About

Address by President

Prof. Bamidele O. Omitoyin

President, ANIFS

The Association

The Association of Nigerian Fisheries Scientists (ANIFS) is a non-governmental, non-political and non-profit making organization. It is a body of scientists in Capture Fisheries and Aquaculture discipline, registered as a corporate body by the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja, Nigeria, in February 2015. The registered office of The Association is situated at the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State of Nigeria.

Why ANIFS

The decision to set up the Association of Nigerian Fisheries Scientists (ANIFS) was informed by due considerations to many critical factors on the country’s fisheries industry, and the need for enhanced sustainable development of the sub-sector for improved food security. Among these factors are, viz:

the enormous marine and fresh water fisheries resources of Nigeria
the contributions of fisheries resources to the nutrition and livelihoods of millions of Nigerians
the expected contribution of fisheries resources to foreign exchange earnings and the GDP in the agriculture sector
the over 2 million metric tons annual deficit in fish supply and the need for sustainable increase in domestic fish production for enhanced food security and poverty alleviation
the critical need to protect the livelihoods of about 8.6million people engaged in the primary sector and 20million in the secondary sector of the fisheries industry and create more opportunities for employment
the expected roles of the fisheries sub-sector in the drive for Sustainable Development of the country
the fundamental roles of research and development in fish production, value addition and overall development of the fisheries industry
the ravaging impact of climate and human activities on the nation’s fish diversity, production and productivity, and the need for well researched mitigation and adaptation strategies
the need for adequately trained human resources to drive the fisheries sub-sector of the economy
the trend and state of fisheries education and human capacity development in the country’s colleges, polytechnics and universities
the need to impact adequate knowledge and skill in fisheries graduates through sound curricula in the training institutions
the dire need for fisheries scientists to focus on development oriented capture fisheries and aquaculture research and innovations in order to step up domestic fish production
the need for adequate mentoring of young fisheries scientists to take over from the ageing ones and provide appropriate leadership for the fisheries profession
the need to entrench global standards, best practices and ethics in capture fisheries and aquaculture research
the need to create suitable forum for the scientists to share ideas on research and innovations, and for mentoring up-coming fisheries scientists.
ineffective fisheries policies and the need to evolve and adopt feasible and sustainable policy and implementation strategies for good governance of capture fisheries and aquaculture.

Formation and Focus of the Association

Critical analysis of the foregoing factors revealed a huge gap which the Association is designed to fill through appropriate vision, mission, objectives, activities and strategies. The ultimate goal of the Association is to contribute to sustainable fish production, improved human nutrition, enhanced livelihoods and food security through research and development in the conservation, utilization and management of aquatic resources. It aspires to be among the best professional organizations for advancement of research, development, collaboration and information dissemination in capture fisheries and aquaculture.

The Association desires to promote development oriented research and innovations in Capture Fisheries and Aquaculture; enhance development and adoption of modern technologies; ensure networking and information sharing among the members, and with other fisheries professionals and stakeholders; establish platform for mentoring young fisheries scientists and professionals; advance the course of fisheries and aquaculture profession; ensure acquisition of sound knowledge and skill in the training institutions; and offer to government appropriate policy direction for good fisheries governance based on scientific findings. The Association would ultimately nurture a body of scientists and professionals who are committed to the advancement of capture fisheries and aquaculture research, innovations and community service for the benefit of Nigerians and the world in general.

As part of its activities, the Association shall host scientific meetings; establish scientific and innovation platforms; encourage collaboration of scientists to enable them secure supports for quality research; and collaborate with the relevant agencies of government to ensure appropriate training of fisheries graduates. The Association, through its Standing Committees, shall engage in critical analysis of all aspects of the country’s fisheries industry with a view to providing feasible solutions to the challenges. We shall also engage in periodic publications, partner with the major stakeholders, foster linkages and collaborations with relevant national and international organizations and mentor up-coming fisheries scientists and liaise with government on appropriate policies for development of the fisheries industry.

Inaugural Conference

The First Annual Conference, and Launching of The Association, held 10-12 July, 2018 at the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, recorded huge success. The events witnessed large turn-out of fisheries scientists from within and outside the country, corporate organisations, fisheries administrators, practicing fish farmers, actors in the country’s fisheries industry and students.

The theme of the conference was “Science, Innovation and Aqua-business: A Tripod for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Development in Nigeria” with 8 sub-themes. This theme largely captures the focus of the Association. The response of scientists from within the country and two West African countries to this conference further testifies to the need for this Association. Eighty eight (88) papers of original research findings, authored by one hundred and eighty seven (187) scientists, were presented and discussed. The findings have been properly reviewed and evaluated for publication in the maiden editions of the Journal and Proceedings of the Association.

The Association has enjoyed the confidence and tremendous supports of the public and private organisations, as well as individuals, who believes in its vision and mission. Consequently, several stakeholders provided tremendous supports for the successful hosting of the inaugural conference. We therefore seize this medium to appreciate and put on record the contributions of the University of Ibadan and its Postgraduate School, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Aller Aqua Nigeria Ltd., Lagos, Olam farm, Ilorin, Durante Fish Industries Ltd., Triton Aqua Africa Ltd., Catfish and Allied Fish Farmers Association of Nigeria, Choice Fisheries, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc., Sea Coach Express and many individuals.

We are pleased to note that since the registration of the Association in 2015 and the first conference held in July 2018, applications for registration as financial members in the different membership categories have been on the increase.

Membership

The Association is voluntary and committed to accepting scientists and professionals who are committed to the advancement of capture fisheries and aquaculture research, development and community service for the benefit of Nigerians and the world in general. The Association is not an affiliate of any other academic or professional organisation, and membership is without prejudice to being a member of any other legal association. Therefore, membership is open to any individual or corporate organisations that thinks along the objectives of the Association, and believes in building a legacy for up-coming generation of fisheries professionals and scientists. Membership categories are available for Professional, Associate, Honourary, Student, Corporate and Life members. Interested persons and organisations are free to apply by completing the Membership Application Form provided in the link Membership Registration on this website.

Administration

The Association was administered by a five-man Management Team up to July 12, 2018 when the National and Zonal Officers, as well as the Standing Committees, were put in place at the first Annual General Meeting. The Association is now governed by a National Executive Council (NEC), which is the apex Governing Board comprising of eleven members; Editorial Board of ten members; and Five Standing Committees. There are also Six Zonal Branches with Zonal Officers comprising of eight members each, while formation of Chapters in other countries and institutions is being encouraged.

Conclusion

We encourage you to visit the other links on this website for up-coming activities, membership registration, publications and other relevant information on The Association.

Thank you.

Prof. Bamidele O. Omitoyin

President, ANIFS