Abstract
According to the FAO, the growth of aquaculture in 2020 propelled the total production of fisheries and aquaculture to a record high of 214 million tonnes in 2020. Aquaculture now, contributes more than 57 % of global fish production and is experiencing rapid growth , with an annual increase of 8.8 percent. The latest data indicates that approximately 600 million people are estimated to depend on fisheries and aquaculture in some way for their livelihoods . In Africa, aquaculture production has surpassed 2 million tonnes, valued at nearly 3 billion USD, and it employs over 1.2 million people. The expected growth of aquaculture requires the development of responsible and sustainable approaches, technologies, culture systems, and practices. Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture Systems (IMTAS) is a sustainable approach to aquaculture that aims to enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impact. IMTAS integrates different species within the same system, creating a symbiotic relationship where the waste from one species becomes a resource for another. By combining several species from various trophic levels, IMTAS maximizes resource utilization, reduces nutrient pollution, and improves ecosystem health. Furthermore , by integrating species with different growth rates and market values, IMTA systems can enhance overall productivity and profitability. This diversification can provide a more stable income , as they are not solely dependent on a single species.
Nigeria and Morocco, w ith their extensive coastline and favourable climatic conditions, have the potential to become among the leading Marine aquaculture producers in Africa. According to the Morocco’s National Agency for Aquaculture Development , the country’s aquaculture potential could be as high as 380,000 tonnes per year. The present study has been undertaken with the objective to explore the status of aquaculture in Nigeria and Morocco, to present an alternative form of sustainable seafood production using IMTAS and discuss its prospects and challenges for food security in Africa.
Keywords — aquaculture, sustainable aquaculture, IMTAS, M orocco, Nigeria, food security, Afrique