The demand for fish in Nigeria is still not met, despite having a domestic production estimated at about 800,000 metric tonnes. The demand stands at about 2.1 million metric tonnes per year. There is a shortfall of about 1.3 million metric tonnes. To solve this problem Nigeria has turned to fish importation while several other policies are being put in place by successive administrations to improve on local production. However, none of the efforts has been successful so far. The aim of this paper is to assess the potentials of offshore aquaculture within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of Nigeria with the view of meeting the fish demand of Nigerians. The paper develops a framework for the operation of offshore aquaculture. The implications of climate change on offshore fish production along the coastal area were highlighted. Strategies and policy measures needed to combat the challenges facing offshore aquaculture in order for it to live to its full potentials in protecting the living welfare of the fishermen and ensuring food security are also discussed.

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The study examined the effect of abattoir effluent on some physico-chemical parameters and heavy metal content of Ta’jan River in Ogbagi Akoko, Ondo State. Water samples were taken once in October and November at seven different locations along the receiving water body at sampling points:S1, S0, S2, S3, S4, S5 and S6; S1 (10meters upstream of the point at which effluents enter the stream),S0 (point at which effluents enter the stream) S2 (10 meters downstream of the point of effluent discharge), S3 (20meters downstream of the point of effluent discharge), S3 (30meters downstream of the point of effluent discharge), S4 (40meters downstream of the point of effluent discharge), S5 (50meters downstream of the point of effluent discharge) and S6 (60meters downstream of the point of effluent discharge) along Ta’jan stream. The time of taking the samples were in the morning during slaughter hours.The samples were collected, preserved, and analysed in the laboratory using standard methods. Wastewater parameters analysed were dissolved oxygen, Temperature (TEMPT), conductivity (COND), salinity, turbidity, nitrate, sulphate, phosphate, pH, total suspended solid (TSS), total dissolved solid (TDS), and heavy metals, such as iron, lead, copper, and zinc. The downstream levels of most of the parameters were significantly (p<0.05) better than the discharge point. This suggests river Ta’jan has good recovery capacity.The findings can be useful in identifying the water quality problems and how to improve the water body when been diverted into fishponds or used for all other industrial or agricultural purposes in the community.

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