Abstract

Omofunmi O.E.,J. .K. Adewumi., A.F. Adisa., and S.O Alegbeleye

Catfish is one of the major source of dietary protein in Nigeria. Lagos State in particular is one of culturing area with abundant fresh water and marine environments. The aim of the study was to evaluate the catfish rearing industry and its effluents management and make appropriate recommendations. Forty fish farms were randomly selected in Lagos State. Questionnaire and in-depth interview were used for data collection on water sources, equipment operations, and waste management. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results indicated that over 80% of water for fish rearing was from shallow well and 95% of the waste water generated was not treated before disposal into environment (land, river, streams). Effluents disposals employed were open pit, 12.5%; drainage canal, 32.5%; bared-land, 10.0%; stream, 22.5% and reused on farm, 12.5%. Only few farmers carried out simple treatment before disposal namely; infiltration, 2.5% and sedimentation, 2.5%. If the effluent management conditions were not improved, it could pose treat to environment in the studied areas. Pond effluent must be treated before disposed into environment and waste water from fish pond effluent should be reused as soil amendment (solid) as irrigation water and impoundment for newly established pond with little treatments.