WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • MARCH 2025 69 With an increasing global population, aquaculture has become essential for providing a stable and sustainable source of protein. In 2020, the industry produced approximately 87 million t of fish, accounting for 50 percent of global fish consumption. Aquaculture’s rapid growth is vital for addressing food security issues, especially in regions where fish represent a primary protein source. West Africa is one such region, where fish contribute up to 60 percent of animal protein intake in coastal communities. This reliance on fish underscores the importance of maintaining healthy fisheries and stable fish populations. Among the key species supporting West African aquaculture are mullet fish, particularly Mugil cephalus (flathead grey mullet) and Liza falcipinnis (longfin mullet). These fish are highly valued for their adaptability to varying salinity levels, nutritional quality, and availability. Local communities depend on mullet not only for sustenance but also as a reliable source of income; however, parasitic infections from organisms like Myxobolus and copepods threaten mullet health, impacting fish growth, reproductive success, and overall survival rates. These parasites, if unmanaged, could reduce fish stock and destabilize the economies that rely on them. This article examines the histopathological impact of Myxobolus and copepod infections on mullet, focusing on how these infections affect fish physiology, reproduction, and growth. By understanding the severity of these infections, stakeholders can develop targeted strategies to mitigate their impacts, ensure sustainable fisheries, and protect the health of mullet populations across West Africa. This study took place in Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, close West African neighboring counties with historic cultural and economic ties. Some tribes in the Republic of Benin speak the same language as the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria. Lake Nokoue is one of the largest lagoons in the Republic of Benin, opening directly into the Atlantic Ocean through a channel at Cotonou, which is about 24.5 km long. Lagos lagoon is the largest in the southern part of Nigeria and the largest of the lagoon systems of the West African sub-region. The same species of fish, especially mullet species, are found in the waters of the two countries and Lac Nokoue and Lagos lagoon are linked to each other. (Figure 1). Background and Significance of Mullet in West Africa. Mullet fisheries are a vital component of West Africa’s economy and food system. In the two countries under study, mullet farming depends on fry or fingerlings stocked from natural waters. Protecting mullet populations, therefore, has economic, nutritional and social implications for West African communities. Throughout West Africa, fish is one of the most affordable sources of protein and mullet, in particular, plays a critical role in food security. Due to its affordability, availability, and nutritional value, mullet is a dietary staple in local communities, providing high-quality protein and essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids. Fish processing is also central to the region’s economy, particularly among women, who play a significant role in preparing and marketing fish products. Mullet is often dried or smoked to extend its shelf life, allowing distribution to areas without refrigeration facilities. This processing supports food security in remote areas, empowering women economically and contributing to household income. Impacts of Parasite Infestations on West African Mullet Aquaculture Nike Funmilayo Aladetohun FIGURE 1. Two areas of study (Aladetohun Nike). FIGURE 2. Histopathology of intestine parasitized by Myxobolus. Top: Transverse section of mullet intestine, Lu: lumen; Vi: villi; C: cyst. Bottom: Mc: mucosa; M: muscularis; M.m: muscularis mucosae. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 70)
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