Stakeholders unite for sustainable fisheries, aquaculture growth in Rivers State

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON), Rivers State chapter, has marked the 2025 World Fisheries Day with a multi-stakeholder workshop aimed at advancing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development in the state.

The event took place last Friday with a themed “Fish for the Future: Bridging Farmers’ Experience and Academic Innovation for Sustainable Aquaculture Growth,”

The event convened fish farmers, researchers, policy actors, agribusiness leaders, development partners and students to exchange practical knowledge and strengthen collaboration within the aquaculture value chain.

The workshop recorded over 190 onsite participants and more than 194 virtual attendees from several countries.

Declaring the workshop open, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Prof. Okechukwu Onuchukwu, commended the organisers for creating a platform that unites academia, industry, government and farmers in shaping the future of fisheries in Rivers State.

In her welcome address, the Chairperson of FISON Rivers, Prof. Ijeoma Vincent-Akpu, said the workshop stands as a testament to the state chapter’s commitment to strengthening aquaculture systems in Rivers State and across Nigeria.

She acknowledged the collaboration between FISON, the Catfish and Allied Fish Farmers Association of Nigeria (CAFFAN) Rivers Chapter, and the World Aquaculture Society – West Africa Chapter, noting that such partnerships continue to enrich the sector.

Prof. Vincent-Akpu highlighted the vital contribution of fisheries and aquaculture to food security, employment and economic growth.

She explained that while farmers bring invaluable indigenous knowledge gained through daily practice, researchers provide the scientific insight and innovation needed for modern aquaculture.

Bridging both strengths, she said, is essential for sustainable sectoral growth.

She reminded participants that since its establishment in 1976, FISON has remained the nation’s apex non-governmental body for fisheries professionals, driving research, capacity building, education, policy advocacy and investment growth.

According to her, the workshop aligns with FISON’s mandate of promoting sustainable fish food security, strengthening livelihoods and ensuring professionalism across the fisheries value chain.

“The future of aquaculture in Rivers State depends on our collective knowledge, collaboration and willingness to innovate,” she said,

She urged participants to engage actively throughout the programme.

The keynote speaker, Prof. Nene Jamabo of the University of Port Harcourt, delivered a technical presentation on feed innovation, climate resilience, environmental sustainability and emerging technologies that can increase farm productivity and market competitiveness.

An interactive session followed, bringing together experts who discussed feed development, export potential, youth participation, processing standards and access to finance.

Representatives of the Rivers State Microfinance Agency (RIMA) informed participants that the state government had released funds to support agro-based enterprises and outlined the requirements for accessing the facility.

Resolutions from the workshop stressed the importance of forming stronger farmer cooperatives, increasing access to export markets, deepening partnerships with government and research institutions, and improving financing options for small- and medium-scale aquaculture businesses.

FISON Rivers State expressed gratitude to all partners, resource persons and participants, adding that a communiqué would be issued to guide future interventions aimed at strengthening the fisheries and aquaculture sector in Rivers State.