Background

Fisheries and aquatic resources are among the major natural endowments of Bayelsa.  The demand for fish in Nigeria is rising due to the prohibitive costs of animal meat.  Also, the active development of the fisheries sub-sector and utilization of the abundant aquatic resources guarantee high foreign exchange earnings and a positive impact on unemployment figues in the country.  There is also the guarantee of a handsome return on investment.  There investment areas are identified under fisheries and aquatic resources, namely fish, sea food and spin-off industries and aquatic plants.

Fishing

The vast water resources of Bayelsa, where the sea, rivers, creeks, rivulets, lakes and swamps constitute a greater percentage of the total land cover, offer enormous potential. Fish and sea food may not be quantifiable but their abundance is demonstrated by the successful all-year round fishing in the state, thus creating a huge industry for both artisanal and mechanized fishing. However, presently fish production in Bayelsa is disappointingly low. Current artisanal coastal fishery production is estimated at 70,000 tonnes annually; but potential production is estimated to be in the region of 200,000 tonnes per annum. Inland fishing, including agriculture, is insignificant because of seasonal effects, inadequate participation, and business development constraints. Opportunities in fisheries development thus clearly exist.

Fishery resources in Bayelsa State are exploitable for large-scale investment Brachish, marine and inland fisheries (including swamp and lakes) produce a wide variety of fin fish and shellfish species of high food value and commercial importance. Some common fish species available in Bayelsa waters include saltwater species like bonga, sardines, shed, mackerel, jacks, Atlantic bumber and long neck croaker; freshwater species such as cat fish, tilapia and zilli.

Investment potential in fish/fishing include commercial large-scale fishing / trawling; deep-sea fishing; commercial agriculture fish farming / pond development; fresh fish preservation, freezing, and storage and export; canning for local and export market; fish oil and fish meal production.

Presently in Bayelsa State, fishing in the brackish and coastal marine zones, and the inland freshwater is done by both full-time and part-time fishermen and women, including children. Full-time fisher folk are found in temporary or permanent settlements of fishing villages scattered along coastline of the state and by the banks of big rivers. Local fishermen and women work from canoes using a variety of low tech fishing gear. In the brackish and coastal marine zones larger canoes or trawlers are used. Great opportunity abounds for large fish trawling and improved fishing methods to facilitate large catches.

Fishponds & Natural Lakes

These also contribute significantly to the state’s fish supply. Conducive conditions for agriculture development are provided by the numerous freshwater swamps. The lakes are owned by individuals, compounds or communities and could also be leased to fishermen for specified periods. Fingerling (young fish) stock is also ensured by the vast fishery resources in the natural environment. The state’s agricultural development programme is promoting agriculture by providing technical assistance to farmers under the Federal Government’s Special Programme on Food Security.

Shellfish

The rich fishery resources of Bayelsa also include a variety of sea foods, including scallops, oysters; periwinkles, crabs, lobsters, shrimps, prawns and crayfish. They are in high demand, and commercial trawling or deep-sea fishing is required to meet food needs and other applications, especially the demand for seashells.

Seashells

Man’s earliest use of shells was as tokens of wealth, love and ornamentation. Today, shells, especially seashells, are used in interior decoration, craftwork, and as collectors’ items. They are also in high demand as tourist souvenirs. Seashells are also utilized in a variety of industrial application, as in the production of lime, whitewash, calcium concentrate for animal feed and toothpaste. The potential in this industry can easily be developed, thanks to the plentiful supply of the product.

Pearls

Local oysters cling on to the prop roots of mangrove trees and produce pearls from substances they secrete as a protective measure against foreign matter.  Pearls can also be cultured.  Both wild and cultured pearls are considered precious and carry a high price on the world market.  Oyster fishing/farming in Bayelsa could form the basis of such a niche industry.

Aquatic Plants

Two of the world’s most invasive plants have become established in the Niger Delta.  Although there is an ongoing programme to control them, they both posses economic potential.

Water Hyacinth

This is a free-floating plant with shiny green, round to oval leaves, bulbous and spongy stems and feathery, purple-white roots, suspended in water.  It is one of the fastest growing plants known to man.  It colonizes freshwater bodies at such a rapid rate that it doubles its population within 12 days, with an unusual ability to thrive under a wide range of environmental conditions.  It is also a menace because of the way it clogs waterways and prevents sunlight from reaching the water column and submerged plants.  In the Bayelsa freshwater zone, the water hyacinth is a common sight, constituting a hindrance to water travel, swimming and fishing.  However an industry could be created around this waterweed that would provide an avenue to control it and also convert it into an economic venture the following applications are possible: production of paper; fibre board, yarn and rope and biogas, weaving / basket making, fertilizer, animal fodder and fish feed.

Nypa Palm

The nypa palm is perhaps the only palm that graows well in mangrove swamps.  Native to southeast Asia, ti was introduced to Nigeria between 1905 and 1912 for coastal erosion control along Calabar and Oron coasts. However, today the palm poses a threat to the mangrove forests. Dispersed by water, it is invasive, with the potential to colonize the entire Nigerian coast.  But like the wate hyacinth, it could become economically productive by development an industry around it.  It can be tapped for its sweep sap, while its flower petals can be brewed into for making baskets and cane chairs, and for thatching.