An Exposition of the Potentials and Utilization of Sustainable Culture Fisheries in Africa

The interactions between fish culture and existing uses of floodplain indicate the need to develop overall and integrated management strategies in order to optimize the exploitation of water resources. In a country where animal protein is an expensive commodity sustainable culture fisheries management is inevitable. This review article is an exposition of the potentials and utilization of water resources in sustainable culture fisheries in Africa particularly in Nigeria. Areas discussed include: Meaning and importance of fish culture, reasons for fish culture in natural waters, relevant physiographical and climatic features fish culture in Africa, development of fish culture in Africa, tilapia culture, cultured species of tilapia in Africa carp culture, culture of other fish species, potential fish for pond culture in Africa, brackish water fish culture in Africa, current status of fish culture in Nigeria, specific composition of managed natural stock, cropping procedures and productivity species for culture in Nigeria. These exposes the status, potentials and utilization of fisheries resources in African countries particularly Nigeria. It provides information for management decision in developing her economy through the fisheries sector.