SUMMARY

In recent times, veterinarians and animal scientists have contributed to the development of techniques to increase the sources of animal protein in order to supplement existing sources of protein. Fish is an important source of protein and provides about 40 % of the dietary intake of animal protein. With the need for self reliance at both national and grass-root level, fish production offers a good potential if properly adopted. Additionally, increase in small scale aquaculture projects in towns and villages will create employment and alleviate poverty. Fish production involves controlling culture environment and rearing of fish in captivity; to enhance production and prevent diseases and predators as well as good husbandry management practices. However, the main factors affecting aquaculture in Nigeria include extreme climatic conditions, flood, water pollution, ignorance and lack of adequate technology, lack of loans and grants, fish diseases and problems of preservation. Despite all these challenges, fish production has the potential to expand the national resource base, generate foreign exchange and elevate the socio-economic status of fish farmers