Offshore aquaculture practice; a potential for meeting Nigeria fish demand - a review

The demand for fish in Nigeria is still not met, despite having a domestic production estimated at about 800,000 metric tonnes. The demand stands at about 2.1 million metric tonnes per year. There is a shortfall of about 1.3 million metric tonnes. To solve this problem Nigeria has turned to fish importation while several other policies are being put in place by successive administrations to improve on local production. However, none of the efforts has been successful so far. The aim of this paper is to assess the potentials of offshore aquaculture within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of Nigeria with the view of meeting the fish demand of Nigerians. The paper develops a framework for the operation of offshore aquaculture. The implications of climate change on offshore fish production along the coastal area were highlighted. Strategies and policy measures needed to combat the challenges facing offshore aquaculture in order for it to live to its full potentials in protecting the living welfare of the fishermen and ensuring food security are also discussed.