The Director, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Edo State, Mr Friday Ehimare, has said no fewer than 449 fish farmers have so far been empowered across the state since 2018.

Ehimare disclosed this at Ekehuan, in Ovia North East Local Government Area of the state during a campaign against dangerous fishing practices.

Ehimare said the campaign had become necessary following the continuous use of harmful chemicals in aquaculture. He said the state government had created fish cluster farming empowerment under the Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme (CACS).

“A total of eight clusters made up of 449 fish farmers have so far been empowered. The campaign is essential to discourage fish farmers from the use of chemicals in aquatic ecosystems and to educate them on the best and acceptable practices.

“The use of chemicals, such as Gammalin 20 and DDT, among others, kills every living thing in the water.

“Some common fish species, such as goldfish, butterflyfish, and other organisms like turtles, snails and crabs are rarely found in the water due to continuous use of harmful chemicals,” he said.

According to him, the chemical residue in fish is also dangerous to fish consumers. “So, we will continue to educate them,” Ehimare said, and thanked the governor for the approval for funding of the campaign.

In his remark, the leader of fish farmers in the village, Mr Faith Eyituoyor, thanked the ministry for the education and promised to adhere to the aquaculture best practices.