cover, topography etc. The satellite imagery obtained from remote sensing technology is a form
of raster data. It is important to note that rernote sensing provides 90 95% of GIS data.
Remote sensing refers to the group of techniques of collecting information about the
earth object and its surrounding from a distance with the use of sensors Without coming into
physical contact with the object. The products are in form of images, which can be processed for
further interpretation and application to solving earth related problems. Remote sensing and GIS
are being integrated in analytical and application context.
Vector data records spatial information as X, Y coordinates or series. of X. Y
coordinate. Data can be captured as point line of polygon (area) in a two dimensional state.
Attribute data represents the characteristics or description of the geographic feature
captured as numbers or characters typically stored in tabular:format and linked to feature. E.g.
the attribute of a river may include, name, length, width, depth, direetion of flow etc. The attribute
data is expected to give information on the geographic propertiés of the phenomenon being
analysed
The spatial analysis capability of GIS makes it a unique technology GIS performs
series of spatial analysis using the GIS software which include Are view, Arc/INFO, ATLAS GIS,
fVlap info. IDRISI etc.
Spatial analysis refers to series of iteration performed on spatial data to observe the
relationship, scenario changes in even and area measurement.
The general GIS spatial analysis include:
Buffering
Distance analysis
Change cietection analysis
Area measurement
Classification
680
Networking
Contiguity analysis
Surface interpolation
Digital elevation modelling (DEM)
Spatial search, Etc.
The GIS softwaré function in such a way that spatial data can be greatly manipulated.
Ultimately, GIS results are presented in maps, statistical table, charts and graphs and a
vast amount of information can be accessed for effective decision in investment and
management.
The schematic diagram below will assist in explaining the stages in spatial dec sion-
making in GIS.
PROXY
I) \TA I
AIM
011.IFICTION
SPATIALLY VARIABli ("FI)N FIN('H()NS
1)/1.I /1
LA:RIVID MAI)
S[CONDARY
DATA
I NIAPS
CiF,OGRAPIIIC INFORMATION
SYSTF.NA
LOCATION
DFCISSION
Source: FAO, 1999.
With the application of GIS to aquaculture and inland fisheries , relevant locational
specific, precise, reliable and timely information can be obtained on
soil suitability.
water quantity and quality
land use practices
proximity to supporting infrastructure .
pollution
topography
socio- economic variable s
(h)secunty
impact of environmental change
spatial inconsistencies in the demand /supply balance.
the recognition of core areas were the diffusion of fisheries innovation may spread
(I) hydrological changes
environmental impact assessment
market analysis e.t.c .
The importance of GIS in fish food production can not be over-emphasized .F.A.0
(1987, 1991 and 1997) have discussed these importance . Meanwhile, the äpplication of GIS is
at rudimentary stage in Nigeria . few publications are available on the subject of remote
681
PRIMARY
TOPOGRAPHIC
Lisp
sensing and GIS in natural resources management (Adeniyi and Omojola , 1999tdoiodun
1999, Olokor 2004 , Omojola 1997 , Adeniyi 1998, Fabiyi 2002, Ayeni 2002).
The consensus among the practitioners of GIS is that it is a technology that will revolutionize
the procedure of doing things in many disciplines because it greatly enhances the
conventional way of conducting social and scientific research , and has the potentials to
dissolve the rigid boundaries of many disciplinary..
As population increases
, the challenge of achieving fish food security will also increase , as
such there must be a quick response to solving the related problems , of famine , poverty,
environmental degradation , inequality ,etc the application of GIS to aquaculture and inland
fisheries can confidentially take us ta the dream and of fish abundance.
RECOIVIIENDATION ANO CONCLUSiON
In witnessing a rapid growth in GIS application to inland fisheries and aquaculture
and thus increased fish production .the foregoing recommendation are considered necessary
There should be capacity building so as to fill the existing vacuum created by dearth of
GIS export .
The government should .make adequate provision for the mounting of GIS laboratories at
designated fisheries institutions in the country .
GIS should be introduced into the curriculum of fisheries sciences in institution of higher
learning
Integrating GIS into inland fisheries and aquaculture will inevitably influence the nature
procedures and techniques of data capture , analysis and usage This will no doubt enhance
the process of making decision that will ultimately boost fish production in Nigeria.
F.:EFRENCES
Adeniyi P.O (1998). Making remote sensing and GIS work for suitable agriculture and rural
development in sub- sahara Africa : in Geo information technology application for
resources and environmental management in Africa .AARSE, UN1LAG, Lagos .
Adeniyi .P.O and Ornojola A (1999) .land use / land cover change evaluation in sokoto river
basin of north west in Nigeria based on archival remote sensing and GIS
technology .AARSE, UN1LAG, Lagos.
Fabiyi 0.0 (2002) .Geographic information system . Techniques and methods, University of
lbadan , lbadan
FAO (1987) Geographic information system and satellite remote sensing to plan for
aquaculture development FAO Technical paper number NO 287,FAO ROME.
FAO (1995) . geographic systems and remote sensing in inland fisheries and aquaculture .
FAO technical paper 318, Rome .
Fts,0 (1997).A strategic assessment of the potentials for freshwater fish farming in Latin
America ,COPESCAL Technical paper 10, FAO ;Rome
.
Gaffar JA (1996). Twenty years of fisheries development in Nigeria In 1996 F1SON
proceeding FISON , Lagos.
Ita E.0 (1996 ) . Enhancing potential fish catch in Nigeria's inland water : in 1996 FISON
proceeding , FISON Lagos.
Olokor J.0 (2004) .Characterization and analysis of land use , vegetation and hydrological
changes of Lake Chad between 1978 and 1993 using LANDSAT TM and MSS
imageries .journal of Arid zone fisheries vol 2, NO 2 FCFF7. Baga
6 82


GIS application to boost fish production in Nigeria

Abstract

Similar works

Full text

Available Versions

Aquatic Commons