THE USE OF AQUA DRUGS AND CHEMICALS IN AQUACULTURE ACTIVITIES IN RIVERS STATE

Abstract

This study was carried out, to investigate the use of aqua drugs and chemicals in aquaculture activities as well as fish health management in Rivers State, Nigeria, using questionnaire interviews from forty-nine fish farms and hatcheries between March and June 2021.Descriptive statistics were used in the analysis of the data. The results showed that four categories of aqua drugs and chemicals were found to be used by fish farmers and hatchery owners, and they were applied by the farmers for pond preparation, maintenance of optimum water quality, disease treatment, and enhancing growth. The most commonly used chemicals in this study include sodium chloride (36.7%), sodium bicarbonate (34.3%), soda ash (30.4%), zeolite and (16.3%). Some of the drugs used by the farmers include: antibiotics, bio aqua, stern choice, ionophers, aqua boost, fish biotics. The study also identified the problems associated with the use of drugs and chemicals, which included lack of knowledge regarding the use of drugs, appropriate dose, method of application, and indiscriminate use. However, policy makers, researchers and scientists shouldcollaborate to address the issues of drugs and chemicals used in aquaculture with the view toreduce harmful consequences in aquaculture production