A renowned don, Professor Oluayo Bello-Olusoji has canvassed for the establishment of aquatic shellfish banks to deal with mapping of the indigenous molluscs in Nigeria for cultivation, nutrition and harvesting.

Speaking during the 124th series under the theme: ‘Balanced Equation, the Missing Value- Shellfish’, the university administrator said government should focus on aquaculture as a matter of priority because of its economic impact.

“The creeks and brackish water areas has previously been identified as the best places for aquaculture in Nigeria. These wetland areas can be used to produce or culture shellfish, especially crustaceans and molluscs. These future locations can be good habitat (bank) for molluscs, and from these, farmers can select good molluscs seed periodically.”

He stated that a consistent source of fish and shellfish is essential for the nutritional value and financial health of a large segment of the Nigerian population.

“Capture fisheries have not been able to keep pace with the growing demand, while aquaculture is still growing up and producing less than 20 per cent global demand; shellfish is the only important food source among the capture fisheries that is still primarily gathered from the wild rather than farmed,” he said. Professor Bello-Olusoji declared that there is urgent need to turn to shellfish production to meet up with the ever-increasing demand for proteins, and to balance the quest for food security. The fisheries expert disclosed that regular eating of shellfish will boost man’s immunity, aid weight loss and promote brain and heart health. Vanguard