Introduction
Around the world, fish is essential to human nutrition and food supply, especially for the underprivileged. Currently, food fish is the main source of animal protein required for development and growth, particularly for women and children who are more susceptible to malnutrition in underdeveloped nations. It is impossible to overstate the significance of food for both individuals and society as a whole because it is a basic human need and a healthy, active existence requires consuming enough high-quality food. This study evaluated the impact of brackish water fish farming to stable fish supplies and food security in coastal towns in Rivers State, given the significance of fish food.
Aquaculture has grown at rapid rate currently, with an annual growth rate of 10%, outpacing the 2-3% growth of other major food industries. Because penaeid shrimp have a high export value, brackish water aquaculture is now restricted to shrimp farming, with Penaeus monodon which are the main species which are yielded.
Importance of Brackish Water Fisheries
Brackish water fisheries play a significant role in meeting the global demand for seafood and supporting the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide. Here are some key reasons highlighting their importance:
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services:
Brackish water ecosystems are rich in biodiversity, supporting a wide variety of fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic species. These ecosystems provide essential ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling, water purification, and habitat provision for marine and terrestrial species.
Food Security and Nutrition:
Brackish water fisheries contribute to global food security by providing a source of protein-rich seafood for human consumption. Fish and other aquatic products from brackish water systems are an important dietary component for millions of people, especially in coastal communities where alternative protein sources may be limited.
Economic Contribution:
Brackish water fisheries contribute significantly to local and national economies through commercial fishing activities, aquaculture operations, and related industries such as processing and marketing. They provide employment opportunities and income generation for fishers, aquaculture farmers, and supporting sectors along the value chain.
Livelihoods and Rural Development:
Brackish water fisheries are often vital to the livelihoods of coastal communities and rural populations, particularly in developing countries. Small-scale fishers and aquaculture farmers rely on these fisheries for their income and sustenance, supporting their livelihoods and contributing to poverty alleviation.
Cultural and Social Significance:
Brackish water fisheries are deeply intertwined with the cultural heritage and traditions of many coastal communities. Fishing activities often play a central role in community identity, social cohesion, and cultural practices, fostering a sense of belonging and shared heritage among local populations.
Ecosystem Connectivity:
Brackish water ecosystems serve as critical transition zones between freshwater and marine environments, facilitating the movement of species and nutrients between these habitats. They support the life cycles of various fish species, including migratory species that rely on brackish water habitats for spawning and nursery grounds.
Climate Change Resilience:
Brackish water ecosystems play a role in climate change resilience by providing natural buffers against coastal erosion, storm surges, and sea-level rise. Mangroves, salt marshes, and other coastal habitats associated with brackish water fisheries help mitigate the impacts of climate change by acting as carbon sinks and providing coastal protection.
Overall, brackish water fisheries are essential for sustaining biodiversity, supporting food security, promoting economic development, and preserving cultural heritage in coastal regions around the world. Their conservation and sustainable management are critical for ensuring the long-term well-being of both human populations and aquatic ecosystems.
Purpose of comparative cost analysis
A comparative cost analysis of brackish water fisheries uses data from articles to assess the economic feasibility, efficiency, and sustainability of different practices. This analysis synthesizes existing knowledge, identifies trends and patterns, evaluates cost drivers, compares economic performance, validates findings, fills knowledge gaps, and informs decision-making. It helps identify areas for further investigation and provides actionable information to stakeholders..
Cost-benefit analysis of Brackish Water fin fishes
Even though brackishwater polyculture has a lot of potential, not much research has been done on this front up to this point. The majority of the time, poor management prevented this nation’s shrimp farmers from harvesting prawns correctly. Therefore, finfish crops may help to partially offset the economic loss resulting from a sudden collapse of the prawn crop. Prawn and fin fish farming’s productivity and profitability are influenced by a number of variables. The most important ones are stocking density, feed, feeding intensity, and fish or prawn stocking size. Given these details, the current study was conducted in order to evaluate the growth, productivity, and economic return depending on varying stocking ratios of freshwater prawn, flathead grey mullet/stripped mullet (bhangan), and corsula mullet (khorsula) in brackishwater ponds using a polyculture system.
Methods
Brackish water fisheries production can be categorized into three main systems: extensive, semi-intensive, and intensive. Each system varies in terms of input requirements, production intensity, management practices, and potential yields. Here’s an overview of each system:
1. Extensive System:
Extensive brackish water fisheries production involves minimal inputs and management practices, relying mainly on natural productivity and environmental conditions. Ponds or areas of water bodies are stocked with low densities of fish and left relatively undisturbed to utilize natural food sources.
Management Practices:
Limited management practices are employed, such as periodic water level adjustments, basic pond maintenance, and minimal feeding, if any.
Input Requirements:
Low input requirements in terms of labor, feed, and infrastructure. Production relies heavily on natural productivity and nutrient recycling within the ecosystem.
Yields:
Lower yields compared to semi-intensive and intensive systems due to lower stocking densities and limited management inputs. Production is generally sustainable but may vary depending on environmental conditions.
2. Semi-Intensive System
Semi-intensive brackish water fisheries production involves moderate levels of inputs and management practices to enhance production beyond natural levels. This system strikes a balance between extensive and intensive methods.
Management Practices:
More intensive management compared to extensive systems, including regular feeding, water quality monitoring, pond aeration, and occasional disease management.
Input Requirements:
Moderate input requirements for labor, feed, infrastructure, and equipment. Feeds may include a combination of natural and formulated feeds to supplement natural productivity.
Yields:
Moderate to high yields compared to extensive systems due to higher stocking densities, improved feed management, and enhanced water quality. Production is more predictable but still relies on some natural productivity.
3. Intensive System:
Intensive brackish water fisheries production involves high levels of inputs and management practices to maximize production within a controlled environment. This system aims for maximum efficiency and output through intensive stocking, feeding, and management
Management Practices:
Highly intensive management practices, including high stocking densities, regular feeding with formulated diets, water quality management, disease prevention and treatment, and strict monitoring of production parameters.
Input Requirements:
High input requirements for labor, feed, infrastructure, and equipment. Feeds are predominantly formulated and may include supplementary aeration, biosecurity measures, and advanced technology for production optimization.
Yields:
Highest yields among the three systems due to intensive management and control of production parameters. Production is more predictable and can be optimized for specific market demands, but it requires significant investment and ongoing management expertise.
Each system has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, production efficiency, environmental impact, and sustainability. The choice of system depends on various factors including available resources, market demand, environmental considerations, and management objectives. Sustainable management practices are essential across all systems to ensure the long-term viability of brackish water fisheries production.
Profitability
The commercial profitability of a corporation is largely dependent on the economic value of its investments. The cash payback time, ROI, BIC ratio, net present value (NPV), and internal rate of return (IRR) are examples of traditional financial indicators. These metrics are less useful, though, because they don’t account for the timing of capital expenditures and benefits. The project is financially advantageous due to its short cash payback period, high internal rate of return (IRR) of 85%, net present value of M$1.19 million, and BIC ratio of 1.32.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the comparative cost analysis of brackish water fisheries has highlighted the economic dynamics and feasibility of extensive, semi-intensive, and intensive production systems. While extensive systems offer lower initial investment and environmental impact, semi-intensive and intensive systems yield higher production with greater input requirements. The choice of system depends on factors such as available resources, market demand, and management objectives, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices to ensure long-term viability.