In the inauguration of Uyo chapter of United Fishery Association of Nigeria (UFAN) Professor Ekanem announced the support. He also added that his ministry has produced a blueprint for an accelerated livestock and fish production in the state to ensure they were affordable and accessible in the state. The commissioner also condemned a situation where people from the neighbouring states go into the fishing settlements in Akwa Ibom to pay indigenous fishermen to fish for them.
These people also cart away everything to their states so that fish products become very expensive in Akwa Ibom but very cheap in neighbouring states. In order to stop this trend Professor Ekanem suggested that 40 horse power outboard engines, fishing nets and other inputs be given to indigenous fishermen to fish and sell to people in the state and its neighbours.
According to Professor Ekanem fish farming was a profitable and lucrative venture and assured UFAN that government would provide them with land for their mega fish farm project, as it is expected to produce enough fish to feed the state and its neighbours. He urged UFAN members to think of their own private fish farms and how to make themselves proud fisher folks, as well as develop interest in crayfish culture. The state chairman of UFAN, Elder Aquaowo E. Aquaowo, informed that the body was working hard on the development of aquaculture in the 31 local government areas to create economic and employment opportunities to the teeming youths.
UFAN chairman also called on oil companies in Akwa Ibom territorial waters to set aside five per cent of their annual budgets for the development of aquaculture as compensation for polluting the water and farmlands as a result of their oil prospecting activities, thus destroying the fishing profession.
