Our Research Work

The mandate of the Institute is achieved through established Research Divisions and Programmes that have clearly defined objectives as follows:-:

Aquaculture and Biotechnology

• To develop appropriate technologies for the culture of freshwater fish in ponds, cages, pens, enclosures and for the integration of fish farming with other suitable farming systems to enhance sustainability and increased yield
• To develop efficient hatchery management techniques and protocols for the production of our indigenous fish species.
• To carry out nutritional studies with the aim of determining the nutritional requirements of our indigenous fishes and to develop cost-efficient fish feed from locally available feedstuffs.

• Inventory, identification and characterization of inland water bodies in Nigeria
• To study the biology and identification of fisheries resources of Nigerian inland water bodies
• Development of strategies for responsible fisheries of freshwater bodies
• Carry out fisheries stock assessment of water bodies and develop strategies for sustainable
• To investigate aquatic pathobiology and fish disease problems of Nigerian water bodies

Fish Technology

• To research into ways of minimizing wastage in artisanal fishery by improving the traditional fish handling, preservation and storage techniques and to develop technologies for increased utilization of freshwater fisheries
• To design and produce improved fishing gears and crafts for rational exploitation of fish in Nigerian inland waters.

Socio-Economics and Extension Services

• To conduct research into the Socio-economics effects of the development of man-made lakes
• To determine marketing strategies for Fishery products 
• To assess the role of women in Fisheries production, post-harvest technology and marketing
• To carry out extension research liaison with Federal and State Ministries, primary producers, industries and other users of our research results.
• To collaborate with the Agricultural Extension, Research and Liaison Services (AERLS)

Environment

• To carry out research activities on the physico-chemical and biological characteristics of inland water bodies with specific reference to natural and man-made lakes and rivers.
• To monitor the effects of the above parameters on the distribution and abundance of fish and other aquatic life in the water bodies
• To carry out research activities on the isolation and mass production of live fish food organisms for use in fish hatcheries
• To assess physio-chemical and biological pollutants in our inland waters and recommend for water pollution control
• To carry out research into the hydrological behavior of inland water bodies
• To ascertain the role of hydrometeorology in aquacultural practices in Nigeria
• To study the biology and management of aquatic macrophytes and non-fish aquatic animals of inland water bodies.

Library and Documentation
The Institute has a fairly well developed library which maintains over 10,000 documents on all the different facets of fisheries and related disciplines. The services of the library is computerized using the micro CD/ISIS.