UNILAG Professor Calls for Sustainable Aquaculture

A Professor of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences at the University of Lagos, Simeon Oluwatoyin Ayoola, has stressed the need to combine environmental conservation with sustainable fish production to secure Nigeria’s food future and protect aquatic ecosystems.

Source: unilag

Ayoola spoke while delivering the university’s 455th inaugural lecture at the J. F. Ade Ajayi Auditorium. The lecture was titled “Fisheries: Nature’s Gift to Humanity Coalescing Aquatic Environment Conservation with Sustainable Fish Production.”

He described fisheries as an important natural resource that can support food security, economic development and ecosystem stability, noting that fisheries management must balance scientific innovation with environmental protection.

The professor highlighted his research on aquaponic optimisation, an integrated system that combines fish and plant production, particularly suitable for urban and peri-urban areas. He said the model helps maximise limited space and resources and can contribute to Nigeria’s food security goals.

Ayoola also presented findings on sex-reversal techniques in Sarotherodon melanotheron and other fish species in freshwater and brackish environments, noting that the research has improved broodstock management, increased growth rates and enhanced aquaculture productivity.

He further discussed the culture potential of fish, crustaceans and molluscs in Nigeria’s coastal waters, identifying several underutilised species suitable for mariculture development to expand aquaculture diversification.

The professor also highlighted the use of probiotic bacteria as natural growth promoters and immune stimulants in Clarias gariepinus, noting that the approach improves fish health, reduces disease and limits reliance on antibiotics in aquaculture operations.

Ayoola also presented studies on the effects of agrochemicals, heavy metals and petroleum pollutants on aquatic organisms across the Lagos Lagoon, Ogun River and Ogoni ecosystems, noting that the research has helped establish biomarkers used to monitor environmental contamination and guide policy responses.