By Fatima Muraina

The Ondo State Government has declared its readiness to take decisive action to stem the tide of challenges in the fisheries sector.

The government promised to collaborate with local communities, fishermen, scientists, and various stakeholders to develop and implement sustainable fisheries management practices that balance environmental health with economic viability.

The Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, made the promise at the maiden edition of the 2024 World Fisheries Day, held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Alagbaka, Akure.

Aiyedatiwa, who was represented at the event by the State Commissioner for Agriculture, High Chief Olayato Aribo, noted that the government recognises the urgency of the challenges, which will be addressed as a matter of priority.

He assured the public that his administration would significantly invest in research and development to deepen the understanding of fisheries ecosystems, focusing on innovative solutions to mitigate the threats posed by climate change and pollution.

He added that the investment would also seek to leverage technology and data to make fishing practices more efficient and sustainable while ensuring the long-term health of fish populations.

Additionally, he assured that fishermen and women would have access to fair and equitable prices for their catch, work in safe conditions, and benefit from comprehensive social protections to support their well-being and resilience against economic fluctuations and environmental changes.

In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Foluke Tunde-Daramola, acknowledged the significant contributions of the fisheries sector to the economy, food security, and employment.

The Commissioner also recognised the challenges faced by fishers, fish farmers, and fishing communities, such as climate change, overfishing, and habitat degradation. She stated that the government is committed to promoting sustainable fisheries practices, improving the livelihoods of fishing communities, and ensuring the long-term health of fisheries resources.

She disclosed that the government has implemented policies and programmes aimed at enhancing fisheries management and enforcement, supporting small-scale fishers and fish farmers, and promoting aquaculture development.

In her remarks, the Director of Fisheries Services, Mrs. Iyabo Olaleye, stated that World Fisheries Day is an annual event to highlight the importance of sustainable fishing practices and raise awareness about the impact of overfishing on the world’s oceans.

She added that the event was first observed in 1998, when fishermen and fish farmers from various countries met in Delhi, India, to discuss the issues facing the fishing industry.

However, she noted that this year’s celebration was the first in Ondo State.

The resource person, Dr. Oluyemi Gbadamosi of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Federal University of Technology, Akure, delivered a paper titled Let the Waters Bring Forth Swarms of Living Creatures. He explained that the event aimed to bring relevant stakeholders in the fisheries and aquaculture sector together to discuss and showcase the potential of fisheries and aquaculture, including issues related to sustainable fisheries management.

He highlighted various challenges facing the fishing industry, particularly the unsustainability of aquaculture operations, which not only threaten the long-term viability of the world’s fisheries but also have serious implications for food security and the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on fishing and aquaculture for their income.

Other challenges mentioned included overfishing, destructive fishing practices, and the impacts of climate change, which he described as taking a devastating toll on the world’s fish populations.

“According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, nearly 30% of the world’s fish stocks are overfished, and many more are fished and reared at unsustainable levels,” he said.

“This not only threatens the long-term sustainability of the world’s fisheries but also has serious implications for food security and the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on fishing and aquaculture for their income.”