Journal of Fisheries and Life Sciences

Author(s): Opadokun I. O., Stephens M. O., George A. A. and Bakre L. A.

Abstract: Pen culture system was established in earthen ponds in flood prone areas of Lagos state in a bid to find solution to yearly huge fish loss in these areas. Based on rural rapid appraisal (RRA) conducted earlier by the Extension Department of Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority (LSADA) to identify areas usually affected by flood, seven locations were identified within Lagos metropolis: Ajah, Ibeju, Ebute afuye, Ibeshe, Gberigbe, Eruwen and Badagry. There were three replicates in each location. The pen inside each pond was stocked with Clarias gariepinus juveniles of 25 ± 0.54g average weight by early June and the trial lasted till mid- October. Flood occurred thrice during the trial. There were significant differences (PË‚0.05) in both the recovery rate and fish yield of ponds installed with pen and those without pen. Recovery rate of fish was 81.5 ± 7.93% in pen culture system ponds as against 17.86 ± 1.76% in ponds without pen installation. Fish yield was 574.81 ± 43.08kg in pen culture system ponds compared with 156.62 ± 17.62kg in the control ponds. Economic loss was inversely proportional to the presence of pen in ponds. It was concluded that pen culture system in earthen ponds is a proven solution to constant loss of fish to flood in earthen ponds located in flood prone areas of Lagos state.