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Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has promised to put machinery in place to tackle the challenges being faced by the aquatic life in the ocean in the state.
He said his administration would ensure protection of the aquatic life in the state.
The governor made the promise at the celebration of the World Fisheries Day held at the headquarters of the state Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Alagbaka, Akure.
In his address, Governor Aiyedatiwa said: “The fisheries sector remains a very important aspect of our economy, providing livelihoods for thousands of families.
But the sector is being confronted with myriad of challenges that endanger the sustainability of vital resources, such as pollution, which has compromised the health marine ecosystems and climate change.
“The government recognizes the urgency of these challenges and we are going to take decisive actions towards stemming the tide and we will collaborate with local communities, fishermen, scientists and various stakeholders to develop and implement sustainable fisheries management practices that balance environmental health with economic viability.
“My administration will significantly invest in research and development to deepen the understanding of fisheries ecosystems, focusing on innovative solutions that can mitigate the threats posed by climate change and pollution.
“We will also seek to leverage on technology and data to make fishing practices more efficient and sustainable with a view to ensuring the long-term health of fish populations.”
The governor also noted the importance of protecting the rights and livelihoods of fishermen and women, stressing that he would ensure that they have access to fair and equitable prices for their catch, live in safe working conditions, and benefit from comprehensive social protections that support their well-being and resilience against economic fluctuations and environmental changes.
Earlier in his address, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Fishery, Olayato Aribo, disclosed that Ondo State is celebrating the maiden edition of the World Fisheries Day.
He said: “We gather to recognize the importance of fisheries and aquaculture in our state and Nation at large. As we celebrate this day, we acknowledge the significant contributions of the fisheries sector to our economy, food security and employment, We also recognize the challenges faced by our fishers, fish farmers, and fishing communities such as climate change, overfishing and habitat degradation among others.”
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Agriculture sub sector, Mrs. Foluke Tunde-Daramola, said the state government is committed to promoting sustainable fisheries practices, improving the livelihoods of fishing communities and ensuring the long-term health of our fisheries resources in the state.
He added that the government has put in place policies and programmes aimed at enhancing fisheries management and enforcement; supporting small-scale fishers and fish farmers; promoting aquaculture development.
The Commissioner appreciated the governor for the commitment and dedication to Agriculture in all its ramifications.
In her address, the Director of Fisheries Services, Mrs. Iyabo Olaleye said World Fisheries Day is an annual event to highlight the importance of sustainable fishing practices and to raise awareness about the impact of overfishing on the world’s oceans.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Forestry/Produce sub-sector, Mr. Oluwagbenga Akingbasote, Chairmen of Association of Fish and Aquaculturist Farmers of Nigeria and Catfish Farmers Association of Nigeria, Venerable Adefila and Dr Olokuntoye
Delivering the lecture, entitled: “Let the Waters Bring Forth Swarms of Living Creatures,” Dr. Oluyemi Gbadamosi of Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Federal University of Technology, Akure, said it is a day that was set aside to bringing relevant stakeholders in the fisheries and aquaculture sector together to discuss and showcase the potentials of fisheries and aquaculture and issues relating to sustainable fisheries management.
It was also meant to raising awareness about the importance of sustainable fishing practices, and encouraging governments, businesses, and individuals to take action to protect the world’s oceans and fisheries resources.
Dr. Gbadamosi said: “According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, nearly 30% of the world’s fish stocks are overfished, and many more are fish and reared at unsustainable levels
“This not only threatens the long-term sustainability of the world’s fisheries but also has serious implications for food security and the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on fishing and aquaculture for their income.”
