Efforts (hours) Weeeka Week 2 Weeet 3 Week Weeks Week Week 7 Weeek Weeek 9 Week 10 Weeekat Weeek a2 Weeek 313 Weeek 34 Week 35 Week 36 Weeek 317 Weeek 18 Week 19 Weeek 20 Weeek 23 Weeek 22 Weeks/Months Figure 2: Work hour duration / effort of MMOs per week Abundance and Sightings of Marine Mammal in the Project Area Total number of marine mammal sightings recorded was 25 comprising of 7 (28%) sightings of whales and 18 (72%) sightings for dolphins. The total number of individual mammals recorded was 431 of which 98.14% were dolphins and 1.86% were whales (Figure 3). Whales 1.86% Figure 3:Percentage number of sightings and total individual marine mammals recorded The number of sightings and number of individuals recorded for whales and dolphins during the reporting period is as presented in Figure 4. There were more dolphin sightings than whales. Whale sightings were only recorded in weeks 8, 13 and 16 while the dolphins were sighted in 14weeks out of the total 22 weeks of observation. id marine researon 14 nigerian institute for 01 nography—® Dolphins Whales ‘Number of Sightings PRPRUVVPDTTDTVIITT Dec-10, Jan | Feb-Ad ateaher Math Apel May-11 Weeek 22 Figure 4: Weekly records of sightings for dolphins and whales in the project area ‘Among the total individual whales (8) recorded, 25% were adults and 75% were ju’ veniles while more of the adults (68.09%) than the juveniles (31.91%) of the total individual dolphins (423) were recorded (Figure 5) Figure 5: Percentage total number of adult and juvenile marine mammals recorded. The occurrence and number of individual mammals (adults and juveniles) recorded per week is as presented in Figures 6 and 7. There were more adults recorded during the project than the juveniles. It was only in weeks 7, 8 17 among the dolphins that more juveniles were recorded than the adults. jan institut Tor ocAdults Whales muveniles a‘ a 3 slenpiipur jo soquinn zope Tym ox ye99M Coo a1 yeaa oo oT p22 ST eee erypo0% ED pen TH poem Them Coo e994 S999 L9p29m oo oo oo ep cyan DRM, May-t1 feb an a Weeks/Months ial dant Dec-10 Figure 6: Total number of adult and juvenile whales recorded per week Juveniles wt lk la L m Adults Dolphins l! eaesaage sjenpy~pul jo saquiny ° zope ree az qp00m spoon appeem copeem orss09 sven oon erp ree Tope oryssen spo seem Lope seam speom on pom cpm Tem Feb-at Mar-t1 prt May Weeks/Months dant ec10 Figure 7: Total number of adult and juvenile dolphins recorded per week jor oceanography and marinwe epo® Marine mammal Species Recorded The sighting encounters of the whales species in most instances were very brief and identification into actual species was very difficult. Also there was no good photograph recorded for processing and analysis of the target species. The dolphin species recorded and identified included Atlantic hump-backed dolphin (Sousa teuszii), Common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncates) (Plates 2a, 2b & 2c) Plate 1a: Bottlenose dolphin Plate 1b: A group of dolphins. Plate 1c: Over fifty dolphin individuals (adults and juveniles) were recorded in this encounter ography and marine research%, “ac pero8 i, Other Animals Sighted In The Project Area Other animal such as birds, turtles, schools of fish and other wildlife were also sighted in the project area. Such sightings of birds (sea tems and a dove), entangled shark and some schools of pelagic fishes in the project area are shown in Plates 2 to 4. Among the pelagic fishes observed were tuna species (Thunnus alletheratus and Thunnus albacores) caught by some crew members with hook- and-line Plate 4: A very big shark caught by a fisherman's hook but swept away and entangled on the streamers ee Tigerlan Institute for oceanography and Warne Tesearoh 144sand Fishing in the Project Area it was observed within the reporting period that fishing activities were going on normally during seismic operations except on_a few occasions where trawlers were on the path of the main source vessel. In such circumstance, the chase vessel usually directed the obstructing vessel away from the path of main vessel in order to avoid collision. Plate 6 shows fishing trawler and a canoe sighted at the project area carrying out their normal fishing operations. Plate 5: A fishing trawler with some sea birds on the outrigger booms and a canoe sited in the project area DISCUSSION: The marine mammal observation project is of great importance as mitigating measure for the protection of marine wildlife (particularly marine mammals) that may be affected by the effect of the seismic activities. The involvement of NIOMR scientists in this project has resulted in gathering of essential data and necessary information on the types, level of abundance and occurrence of marine mammals in Nigerian waters. The whale species recorded was the humpback whale that had been recorded in previous surveys and there may also be some other species that may not be well identified. Based on the previous studies in the area, the period of the project (December — May) was not actually the “whale period” which should start around June to December (Williams, et al, 2010). This is the period the whales return from their temperate feeding grounds to warm tropical waters for breeding. The main species that is well known for this migration is the humpback whale. Although in this survey, the whale species recorded could not be well identified, there was the possibility that other whale species Were also found at that period of the year. The low abundance recorded was an indication that the period was nota “whale period’. The dolphins are known to occur all year round and many species are known to occur in tropical waters including Gulf of Guinean and Nigeria (Jefferson, (1993). . Three species (Sousa teuszii, Delphinus delphis and Tursiops truncates) were identified during this survey period but many more may still exist. They were observed to be very fast swimmers and only few good photographic records were available for identification of species. The abundance recorded was fairly high compared to other study that had been carried out in the last three years and in addition more adults were recorded than the juveniles. Tor oceanography and ma earch 145 nigerian InstitOther species recorded in the project area included sea birds (sea tern and a dove) pelagic fish species particularly tuna species, a very large shark and some rays, The reason for the presence of many pelagic fish species may be as a result of the production platform (FSO Unity) within the project area that served as an aggregation device for the fishes. The abundance of some fish species attracted the birds, other predatory species such as sharks and rays which were being captured by the operators of the fishing vessels (trawlers and canoes) around the project area CONCLUSION Seismic operation is known to impact on the wildlife of the surrounding environment but with adequate mitigating measures as was spelt out in the JNCC guidelines, the operation will be done with minimal effect or completely devoid of impact on the environment. The use of MMOs was of high importance in that they monitor the impact of seismic activity and advice the operators of any infringement. Vital information on the species occurrence and abundance within the area of operation were also collected. Such information are very useful in planning, monitoring and management of the species, many of which are on the IUCN listas threatened and endangered. The dedicated MMOs on this project ensured that the NCC guidelines were followed with relevant useful data and information collected. It was also observed that the seismic operations were carried out with minimal interference with the surrounding environment and on the various animals of conservation interest.FISHERIES STATISTICS AND ECONOMICS SECTION PROJECT TITLE: FISHERIES AND HIV\AIDS IN NIGERIA: THE CASE OF ARTISANAL FISHERIES RESEARCHERS: P.O. Abohweyere, L. Jim-Saiki, H. Ogunbadejo, A.O. Adeogun, A. Tanko, R. O. Aroriode, U. Jacob, J. E. Giwa, A. A. Ajisebiolola, M. Bankole, S. B, Audu, G. N. Esenwanne, A. Gbolagun and W.A. Adedokun, INTRODUCTION Fisheries play an important role in the livelihoods of Nigeria's Costal population as it is the economic mainstay of the area. Artisanal fisheries, the category which coastal small-scale fishers falls into contributes over 80% of Nigeria's domestic fish production. The sector generates over 400,000 jobs (Abohweyere et a! 2002) and contributes about 40% to agricultural GDP (FDF 2007). Akande (1993) asserted that fish is traditionally the main source of animal protein of the diet in many parts of Nigeria, especially for low and middle level income groups. Several factors both natural and artificial combine in a complex fashion to limit the performance of the sector. And these factors have further been compounded by insensitivity of relevant authorities towards artisanal fisheries. Health is wealth and this (good health) is of immense importance in the fishing communities bearing in mind the role played by fishers. The campaign for the awareness of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is assumed to have reached every nook and cranny of Nigeria, yet the havoc caused by the highly mortal disease is raging higher. ‘The questions that comes to mind are why is the disease still prevalent and which group of people are vulnerable to the disease? This research was designed therefore, to investigate the level of awareness and prevalence of the HIV/AIDS in the fishing communities of Akwa-lbom, Cross Rivers and Ondo States bearing in mind, the highly mobile disposition of artisnanal fishers in search of fish. OBJECTIVE OF STUDY Nigeria's artisanal fisheries is overwhelmed by problems of piracy, communal/boundary clashes, oil exploitation and pollution, financial stress and militancy thereby militating against fish production. Hence the low production with the resulting yawning deficit of over 1.4 metric tons of production to demand.Artisanal fish production require healthy young and able-bodies men and women who can withstand the stress involved in the process. The implication is that failing health in the sector would negatively affect fish production especially if the health concern relates to infectious disease(s) like the HIV/AIDS. Nigeria fishing communities are scattered in remote coastal areas, mostly out of reach to government policies and health workers. The fishers, because of their continuous search for fish in the costal waters are highly mobile and in the process “interact” with numerous people. Mainly, the health status of the fishers and those they meet at their new places are riot known to them. There is almost total absence of health facilities at the communities. This study was carried out to establish the dynamics, knowledge, attitude and practice of the fishers generally towards their health and especially HIV/AIDS. JUSTIFICATION Generally, there is dearth of information about Nigeria's coastal artisanal fishery due to poor attitude of government. This is often blamed on the remoteness of the communities. However, operators of the sector form an important part of Nigeria's population and contribute immensely to her GDP. The lack of government attention/presence in these communities have reciprocated in the poor altitude of the fishers towards self care and preventive health care. Therefore, it is important for a fisheries research Institute like ours (NIOMR) which has the mandate to investigate coastal fisheries to establish the status of their social-economic and infrastructure facilities vis-a-vis the fishers' knowledge attitude and practices towards sustainable fisheries development. METHODOLOGY Cross Rivers, Rivers and Ondb States were selected for the study. The survey covered major fishing communities in the selected states. The method of survey included administration of questionnaires, direct interviews by use of English Language. Few cases required interpretations by local interpreters, The questionnaires covered the dynamics, knowledge, attitude and practices of fishers towards the health with specific reference to HIV/AIDS. Questionnaires were used to assess the status of each community's HIV/AIDS and general health situations. Oral interviews were on focused groups and community leaders.RESULTS/DISCUSSION =NO Fig. 1: Level of Awareness of HIV/AIDS Fig 1 shows the level of awareness of the existence HIV/AIDS at the sampled communities. The research reveals that the 89% of the people merely heard about the campaigns on radio, they have not really had direct contacts with health workers or HIV/AIDS campaign organization. 11% of the respondents indicated that they have no knowledge about any disease called HIV/AIDS. Among those who have heard about the phenomena, 18% believed that the disease is spiritual andis a spell onthe victim. The symptoms of the disease were also not known to them. myYES =NO The use of condom which has been suggested as a preventive way of protecting oneself from HIV/AIDS is not being practiced by 66% of the respondents. While some claim that itis not part of their culture, others claim thatitisa disturbing development from the West”. Fishers are know to be highly mobile and in the process attached to may wives, but most of them indicate that their wives are not promiscuous and they are faithful themselves. 149. nigerian ins Teh jute for oc ography and marinFig 3: Gender Distribution of Respondents The 87% of the respondents were male fishers while 13 were female. While the male fishers carryout their fishing operation in both the Lagoons and ocean, their female counterparts operate in the Lagoons. Fishers mobility is also common among men. Fishers are mainly erates as they have no access to education facilities. The few of them who attain little education sail some distance to attend classes. Figure 4 show that 64% of the responds had no education at all while only 20% had secondary education. Those that had primary and tertiary education shared 16% of the respondents However the tertiary in this report referred to respondents with NCE and OND. There was no graduate respondent. [o> 7 ~~] 4s | 3 30 25 20 a5 | Fig 4: Level of Education jan institute for o Tography and marine research 150Most respondents' fishermen/women were between the ages of 36 and 45 years (Fig 5). The graph shows a trend of the rate of growth in the fishers manpower in terms of age. After age 45, the number of agile fishers begins to diminish, Plates 1 ~3 show activities during the survey. Plate 2: A fisher (woman) demonstrating the use of female condom after the lecture. {tute Tor oceanography and marine researeh 151 nigerianPlate 3: Health officers checking fishers for the HIV/AIDS virus at one of the communities CONCLUSION The survey showed that the fishing communities of coastal Nigeria suffer from neglect and ignorance of modern health facilities. The impact of good health on the status of Nigerians fisheries especially the artisanal sector cannot be over-emphasized. There is need for effort to be intensified in providing social amenities and health care facilities to these remote areas. Till date, the artisanal sector provides the bulk of Nigeria's fish production and the continued neglect of the fishery and its operators may further worsen the socio-economic situation of the communities and its environs. This will translate into insecurity which is already threatening the stability of the nation. The health of the operators in the artisanal fishery should be taken seriously and whatever precautionary steps are being taken in other sectors should be extended to them. There is the need therefore to carry the campaign against the dreaded disease (HIV/AIDS) to these fishing communities. nigerian institute for oceanography and marine research 152EXTENSION RESEARCH AND LIAISON SERVICES (ERLS) PROJECT 1 PROJECT TITLE: AWARENESS CREATION ON NIOMR'S VALIDATED RESEARCH RESULTS TO END-USERS. RESEARCH TEAM: Yarhere M.T., Ayorinde, F., Ajulo, A., P. Eitokpah, Ajila O., ‘Adeyemo A., Olaniran©., Ogunyanwo, T.,Chima, A. INTRODUCTION Recently NIOMR has come up with a lot of innovations that are expected to increase fish production and improve fishers! income and standard of living. These laudable ventures cannot be achieved if fisherfolks are not aware of what is on the shelf for them to try. Awareness creation on all NIOMR's technologies will enable the public and fisherfolks know what is available in the Institute that will improve their production. This project therefore has employed the mass media, interpersonal media and outreach programmes to create awareness on the institutes innovations. Several exhibitions, interactions with Agricultural Development Programmes (ADPS) in the states are reported in this project on awareness creation. OBJECTIVE: This project is aimed at creating awareness on the activities of NIOMR from time to time in order to facilitate adoption of the technologies for farmers' productivity and improved livelihood. JUSTIFICATION Research results emanating from the Institute need to be publicized in order to create awareness to the general public as well as identified end-users. Technologies are not supposed to remain on the shelf without adoption, hence it is imperative for the institute to create avenues for technology transfer from time to time. METHODOLOGY ‘Awareness creation was carried out through the mass media and interpersonal media. The mass media comprised the radio, television, print media (newspapers, magazines, newsletters, journals, annual reports, extension guides, books, posters, brochures, leaflets, bill boards, handbills etc), while the interpersonal media involved exhibitions, demonstration on farmer's farm, training workshops, seminars, symposia, conferences, excursions, educational visits, facility visits and creation of outreach centres RESULTS The Extension Research and Liaison Services (ERLS) section created awareness on NIOMR” s innovations through participation in various exhibitions, including the annual Agricultural Show organised by FAO and Nigeria. The exhibition took place at Keffi in Nasarawa state. The World Food Day was also celebrated at the same venue. Highlight of the fair include the opening and closing ceremonies where dignitaries from government establishments, emirs, farmers associations, research institutes chief executives and exhibitors assembled to present speeches on achievements and plans on agricultural development for the nation. Below are some clips from the exhibition earchNIOMR's Posters display at Nasarawa Exhibition Dr. M. Yathere (1 Left briefing the Minister of Agriculture, 8°12" November, 2011 Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina (2" righ during his visit to NIOMR stand Packaged fish display at Nasarawa exhibition Students visit to NIOMR stand at Nasarawa exhibition And World Food day 8° -12 November, 2011 Sitting (right) Dr (Mrs) Alao (let) Mrs Fabiyi of ARCN 1" (right) Miss Folake Ayorinde briefing students Standing are ERLS Staff from NIOMR at Nasarawa Exhibition at NIOMR stand at Nasarawa ian institute for oceanog hy and marine research 154Seminar Session at Nasarawa Exhibition and World Food Day Celebration (1" Fight) Dr (Mrs) Mabel Yarhere, Emirs and other dignitaries sitting at extreme left DISCUSSION The Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina was very impressed by NIOMR displays and particularly commented on the value addition of fish and fisheries products development of the Institute. In answer to the Hon. Minister's request about what the Institute was doing about sea piracy and its menace to the fishing industry, Dr Mabel Yarhere mentioned the collaboration between the Institute, the FDF, Navy, industrial fishing companies and Maritime Watch groups in the areas of policy formulation on piracy and modalities to curb the maiming and killing of pilots and crews and prevent stealing of valuables and vessels, from being vandalised. The Institute was awarded the second best exhibition stand in the category of the research institutes that participated in the fair. It was also awarded a certificate of participation in the World Food Day exhibition by the FAO. A total of 411 visited the stand and signed the register. School children also visited the institute and some expressed surprise on seeing fingerlings displayed in the plastic tank. Various areas of interests were indicated by the visitors. Fish farming technologies were the most interest indicated by the visitors. Stitute for oceanography and marine research