Sardines of the Gulf of Mannar ecosystem - fishery and resource characteristics of major species

Fishery, species diversity and resource characteristics of exploited sardine resources of the genera Sardinella were studied during 2000-2008. Sardines were exploited by sardine gillnets, trawls and shore seine. Annual average production for the period was 20,249 t. They formed about one fourth of the total marine fish production (77,443 t) of the region. Fishery was supported by eight species dominated by Sardinella gibbosa, followed by S. sirm, S. albella and S. longiceps. Fishery fluctuated widely with declining trend over the years mainly due to reduction in the fishing effort following destruction of traditional crafts and gears during the Tsunami in 2004. Oilsardine in the fishery registered an increasing trend with wide annual fluctuation during the period. Stock assessment studies show that the exploitation rate of major species ranged between 0.45 and 0.62, against the EMSY value of 0.72 and 0.86. This indicated that sardine resource as a whole is under-exploited, offering considerable scope for enhancing their yield. Despite contributing a higher share to marine fish production, sardines, along with other small pelagics, play a vital ecological role in sustaining the stock and fishery of other predatory groups especially large pelagics by providing them a major share of their forage. They support 46 to 87% of the total food of pelagic predators and 14 to 29% of demersal predators

मान्नार की खाडी में टूटिकोरिन तट पर सागरी जलक्षेत्रों में फीतामीन ट्राइक्यूरस लेप्टुयूरस किशोरों का जमाव और गभीर सागर आनायकों द्वारा इसका लक्षित विदोहन

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Feeding congregation of ribbonfish, Trichiurus lepturus juveniles in oceanic waters and their targeted exploitation by deepsea trawlers along the Tuticorin coast in Gulf of Mannar

Ribbonfishes supported commercial fishery at Tuticorin prior to nineteen nineties. But reports suggested that their stock and fishery declined considerably thereafter. Their fishery during 2000- 2006 was represented by occasional landings of small quantity of ribbonfish by trawls. Average production by trawls at Tuticorin fishing harbour during the period was 250 t. They represent about 0.7% of the total fish catch of the period

Exploited marine fishery resources off Tuticorin along the Gulf of Mannar coast

Tuticorin coast of Gulf of Mannar is endowed with rocky bottom, coral reefs and sea grass beds with characteristic flora and fauna. It also acts as home for several endangered marine mammals, sea cows and marine turtles. These resources were exploited by a variety of gears during 2000-2005

Corruption, Governance Failure and the Proliferation of Kidnapping in Nigeria

Nigeria, as the largest economy in Africa, grapples with systemic corruption and governance failure, providing fertile ground for criminal activities like kidnapping for ransom. This study examines the nexus between corruption, governance failure, and the surge in kidnapping, employing a qualitative research method. Using crime data extracted from media reports, trends and patterns of ransom kidnappings are analyzed. The findings reveal a notable increase in the commercialization of kidnapping spurred by various socio-economic and political factors including poverty, unemployment, poor security architecture, lax law enforcement, and corruption. This proliferation of ransom kidnappings exacerbates insecurity, posing threats to personal safety and economic stability. The study advocates for holistic reforms to combat corruption and enhance good governance in Nigeria. Strategies recommended among others include the overhauling of the nations’ security architecture, bolstering of law enforcement, transparency and accountability in governance, engagement of traditional rulers in governance and collaboration between governmental bodies and civil societies

Check list of fishes of the Gulf of Mannar ecosystem, Tamil Nadu, India

Gulf of Mannar Ecosystem (GOME) covers an area spread over Rameswaram and Kanyakumari for about 19000 km2 and lies between 78°11’E and 79°15’ E longitude and 8°49’N and 9°15’N latitude. The 21 coral islands form a network of habitats for different kinds of fishes and marine organisms. Fish samples were collected during April 2005 to March 2010 from different centers viz., Vembar, Tharuvaikulam, Vellapatti, Therespuram, Tuticorin, Alangarathattu, Pazhaykayal, Punnakayal, Kayalpattinam, Veerapandiapattinam, Thiruchendur and Manappad of Gulf of Mannar ecosystem. The present check list was the first attempt to produce a systematic list of fishes found in the Gulf of Mannar ecosystem. It includes 476 genera and 1182 species in 144 families and 39 orders, of which 628 species have been recorded in the present study

Assessment of Students' Perception and Satisfaction with Hostel Accommodation in Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria

The study examined Students' Perception and Satisfaction with Accommodation Facilities in Afe Babalola University Ado- Ekiti. Information used for the study was collected with the aid of questionnaire administration. Multi-stage random sampling technique was adopted for the study. Firstly, the researchers divided the study population into two based on gender, that is, male and female. Secondly systematic random sampling technique was used to select every forth rooms in all the hostels for data collection at the end 75female and 75 male respondents were selected, constituting about 3% of the total study population. Findings revealed that student were generally satisfied with the facilities provided in their hostels but complained that the facilities are poorly maintained due to inadequate water supply to hostels. The study concluded thatABUAD management should ensure adequate supply of water to all hostels as a way forward and constantly maintain hostel equipment/facilities whenever need arises. The study is significant to the management of Afe Babalola University and those that are saddled with the responsibility of maintaining hostel accommodation facilities in their campus

Nutrition Education on Food Choices of Secondary School Students in Lagos State, Nigeria

Adolescents face the risks of diet-related diseases during transition to adulthood. These diseases could lead to morbidity or mortality when dietary information is not within their reach to improve their dietary behaviour for the prevention of these diseases. This study examined nutrition education on food choices of secondary school students in Lagos Island Local Government Area, Lagos State, Nigeria. Pre test - post test experimental and control group designs were used for the study. The study population comprised 5,946 senior secondary school students in Lagos Island Local Government Area. Multistage sampling technique was used to select one hundred and twenty one (121) participants from two senior secondary schools who were assigned into two groups, namely experimental and control groups. Research instrument is a modified Nutritional Behaviour Questionnaire (r=0.73). Researcher Developed Nutrition Education Manual was also used for the intervention sessions. One research hypothesis was formulated to guide the study. The data collected was analysed using Analysis of Covariance. The hypothesis was tested at 0.05 level of significance. The result of data analysis revealed that the hypothesis was rejected. The findings showed that nutrition education significantly improves food choices of the students. It was concluded that nutrition education improves the food choices of students. The study recommended that all secondary school students should be exposed to nutrition education to improve their choices of food for consumption. This will help improve their behaviour and also reduce the risk of diet related chronic diseases. Keywords: Behaviour, Diets, Food Choices, Nutrition Education, Secondary School Students

Influence of Human Activities on the Water Quality of Ogun River in Nigeria

The quality of Ogun River in south-west, Nigeria was investigated by a field survey; covering the dry season and rainy season. Water samples were collected from seven sites (including an Abattoir, a market, residential community and a brewery); analysis of the physico-chemical parameters using standard methods and their environmental effects on the river were investigated. Generally, the value/degree of dissolved oxygen, phosphate, BOD, COD, pH, temperature, hardness from the sites during the rainy and dry seasons were compared with the World Health Organization (WHO) standards for domestic and commercial water. The traces of some hazardous physical and chemical impurities in the river were above the acceptable limits; and thereby pose a health risk to several rural communities who rely heavily on the river primarily as their source of domestic water. The study revealed a need for continuous pollution monitoring and management program of surface water in Nigeria. Keywords: surface water, water quality, water pollution, field survey, physico-chemical analysi

Antioxidant Fortification of Eggs through Nutrition of Laying Hens Administered Herbs /Medicinal Plants

The sole aim of raising pullet hens in the poultry industry is to produce eggs for human consumption in a large scale when they commence laying. Eggs are important dietary components to humans both adult and children and is classified as complete protein. However, certain quality of eggs produced by laying hens is further influenced by the diet consumed which in turn is determined by the quality of the feed ingredients making up the diet. Antibiotic residue in eggs and antimicrobial resistance are few concerns to consumers of poultry products. The current era of limiting antimicrobial utilization for livestock production has increased research into medicinal plants and herbs as suitable alternative. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities reported in literature indicate the invaluable benefits of these plants both for humans and livestock. This book chapter attempts to present the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) antioxidant scavenging activity of eggs from laying hens fed medicinal plants – Vernonia amygdalina and Ocimum gratissimum as component of feed or administered orally as an aqueous extract. The DPPH antioxidant scavenging activity was present in eggs sampled but was better (p < 0.05) in eggs of laying hens administered aqueous O. gratissimum extract