64 SEPTEMBER • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG monitor pH, oxygen, or temperature (Figure 4). • Poor mortality disposal practices and no vaccination: Unsafe risk of disease spread (Table 1). • Young, educated farmers lack support: Tertiary education did not guarantee practical knowledge (Table 2). • Protective practices are rare: No farms had footbaths, protectiv• e clothing, or sanitation routines (Figure 5). • Farmers cited challenges such as lack of training, no access to veterinary care, and lack of government enforcement or support. What Can Be Done? 1. Build Awareness: Use campaigns in local languages. 2. Train Farmers: Use hands-on field programs. 3. Provide Starter Kits: Include disinfectants and testing/ monitoring tools (Aladetohun 2025a). 4. Develop Local Guidelines: Create easy-to-follow manuals. 5. Support with Policy: Offer incentives for compliant farms (Aladetohun 2025b). Conclusion Improving fish health through biosecurity protects more than just one farm—it safeguards regional food systems, livelihoods, and ecosystems. Simple, low-cost practices can make a big difference. Notes Nike Funmilayo Aladetohun Ffs (Chief lecturer/Director),* Federal College of Fisheries and * Corresponding author: aladetohun@fcfmt.edu.ng, aladednike@gmail.com. References Aladetohun N.F., Oche C., Darius,T., Caleb M.O.(2024) Assessment of Biosecurity measures in fish farms of Udu local government Area, Delta State, Nigeria. Global Journal of Fisheries Science Volume 6(5), pages 138-157, December 2024 ISSN: 2782 -750x. https://doi.org/10.31248/GJFS2024.064 Aladetohun N.O. (2025) Securing Our Future: BioSecurity Measures in a Changing World Vol I.(pages 73-120). LAP Lambert Academic Publishing ISBN: 978-620-8-42780-1. Aladetohun N.O. (2025) Securing Our Future: BioSecurity Measures in a Changing World Vol II. (pages 21-23). LAP Lambert Academic Publishing ISBN: 978-620-8-42781-8. Apata O.M. (2012). Awareness and adoption of fish production Fish farming is a rapidly expanding sector in Nigeria, helping to improve food security, create jobs, and reduce pressure on wild fish stocks. But with its growth come new risks especially when it comes to disease outbreaks (FIAC 2010, Apata 2012, Aladetohun et al. 2024). One of the most effective ways to protect fish farms from disease is through bio-security: simple but essential measures that prevent the introduction and spread of harmful pathogens. Despite its importance, bio-security remains poorly understood and rarely practiced on many Nigerian farms. A recent study in Lagos State, Nigeria’s most populous and economically active state, reveals the scale of this challenge and offers valuable lessons for improving bio-security not just in Lagos, but across the country. What is Bio-security — and Why Does it Matter? Bio-security in aquaculture refers to the steps taken to keep diseases out of farms and stop them from spreading. These steps include: • Quarantining new fish • Wearing protective gear • Checking water quality • Cleaning equipment • Disposing of dead fish properly Without these measures, diseases can spread quickly, killing fish, hurting farmer incomes, and threatening nearby farms and water bodies. A Look at Lagos Fish Farms Lagos State sits on Nigeria’s southwestern coast and has become a major center for aquaculture. Many small-scale farmers raise catfish and tilapia, especially in Epe, Ibeju-Lekki, and Eti-Osa. Epe is located on the North side of the Lekki lagoon and about 90km from Ibadan. Ibeju-Lekki is bordered by Ogun State on the north, Eti- Osa LGA on the west, Epe Lagoon in the East, and the Atlantic Ocean on the south (Figure 1). To understand biosecurity practices, we surveyed 62 fish farms, asking about knowledge, practices, and challenges. What We Found: Key Lessons from the Field • Biosecurity awareness is low: Over 66% of farmers had never heard of biosecurity (Figure 2). • Non bio-secure disposal of effluents (Figure 3). • Water quality monitoring is neglected: Most farms did not Improving Bio-Security in Nigerian Fish Farms: Lessons from Lagos State Nike Funmilayo Aladetohun FIGURE 1. Map of Lagos State indicating Local Government areas and extent of Metropolitan Lagos.
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