Veterinary Clinical Services and the Nigerian Fisheries Industry

Study Notes

Introduction to Fish and Their Importance

Fish are cold-blooded aquatic vertebrates that breathe through gills and move using fins.
They serve as a vital source of animal protein, being low in cholesterol and rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Fisheries production has become a significant industry, contributing substantially to national economies.

Fisheries Demand and Production in Nigeria

Nigeria's total fish demand, based on a 2014 population estimate of 180 million people, is 3.32 million tons.
Domestic fish production in Nigeria stood at only 1.123 million tons in 2014, creating a substantial supply gap.
As a result, Nigeria is among the largest fish importers globally to meet its demand.

The Fisheries Industry Overview

Capture Fisheries:
- Involves the extraction of fish from natural water bodies, includes two main types: artisanal and industrial fishing.
- Historically accounted for over 90% of global aquatic food production before the rise of aquaculture.
Culture Fishery (Aquaculture):
- Refers to the farming of aquatic organisms, including both finfish and shellfish.
- Recognized as the fastest-growing food production sector, with an average annual growth rate of 8.9% since 1970.
- Provides significant socio-economic benefits, including livelihood enhancement, food security, and poverty alleviation.

Challenges Facing Capture Fisheries

Intense fishing pressure, climate change, aquatic pollution, and habitat destruction have led to reduced yields in capture fisheries.
The unsustainable nature of capture fisheries reinforces the need for a shift towards more sustainable practices in aquaculture.

Sustainability of Aquaculture

Aquaculture can support sustainability through controlled seed propagation and intensive rearing methods.
Healthy and disease-free cultured fish are essential for sustainable aquaculture practices.
Intensive rearing systems may introduce risks, such as overcrowding and poor environmental conditions, leading to disease outbreaks.

Importance of Veterinary Clinical Services in Fisheries

Veterinary services are crucial for disease prevention and control in fish farming, given the potential for disease spread through live fish movement.
The control of veterinary drugs and chemicals is vital to prevent environmental pollution and developing antimicrobial resistance.

National Quarantine Service Role

Nigeria's National Quarantine Service oversees fish disease reporting and regulates the movement of live fish.
Key responsibilities include:
- Limiting the spread of fish diseases and preventing the importation of exotic pathogens.
- Ensuring the wholesomeness of imported fish products and species conservation.
- Reducing fish disease control costs and lowering zoonosis risks.
The service is staffed by veterinary doctors for effective supervision and regulation.

Description

This quiz covers the topic of veterinary clinical services in relation to the Nigerian fisheries industry, discussing the importance of fish as a food source and for recreational purposes. The content is based on the work by Dr. G.A. Oladosu from the Department of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.