Assessment of Fingerling Production Capacity of Selected Hatcheries in Ogun State

This study assessed the fingerling production capacity, operational efficiency, and technical challenges of selected fish hatcheries in Ogun State, South West Nigeria. Reliable fingerling supply is a critical bottleneck in Nigeria's aquaculture expansion, as inadequate hatchery output limits the scaling of fish farming operations. Ten operational hatcheries were surveyed using structured interviews, observational checklists, and hatchery records review covering a twelve-month production cycle. Parameters assessed included hatchery type, species produced, monthly fingerling output, broodstock management practices, hormone induction protocols, and constraints to production. Results showed that Clarias gariepinus was produced by all ten hatcheries, with seven also producing Oreochromis niloticus. Average monthly fingerling output per hatchery ranged from 40,000 to 280,000, with significant variation linked to hatchery size and technical capacity. Key production constraints identified included irregular electricity supply affecting temperature control, difficulty in sourcing quality broodstock, high mortality rates during larval rearing attributed to nutritional deficiencies, and limited access to laboratory quality control services. Six hatcheries reported unmet demand, with advance orders sometimes exceeding available supply by 60 percent. None of the hatcheries operated with a formal quality assurance certification scheme. The study recommends investment in hatchery infrastructure, broodstock improvement programmes, solar-powered backup systems, and the introduction of a national fingerling certification standard to strengthen the reliability and quality of Nigeria's aquaculture seed supply chain. Keywords: fingerling production, hatchery management, aquaculture seed supply, Clarias gariepinus, Ogun State