AQUATIC ECOLOGICAL SURVEY

INTRODUCTION

Aquatic ecological survey can be referred to as the back bone of Fisheries, and the process of
planning can be referred to as survey, according to a popular saying “he who fails to plan,
plan to fail”. Aquatic ecological survey deals with proper planning in both capture and
culture fisheries; planning (survey) in capture fisheries involve the use of sophisticated
instrument to check the aquatic resources of economic importance prior to fishing activities,
while in the culture fisheries it involve the appropriate survey of the vegetation, topography,
water source, soil type among others before siting a fish farm. Therefore, before any project
is embarked upon, there is need to survey the land and area where the project is to be done
(Creamer, 2009).

Survey in fisheries is the art of determining the relative position of distinctive features on the
surface of the earth or beneath the earth, by means of distances, directions and elevation.
According to Anyabine et al. (2010) surveying is the technique and science of accurately
determining the terrestrial or three dimensional positions of points and the distances and
angles between them. It could also be ascertained by measuring angular, linear or both and
representing it on paper to a fixed scale in the form of the Earth surface and the relative
positions of the objects therein as projected on a horizontal surface. All surveys fall into two
major groups as follows; geodetic survey and plane survey. Within these major divisions in
survey, there are survey branches such as: cadastral (land) survey, topographic survey,
engineering survey, hydrographic survey, photogrammetric survey, mine survey and satellite
survey (Dele, 2012).

Ecology is an interdisciplinary field that includes biology and earth science. It is the study of
interactions between biotic and abiotic factors, also interrelationships among organisms with
their environment. Aquatic ecology shows the relationship between aquatic organisms and
their physical, chemical and biological environment. Aquatic ecology encompasses all marine
and freshwater ecosystems including streams, rivers, lakes, wet-lands, coastal environments
and the vast expanses of the open ocean (Huisman, 2011).
Aquatic ecological survey is a branch of survey concerned with measurement of features of
an aquatic ecosystem; such features include Volume of water, Depth, Wave speed, benthic
topography amongst others. It can also be called Hydrographic survey. Aquatic ecological
survey as it involves fish is carried out at landing site, as fishers arrived from their fishing
trips, fish catches were identified to species level using available fish identification keys,
checklist and flash card (Tobor and Ajayi, 1979; Schneider, 1990; Kingdom and Alfred-
Ockiya, 2015).

LITERATURE REVIEW

The formation, development, and maintenance of wetland ecosystems are closely related to
the water resources (Nel et al., 2009; Linke et al., 2011). The excessive utilization of water
resources directly leads to the dryness of wetlands and eventually the degradation of natural
wetlands (Euliss and Mushet, 1996; Ripl and Wolter, 2007; Zhang et al., 2017). Therefore,
overall planning of water resources is important for the stable and healthy operation of
natural/restored wetlands (Zedler and Kercher, 2005). In order to fully understand and
effectively manage the wetland ecosystems, data accumulations (including both physical and
biological variables) are required in various scales and under contrasting climatic and
biophysical condition (Large et al., 2007; Orth et al., 2010; Wiegleb et al., 2014). However,
researches in relationships between long-term observations of water dynamics (example,
precipitation and/or water level) and plant vegetation responses are relatively rare, especially
in humid lands such as wetlands. As a functional group, aquatic plants are one of the most
important components in aquatic ecosystems (Chmara et al., 2013; Xie et al., 2013). Aquatic
plants are the main producers of oxygen, the basis of the food chain and a major part of the
energy flow in the aquatic ecosystem (Cook, 1990; Zhang et al., 2017). The plants form a
complex spatial habitat that provides food and sanctuary for organisms living in and around,
stabilizes sediments and participates in matter cycling, and regulates wetland hydrological
conditions (Peng et al., 2015). In carrying out aquatic plant survey, the methods vary
depending on your objective. It is important to have a skilled botanist to identify the plants.
Many aquatic species look alike and sometimes it is necessary to conduct DNA testing to
distinguish similar species. Collect and press voucher specimens from each waterbody. These
can be important when verifying noxious weed infestations. To find particular species (for
example surveying for noxious weed or rare plants). You need to mark the locations of the
plant on a map or use a GPS (Geographic Positioning System) to note the locations. Then
carry out:

Surface survey - uses a boat and trained observer to examine the littoral zone of a waterbody
from the water's surface. This is the quickest method using low technology. Underwater
viewing can be enhanced by using an underwater viewing tube.

Divers - uses SCUBA divers to examine the littoral zone of a waterbody and produces
similar, but more thorough results to a surface survey. Underwater scooters greatly speed the
process.

Helicopter or airplane - useful for surveying for wetland species like purple loosestrife or
floating species like water hyacinth. This survey method can be less useful for locating
submersed species.

For plant species and the species location on a waterbody map your survey by;

Surface survey - quick, but not that accurate if the water is not clear. The survey crew needs
to sample regularly at different depths, recording each species. A weighted rake (without a
handle) with a rope attached makes a good sampling tool. Plants can be identified and marked
on the map.

Divers - use for greater accuracy. Divers can be used in deep water in combination with a
surface survey in the shallows.

Remote sensing - effective for plants on the surface. High technology, often uses infrared
video-imagery with global positioning system and geographic information systems.

To quantify the vegetation. This is important when evaluating the effectiveness of a

treatment or changes to the plant community over time.

Frequency Data

 This can be done at points around the waterbody, or along selected transects
 Plant species data is collected from the surface using a weighted rake or sampling
device, or with snorkelers or divers
  This type of survey can be used to determine if the frequency that a particular species
is found changes over time. This survey can also be used to detect changes in species
diversity over time.

Biomass Data-obtaining the weight of species abundance

This survey is the most time consuming, but yields the most accurate information. The data is
analyzed statistically. Usually uses divers to collect samples from a predetermined plot size,
samples must be randomly located along transects or in plots. Samples are usually sorted to
species and dried before weighing. These aquatic vegetation survey procedures have been
designed to ensure easily replicable surveys of aquatic plant communities. The methods are
easy to use, and they are flexible enough to be used on many different types of lakes,
regardless of the extent of littoral zone.

In carry out fish species survey, the first objective in sampling fish - using sampling in the
general sense of this manual, of catching a batch of fish with some type of fishing gear as part
of some research programme - is usually very simple. That is, to find out what fish exist in
the body of water being studied, roughly how many these are, of what species, and what are
the more striking characteristics (size, feeding habits, amongst others.) of each species. At
this stage of sophistication, when little is known and any information is useful in adding to
general understanding, the choice of gear and sampling design is not critical. Some gears,
e.g., gillnets, are obviously highly selective, and are clearly unsuitable, by themselves, for
multispecies studies, but nearly all gears are somewhat selective. For these studies reliable
sampling may need the use of a combination of two or more gears as apparent, abundance.

Prior to siting a fish farm on a waterbody or on land, survey must be carried out. Aquaculture
sites selection is very important as it determines economic viability of a project by
determining capital expenditure, running costs of production, mortality and ultimately, the
success of the operation (Pillay and Kutty, 2005). Site selection is, however, complex
involving identification of areas that are economically, socially and environmentally
available, and offer the prospect to be commercially viable (McLeod et al., 2002). Site
selection considerations vary based on the production system employed.
For water-based culture systems (cages, pens, inshore and off shore culture systems) general
site selection considerations include physico-chemical properties of the waterbody
(temperature, salinity, oxygen, currents, pollution, algal blooms, exchange); weather, shelter,
depth and substrate conditions, which ensure successful siting of cages (Soto et al., 2013).
Other considerations are legal issues, access, land-based facilities, security economic and
social considerations which relate to the establishment of the farm and profitability.

Basic site selection considerations for land based aquaculture (ponds, raceways, hatcheries,
tanks amongst others.) include access, topography of the area, soil type, vegetation, quality
and quantity of available water source as well as legal issues. According to Abowei et al.
(2011) when choosing a site for fish pond, the factors to be considered should include water
supply, soil, presence of rocks and trees and supporting services such as pond inlet, outlet,
overflow and pond shape, size and depth. Sites for coastal pond farms should be tidal and
intertidal mudflats in protected areas near river estuaries, bays, creeks, lagoons and salt
marshes including mangrove swamps (Pillay and Kutty, 2005).

Water quality

The most important requirement in constructing a fish farm is the water supply. Irrespective
of its origin, water can be used provided it is of desirable quality. However, if the water
source is near a factory or mine sewage, the water quality must be examined for possible
toxicity to fish. For example, the effluent from metallurgical factories contains lead;
instrument plants or table salt electrolyzing plants produce mercury; the effluent from coking
plants or petroleum and gas industries contains phenols. All of these materials either kill a
fish directly or accumulate within the body and harm the consumer. Such water sources
should be avoided. The waste water from food-processing mills such as slaughterhouses,
breweries, and bean curd works is rich in organic materials. This water can be beneficial to
fish farming by way of fermentation, sedimentation, or controlled introduction. Underground
water often contains an excess of carbon dioxide and lacks oxygen. Also, its temperature is
too low for warm-water fish. Underground water should be completely exposed to the air
before it is used. The underground water flowing out of coal or sulphur mines is too acidic for
fish culture. The acidity or alkalinity of water represents its hydro-chemical quality. In
general, the optimum pH for pond fish culture is between 6.5 and 8.5. Beyond this range, fish
yield is affected and high mortality could occur (Lazard et al., 2010).
Water amount

The water supply should be abundant and relatively stable, able to meet the needs of the fish
ponds at any time. Therefore, it is important to gather first-hand information on the seasonal
fluctuation of the water level.

Soil Quality

Soil characteristics greatly affect the quality of pond construction and influence fish yields.
Therefore, soil quality should be carefully determined. In determining soil quality, it is
insufficient to just examine the topsoil. Enough samples must be taken from various
representative spots. The sampling depth should exceed the depth of the pond by 1 m. The
soil should ensure that pond dikes will not leak or collapse. This is especially important for
manured ponds. Loam conserves water and fertilizer and is well-aerated. Therefore, it is the
best soil for dike construction. Sandy loam also conserves water; however, it has a weak
coagulation and, therefore, is unsuitable for dike construction. Clay conserves water well. It
can be used on the pond bottom; however, because it cracks when dry, it is unsuitable for
dike construction. If sandy loam or clay are used for dikes, the crown should be widened and
the gradient of the slope decreased. Gritty soil, sandy soil, and silty soil are very porous and
poor in the retention of water and fertilizer. They are poor materials for dike construction;
however, if needed, sand could be used with clay. Attention should also be given to the
contents of the soil that influence fish growth (Madu et al., 2016). If the iron content is too
high, colloidal ferric hydroxide will form in the water and settle on the pond bottom. This
rusty sediment often adheres to fish gills and hinders respiration, especially during egg
hatching and fry rearing. An iron-rich soil is russet brown or green and is relatively easy to
identify. Soils with an excess of decaying matter have lower water and fertilizer-retention
power. This material collapses easily if used in the pond dike. In tidal areas and swamps,
pond construction is more difficult because the ground water level is high. The operating cost
may be much higher. These areas are too low to allow complete drainage and water
temperature raising as required for proper management.
Topographical Features

It is desirable to construct a fish farm on flat land or gentle sloppy land. Generally, Infertile
land, hilly districts, valleys, or lake bay areas are preferable for pond construction; however,
these topographies require greater investments and farm construction is more time-
consuming. Nevertheless, the fish pond would not occupy fertile cropland; the development
and utilization of wasteland is of great significance to any developing country.

Transportation and Energy

A large amount of fresh produce and processed food will be sent to the market and fishery,
animal husbandry, and agricultural necessities will be purchased from the market. If possible,
the farm site should have access to an areas rich in natural food (for example, snails,
Corbicula spp., and aquatic grasses) so that, besides the self-supplied feeds and fertilizers,
there is a sufficient supply of food for the fish year-round. Electricity is the primary energy
source on a fish farm so that the farm site should have easy access to a power plant. Water,
road, and electricity must be within reach before beginning construction.

DISCUSSION OF FIELD ACTIVITIES

UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

Prof. F. A. Oguzie, lectured us on aquatic ecological survey where he defined ecological

survey as a detailed investigation, a long and careful exposure to all the biotic (living) and
abiotic (non - living) factors of a given environment be it terrestrial (land) or aquatic (marine,
brackish and fresh water). In this study we are concerned with ecological survey of a given
aquatic enclosure where the construction of a fish farm is being proposed. It involves getting
information about the quantity and quality of water, type of soil (soil type), vegetation type,
weather condition, sources of water for the farm, topography of the farm, temperature,
rainfall, relative humidity and a host of other factors. The actual survey has to do with the art
of taking measurements of the relative position of the natural and man-made features on the
land surface and plotting these measurements to some suitable scale to form a map, plan or
section that is representative of the area under study. He further advised that proper
ecological survey of an area can help avoid frustrations from future problems such as erosion,
unsuitable soil, seepage and leakage as a result of decayed root due to thick vegetation
amongst others which can lead to serious financial losses and in extreme cases, abandonment
of the project. He also stated that in surveying you check for some certain parameters like the
topography (gentle slope is the most ideal), vegetation (not too thick vegetation) swampy
vegetation area are the best for suitable fish farm operation, water source (bore-hole is ideal
for concrete and plastic tank), soil type (greater than 30% clay content) amongst others. He
also talked about the methods used in soil suitability test like using squeeze method, ground
water test and water permeability test (Figure 1.1).

He further explained that Nigeria has five ecological belts or zones, namely; Sahel savannah,
Sudan savannah, Guinea savannah, Tropical rainforest and Mangrove swamp distributed
throughout the states of the federation (Figure 1.2). These zones have varying characteristics
as well as problems (Table 1.1) that have direct influence on farming activities with particular
reference to fish farming. A good knowledge of how to utilize the various resources in each
zone is needed in order to minimize cost of production and also to satisfy man’s need without
destroying the natural environment.

University of Benin according to survey is located between latitude 5 0 and 100 North and
South of the equator, Ovia-North East of Edo State, Nigeria. It is located in the tropical
rainforest, it has distinct raining and dry season, with relative humidity over 80% and
presence of evergreen trees. It has two peaks of rainfall (April and October). Temperature in
Benin could be up to 80F (26.7 0C) all year round with an average rainfall of 1500mm-
2500mm. During my In-station I observed that department of Aquaculture and Fisheries
Management do not have earthen pond due to low clay content therefore plastic vat and
concrete tanks are utilized, also the vegetation is not too thick, the topography is also gentle
slope from west to east, the source of water is an underground boreholes. My course mates
and I carried out measurement of the dimensions of various culture facilities in UNIBEN
(Table 1.2).

NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR FRESHWATER FISHERIES RESEARCH (NIFFR)

Dr. I. Y. Yakubu, a fish biologist researcher, lectured us on fish species survey. He explained
that in carrying out survey of our water body, it is important to determine the distribution,
diversity and abundance of fish species. The aim of carrying out such survey is to manage the
aquatic ecology. He further stated that when carrying out survey on an aquatic ecology,
different biological parameters should be noted, like; the taxonomy (identification of fish
species), age determination, fecundity, food and feeding habit amongst others. He also said
that there are two methods of fish species survey; which are fishermen catch method and
experimental approach method.
Fishermen catch method: This can be obtained by going to the landing site, and it is done at
various stations that covers the aquatic water body. When samples of fishes are collected
from the landing site, the name of the fish, the number of catch, Weight of various species,
type of gear used should be noted; if a gill net is used take note of the Mesh sizes. The
analysis result can be given as percentage number of fish and percentage weight. The
problem of fishermen catch method is target fishing, that is capture of only one species of
fish, for example in the Niger state the Nile perch (Lates niloticus) commonly known as Giwa
ruwa "elephant of water" which can grow to about 120kg. Fishermen tend to discard the other
species as waste fish and this will affect the result of the analysis.
He further explained that in the case of experimental approach, experimental gill net are used
(it contain 9 different mesh sizes as follow; 1,1 1/2, 2, 21/2, 3, 31/2, 4, 5, 7 inches) depending on
the size of the water and are commonly called fleet of net. Each net are about either 50m by
3m or 30m by 3m and each fleet is made up of 9 nets of about 450m in length, therefore 5
fleet is about 5 time 9 which is 45 nets of about 2,250m. After this experimental net has been
placed on an aquatic body of interest in different layers of the water (surface, middle and
bottom), limnologist are invited to check the physiochemical parameters. After the fish have
been capture we then apply the carnivore forage ratio which is about one ratio four to ten (1:
4-10). It is given as; Weight of carnivore / weight of forage (omnivore and herbivore).
If the ratio of carnivore and forage is low (1:3), restocking occurs. The seed can either be
collected from a productive waterbody to a depleted water body or from the hatchery. This is
used to balance the food chain in the ecosystem.

Mr. O.I. Enodiana a toxicologist lectured us on Aquatic plant survey. According to him
aquatic survey entails studying the composition, distribution and species diversity in aquatic
environment. It helps in management purpose and also for better identification of aquatic
plants. There are two major method of surveying aquatic plant;

I. Quadrant method and

II. Transcent method.
Quadrant method: it a known square metre apparatus used for surveying. It can either be 1m
by 1m square quadrant or 0.5m by 0.5m depending on what the surveyor want. When you get
to the site of survey throw the quadrant randomly, then record the different type of plant to
the species level, number of plant, type of plant, type of species amongst others. Repeat the
throwing randomly, you then mathematically calculate the diversity, evenness and richness of
the different aquatic plant in the environment.

Transcent method: it is done using normal tape rule, it can also be called line transcent. It
measure from shore line to water using tape rule and it is usually in metres sometime 1m or
30m long, study the plant within the line transcent. Plant survey is used to know the
distribution, abundance, diversity and plant richness.

In recent time other advanced methods are also used like;

Remote sensing which is the use of scientific application or software through the use of GPS
to capture the environment serially, mapping and count the plants, there record for 2 metres, 3
metres as the case may be. Then use mathematical model to calculate the diversity in plant
ecosystem. Floating quadrant can see submerge aquatic plant, and used to bring them out for
survey.

Mr. F. Apeloko, a statistician lectured us on fisheries statistic. According to him there are two
survey which are; Frame survey and Catch Assessment Survey. The purpose of Frame survey
is to estimate the distribution of fishing community or localities for example, fishing villages
and camps. When you get to the villages you must know the different kind of fishing gear
used, the number of boats, number of assistants (the people that escort the fisher men),
number of fishermen using engine. Catch Assessment Survey (CAS) is to give an estimate of
the total catch and fishing effort for artisanal fisheries. If you are to do CAS you go directly
to the fishermen as they appear on land to know all the fish species available and start taking
readings. He further stated the reason for catch assessment which include;

i. To know the trend in fisheries to know if fishery is expanding or stable.

ii. To know the catch for different gear.
iii. To know the mesh size of fish of a particular species caught by specific gear.

Having been taught by all the researchers I further carried out survey on the culture facilities
found in NIFFR (Table 1.3) and my course mate and I measured each culture facilities as
found in NIFFR (Plate 1.1) using a measuring tape (Plate 1.2).
The National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research is located in New-Bussa, Niger state
which falls in the Guinea Savannah region of Nigeria. The region is characterized by distinct
rainy and dry seasons, rainfall range of 500-1500mm and an average of 750mm annually,
relative humidity of about 76%, monthly temperature range of 70-90°F. The terrain is rocky
and the soil is Sandy-loam with very low water retention capacity. Intense sun which is about
37-41OC. The water table is low making water availability a problem although the area is
usually flooded during the rainy season. The landscape is gentle sloppy with few hills,
vegetation is grassy with few short trees and shrubs scattered in-between. On a visit to the
Jebba Lake, Fakun Dam. I noticed that the common fish species in the lake include
Hydrocynus brevis, Chrysichthys sp, Alestes sp, Labeo senegalensis, Clarotes laticeps,
Synodontis sp, Schilbeids, Lates niloticus, Bagrus docmac, Citharinus citharus and clupeids.
Earthen ponds are the most used culture facility due to high clay content and the water source
is either from underground water or from surface run off from rivers and streams.

NIGERIAN INSTITUTE FOR OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE RESEARCH,

LAGOS

Results from survey showed that the soil is very high in iron (ferrous oxide), acidic and has
low dissolved oxygen content. To correct this and make the water suitable for aquaculture,
water treatment plants were installed. The farm employs the use of earthen ponds as culture
facility as the soil can hold water and contain more than 30% clay content. Concrete tanks,
plastic tanks and fiberglass tanks are also used as culture facilities. The farm is surrounded by
large bodies of water that fill the earthen ponds through tidal seepage. The vegetation is
swampy with thick and tall grasses, land is gentle slope and the water source of the farm can
either be from surface run off or underground water (bore holes). The land is a wetland and
supports integration in the form of Fish-cum-rice. My course mates and I measured the
various culture facilities using a measuring tape and the results are given (Table 1.4). Mr.
Ernest, one of the research officers took us on a facility tour around and explained that land
survey was carried out before siting the farm.

NIOMR was established in November 1975 by the research institutes establishment order of
1975. The institute`s headquarters is presently located at Wilmot point road, Bar beach,
Victoria Island, Lagos with several outstations in the various geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
One of such outstations is an aquaculture research facility located at 23, Badore, Off Ajah
road, Lagos state, where we also visited. This station falls under the fresh water swamp belt
of Nigeria and is characterized by abundant rainfall and occasional flooding during the
raining season. The 5.3 hectare NIOMR headquarters houses six laboratories (Fisheries, fish
technology, fishing technology, physical chemical oceanography, Marine geology
geophysics), a library, a jetty, two tide gauges, fabrication and maintenance workshop and a
pilot plant for fish canning. The outstation at badore is located on 25 hectares of land and
only about 40% this land has been developed. The departments present includes feed mill
department, aquaculture department, hatchery unit, water treatment department, power unit
and a laboratory for sample analysis. The institute has nine (9) earthen ponds, 48 grow out
concrete tanks, 6 fabricated fibre glass tank, 56 plastic tanks in tilapia hatchery.

DANSOF FARMS LIMITED UGBEKPE-EKPERI, AUCHI

The farm is sited in Ugbekpe-Ekperi, Edo state with head office located at Auchi Igara road,
water board, P.M.B 46, Auchi, Etsako-West, Edo state. Its vegetation is midway between
tropical and semi-arid, ecologically, it tends towards the guinea savannah belt of Nigeria with
a mixture of trees and tall grasses with low relative humidity, rainfall, topography is steeply
sloped, sandy-clay, low water table, high sunlight with a distinct dry season characterized
with hot sun. The farm was established in 2009 and sits on 206 hectares of land (about 3,090
plots). Presently, only about 30% of this land has been developed with processing
department, poultry feed mill unit, aquaculture feed mill, poultry department, aquaculture
department, poultry hatchery unit, admin office, hostel, security unit, food canteen unit and
utility department. Their is no earthen pond due to low clay content, the farm has sandy-clay
soil with less than 30% clay content. As a result of this, the farm makes use of concrete tank,
fibre glass tank and glass tank as facility for culturing fish. Prior to siting this farm, land
survey was carried out also contour survey was carried out to discover where to put drainage
and site the different unit/departments. Some of the condition that were considered before
siting the farm are: availability of sufficient land for the project, proximity to market, access
to motorable road, access to electricity, and effect of erosion as well as the quality of the
available water for fish culture. DANSOF farms has distinct raining and dry season, with
relative humidity over 80% and presence of evergreen trees alongside shrub, it has two peaks
of rainfall. Temperature could be up to 80 0f all year round with an average rainfall of
1500mm-2500mm. The aquaculture section has 6 glass tanks for spawning, 20 glass tanks for
nursing fingerlings, 20 concrete grow out tanks, 8 concrete juvenile tank and 3 fibre glass
tank for keeping broodstock. Table 1.5 shows their dimension. Having talked about the
topography, vegetation, temperature, rainfall, relative humidity and soil type of the farm, the
source of water in this farm is underground water in form of bore hole system.

NIKSEG FISH FARM

This farm is located along Benin-Sapele Road, Benin city, Edo state, the farm sits on a land
measuring 213.36m x 371.16m and it located in the rainforest zone with these characteristics;
high rainfall all year round with double maxima rainfall occurring in April and October, hot
wet climate, uniformity of temperature, high relative humidity and luxuriant vegetation with
tall evergreen trees and dense growth of shorter species dominated by climbing plants, having
rainfall all year round and a temperature of 80 0f and an average rainfall of 1500-2500mm
which is well distributed. The soil cannot hold water, so the ponds in NIKSEG fish farm were
constructed by excavating the soil mechanically, and compacting with sufficient amount of
clay of about 30% and compressing it to be firm for holding water. Earthen ponds, concrete
tanks, plastic tank and tarpaulin tanks are used in this farm. The topography of the land is
slightly sloped from east to west allowing for easy drainage of waste water by gravity and all
the various structures were fitted adequately into the land’s topography. The vegetation in
this farm is properly managed and it supports the fish farm business, arable plants like
pineapple, pawpaw, banana and plantain are also sited around the farm which can serve as
source of food for man. Water availability is also not a problem as the water table in the area
is high enough for drilling of boreholes and there is abundant rainfall in the area. My course
mates and I and my group members carried out measurement of NIKSEG farm land area, the
man-made features in the farm using measuring tapes, and this information can help to
determine the carrying capacity of the ponds. I and my group members also noted the
dimension of the culture facilities (Table 1.6). Surveying the area, I observed that there are 15
earthen ponds, and only two are used for culture (pond 1 and pond 2), another pond was use
for waste water collection (pond 3) and the rest are not use for fish culture, there are also 18
concrete tank and 20 tarpaulin tank and with two hatcheries, a store (with two offices at the
front), a sales building, rooms for workers and a security post. Presently, the farm is
gradually shifting away from use of earthen ponds to use of tarpaulin tanks. This is because
the tarpaulin tanks are cheaper to install, relatively mobile and easier to manage compared to
earthen ponds. The farm is also accessible all year round as good access roads exist in its
vicinity and their is also adequate power supply in the farm.

ACHIEVEMENTS

I. With the experience I gathered practically in the field of aquatic ecological survey in
my FPT, I can now choose perfectly a site, where a fish pond can be constructed by
carrying out survey using different survey equipment which I learnt how to use.
II. I now know how to carry out hydrological survey in the wild using any of the
methods as follows; catch assessment survey, Frame survey, Experimental approach. I
also can use some hydrological tools (like Ekman’s bottom grab, pH meter, DO meter
amongst others) used to measure water parameters prior to siting a fish pond in the
wild as a cage system.
III. I can now carry out soil suitability test (Squeeze method, Ground water test, Water
permeability test) as shown in Figure 1.1.
IV. I now understand much better the various ecological zones in Nigeria, their
characteristics as well as their suitability for fish culture.
V. I was able to carry out the measurement of all the culture facility in each station as
shown in Table 1.7, this has helped me to decide on the type, size and shape of
various facility when siting my fish farm.

SUGGESTIONS

I. The department should purchase its own survey instruments to enhance student
learning and experience in practical work.
II. I suggest that ecological survey should be included in the department’s curriculum
prior to FPT year as the time frame for the course is limited.
III. Forest Aerial and Ground Survey should be borrowed course to Aquaculture and
Fisheries Management student for a profound understanding since survey is very
important in site selection for fish farm.
IV. Also the practical aspect of soil suitability test should be highly emphasized on since
we did it only theoretically.
V. Students should be exposed to Aerial survey with the aid of internet to see the
vegetation of any location of interest as available on google map (Figure 1.3).
CONCLUSION

Prior to siting a fish farm either on land or an open waterbody, survey must be carried out to
know if the site is fit for a successful fish farm and high return on investment. The parameters
to be looked out for when carrying out a survey on land are the topography, vegetation, soil
type, water source, temperature, water retention and a host of other factors. While on any
aquatic waterbody survey can be carried out by checking there physiochemical parameters
like the pH, temperature, Dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, turbidity, conductivity, level of
eutrophication amongst others. Therefore, the success of any fish farm depends on the proper
survey of the site. Poorly sited fish farm due to negligence of survey will eventually results in
failure.

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Table 1.1: Various ecological zones showing there problems and characteristics.

S/N Ecological Rainfall Temp Features Problems States

zone
1. Rain 1500 - 80 F Ever green trees Erosion, Ondo, Ogun,
forest 2500mm with layers of deterioration Delta, Imo,
canopies, tall of soil, Anambra,
trees, luxuriant penetration Rivers, Bayelsa,
vegetation. problem, Edo, Lagos,
clearing is Abia.
cumbersome,
tropical pest,
seepage
problem.

2. Savannah Mean 70 -90 F Tall grasses, Unreliable North Guinea

Grassland rainfall for low short trees, rainfall, Savannah
of land shrubs, presence of Plateau, Kaduna,
750mm states unreliable drought, Bauchi, Taraba,
and a and rainfall with tropical Kano, Adamawa,
range of over alternate hot disease, Niger.
500 – 100 F (rainy season) rocky soil,
1500mm can and dry season. high water South Guinea
occur table, poor in Savannah
during clay content Ebonyi, Ekiti,
the hot Enugu, Kogi,
 season. Benue, Oyo,
Kwara, Benue,
Oyo, Kwara,
Osun.

Sahel Savannah
Bornu, Katsina,
Sokoto, Yobe,
Kebbi, Zamfara,
Kano, Jigawa.

3. Mangrove 1500- 68 F Water logged Salty soil, Warri, Forcados

swamp 3000 soil, water periodic (coastal town in
mm of absorption is flooding, the Niger Delta),
annual difficult, high muddy soil, Port Harcourt,
Calabar (coastal
rainfall clay and acidic water logged
city), Bonny (south
content, poorly soil, of Port Harcourt),
aerated soil, fluctuation in Lagos (Ajah).
presence of tidal level,
poisonous unstable
gases. organic
matters,

Source: Lecture note UNIBEN.

Table 1.2: Dimension of rearing facilities in UNIBEN
Culture facilities Length (m) Breadth (m) Depth (m) Area (m2) Volume (m3)
A1 (concrete tank) 4.85 3.67 1.00 17.80 17.80
A2 (concrete tank) 4.60 3.67 1.00 16.88 16.88
A3 (concrete tank) 3.70 3.98 1.50 14.73 22.01
A4 (concrete tank) 3.70 3.98 1.50 14.73 22.09
B1 (concrete tank) 5.00 4.00 1.11 20.00 22.20
B2 (concrete tank) 4.94 4.10 1.25 20.25 25.32
B3 (concrete tank) 5.17 4.50 1.70 23.27 39.55
B4 (concrete tank) 5.10 4.00 1.80 20.40 36.72
C1 (concrete tank) 4.73 4.05 1.15 19.16 22.03
C2 (concrete tank) 4.70 4.00 1.15 18.80 21.62
C3 (concrete tank) 4.69 4.05 1.13 18.99 21.46
Diameter (m) Depth (m) Area (m2)
D1 (Plastic tank) 1.86 1.00 5.84
E1 (Hatchery tank) 2.65 0.70 8.33

Table 1.3: Dimension of culture facilities in NIFFR.

Culture facilities Length (m) Breadth (m) Depth (m) Area (m2) Volume (m3)
Concrete tank 10 5 1.7 50 85
(A1 – A5)
A6 (10 in 1) 10 (2) 5 (1.5) 1.7 50(3) 85(5.1)
B1 – B3 10 5 1.7 50 85
 B4 – B6 10 5 1.7 50 85
C1 – C5 10 10 1.7 100 170
C6 (20 in 1) 10 (2) 10 (2) 1.7 100(4) 170(6.8)
D1 – D6 (20 in 1) 10 (2) 10 (2) 1.7 100(4) 170(6.8)
E1 – E4 10 5 1.7 50 85
E5 – E6 (10 in 1) 10 (2) 5 (1.5) 1.7 50(3) 85(5.1)
F1 – F5 (10 in 1) 10 (2) 5 (1.5) 1.7 50(3) 85(5.1)
F6 10 5 1.7 50 85
G1 – G3 10 5 1.7 50 85
H1 – H3 10 5 1.7 50 85
INDOOR CONCRETE TANKS
I1 (5 in 1) 10 (2) 1.5 (1.5) 1 15(3) 15(3)
J1 – J10 5 4 1.5 20 30
K1 – K7 10 7 1.7 70 119
HATCHERY UNIT
Plastic tank 2 1.5 1 3 3(800 litres)
L1 – L12
Plastic Bowl - - 0.28 (48 litres)
M1 – M41
Concrete tank 2.5 2.5 1.2 6.25 7.5
N1 – N6
Concrete tank 3 2 2 6 12
tiled O1 -O6
Earthen ponds Over 100 earthen ponds and they are of different dimensions some are
1000m2 by 1000m2 while some are 200m by 200m.

Table 1.4: Dimension of Rearing Facilities in NIOMR

Facilities Length (m) Breadth (m) Depth (m) Area (m2)

Earthen pond (1-9) 40 30 3.5 27.3
Concrete tanks (1-48) 6 2 1.2 48
Fibre glass tanks (1-15) 0.85 28.5
Outdoor Breeders tanks (1- 0.9 0.9 0.78 19
40)
Indoor Breeders tanks (1-8) 1.52 1.06 0.8 29

Table 1.5: Dimension of rearing facilities at DANSOF

Description Length (m) Breadth (m) Depth (m) Area (m2)
Spawning tanks 2.0 1.0 0.7 2
Nursery tanks 2.0 1.0 0.7 2
Grow out tanks 6.0 2.0 1.2 12
Juvenile tank 3.0 2.0 1.2 6
 Broodstock tank 1.0 1.0 1.0 1

Table 1.6: Record of measurement of man made features in NIKSEG.

Name Description Length(m) Breadth(m) Area(m2) Depth(m)
Pond 1-6 Single pond 30.48 22.25 678.18 3.5
Pond 7-11 Double pond 56.69 15.24 863.96 13.5
Pond 12-14 Triple pond 55.78 21.95 1224.37 13.5
Tank A1- A2 Concrete 7.70 3.44 26.488 1.00
Tank a3 – a 8 Concrete 11.50 3.90 44.85 1.30
Tank B1 – B4 Concrete 9.40 2.0 18.80 0.8
Tank B5 – B10 Concrete 9.40 2.0 18.80 0.8
Tank C1- C3 Concrete 9.80 8.0 78.40 2.80
Tarpaulin tank Single 33 15 495 1.5
1-24(D1-
D12,E1-E12)

Table 1.7: Number of ponds found at each station.

STATIONS Earthen Concrete Plastic Glass Tarpaulin Fibre
pond tank tank tank tank

Department 12 12
UNIBEN 25
NIFFR Over 100 72 53
NIOMR 17 40 48 12
DANSOF 28 26 3
NIKSEG 14 21 20
Plate 1.1: Measuring culture facility (NIFFR) Plate 1.2: Measuring tape (NIFFR)
Plate 1.3: Vegetation cover (DANSOF)

Source: Fish farming- the value chain approach. Madu, C.T. (2016).
Figure 1.1: Soil Suitability Test prior to siting a fish pond.

Figure 1.2: Map of Nigeria showing various ecological belt. (source: google).
Figure 1.3: Aerial survey using Google satellite (source: google map). (UNIBEN).