Integrated Mariculture Scoping Report for AABS WP2 in Nigeria

Abstract

The Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) system is sustainable and environmentally friendly for producing different aquaculture species such as finfish, shellfish, and seaweeds. The development and deployment of the IMTA system are within the scope of the Asia-Africa BlueTech Superhighway project (AABS), Work Package 2 (WP2) implemented by WorldFish in Nigeria, Kenya, and Bangladesh. This scoping study was designed to investigate the current mariculture practices in the target states of Nigeria, with hopes of scaling up using the concept of the IMTA system. The one-month study gathered data from field observations during the visit, key informant interviews of forty-four (44) stakeholders from the Ondo, Ogun, and Lagos states and focus group discussions. The responses were used to produce qualitative and quantitative data on the suitable areas and species combination for IMTA, status of coastal aquaculture in the areas, the species caught from the wild, the involvement of men, women, and youths in the mariculture value chain, and the barriers, prospects and opportunities for mariculture development in the areas. The report also detailed the outcome of the focus group discussions on licenses and permits for IMTA, construction, and deployment of cages for IMTA development in Nigeria.