WAEC Fisheries Syllabus 2026/2027 (Alternative B) | Complete Guide

WAEC Fisheries Syllabus 2026/2027 (Alternative B): Complete Guide to Topics, Exam Structure, Requirements

The WAEC Fisheries Syllabus 2026/2027 (Alternative B) is designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in fisheries and aquaculture. As fish farming and aquatic resource management continue to grow as profitable and sustainable sectors in West Africa, this syllabus prepares candidates for examinations, entrepreneurship, employment, and further studies.

OVERVIEW

This comprehensive guide explains the aims and objectives, examination format, school requirements, detailed syllabus topics, and essential facilities and equipment needed for effective learning and exam success.

Table of Content

1.Aims and Objectives of WAEC Fisheries (Alternative B)

2. WAEC Fisheries  2026/2027 Examination structure

3.Requirements for Offering WAEC Fisheries in Schools

4. WAEC Fisheries Syllabus 2026/2027 (Alternative B) | Complete Guide to Topics, Exam Structure, Requirements

5.  Facilities and Major Equipment for WAEC Fisheries

6. Career Opportunities in Fisheries

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Aims and Objectives of WAEC Fisheries (Alternative B)

The core purpose of the WAEC Fisheries syllabus 2026/2027 (Alternative B) is to develop knowledgeable, skilled, and self-reliant individuals in the fisheries sector.

Candidates are expected to:

• Understand the importance of fisheries in the socio-economic development of West Africa

• Develop practical skills in fish farming and aquaculture

• Acquire basic entrepreneurial skills for fisheries-related businesses

• Understand the effects of water pollution on aquatic life and fishery resources

• Learn fish processing, preservation, and marketing techniques

• Appreciate sustainable management of aquatic environments

WAEC Fisheries Syllabus 2026/2027 (Alternative B) | Complete Guide

WAEC Fisheries  2026/2027 Examination Structure

The Fisheries examination consists of three compulsory papers. Papers 1 and 2 are taken together, while Paper 3 focuses on practical skills.

PAPER 1: Objective Test

• 40 multiple-choice questions

• Duration: 40 minutes

• Total Marks: 40

PAPER 2: Essay Test

• Six essay questions

• Candidates answer any four

• Duration: 2 hours

• Total Marks: 80

PAPER 3: Practical / Alternative to Practical

• School candidates: Practical examination

• Private candidates: Alternative-to-practical paper

• Four compulsory questions

• Duration: 1½ hours

• Total Marks: 60

Requirements for Offering WAEC Fisheries in Schools

To effectively teach Fisheries, schools are expected to meet the following minimum requirements:

• Availability of glass or plastic tanks/aquaria

• At least one functional fish pond or concrete tank

• Regular field trips to fish farms, fisheries research institutes, and fishing companies

• Students should maintain practical notebooks containing:

  • Laboratory observations

  • Aquarium and pond records

  • Field trip reports

  • Specimen collections

• Schools should prepare albums showing:

  • Fish species

  • Fishing gear and crafts

  • Fish culture facilities and equipment

These requirements ensure hands-on learning, which is essential for success in both the examination and real-world fisheries practice.

WAEC Fisheries Syllabus 2026/2027 (Alternative B) | Complete Guide to Topics, Exam Structure, Requirements

Below is a simplified and student-friendly explanation of each syllabus section.

1. Introduction to Fisheries

This topic introduces candidates to the fundamentals of fisheries.

Key Areas:

• Meaning and scope of fisheries

• Sub-divisions of fisheries (capture and culture fisheries)

• Importance of fisheries to food security, employment, and the economy

2. Processes of Fish Production

Candidates learn how fish are produced through natural and controlled systems.

Capture Fisheries

• Methods of capturing fish

• Materials and equipment used

• Uses of fishing gear and tools

Culture Fisheries

• Meaning of fish culture

• Identification of culturable fish species

• Common fishery organisms

• Culture facilities such as ponds, tanks, and cages

3. Fish Culture Facilities and Aquaculture Systems

This section focuses on where and how fish are raised.

Topics Covered:

• Types of fish ponds

• Components of fish ponds

• Aquaculture systems (extensive, semi-intensive, intensive)

• Types of aquaculture

• Management systems in fish farming

4. Water Quality Control and Monitoring

Water quality is critical to fish survival and growth.

Key Concepts:

• Meaning of water quality

• Water quality parameters (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity)

• Methods of monitoring water quality

• Water pollution and its effects

• Optimum water parameter ranges for fish culture

5. Fish Feeds and Feeding

This topic explains how fish are nourished.

Areas Covered:

• Fish feed materials

• Identification of different feed ingredients

• Nutritional value of fish feeds

• Feeding regimes

• Ideal feeding periods

• Methods of feeding fish

6. Fish Pond Preparation and Management

Candidates learn how to prepare and manage fish ponds effectively.

Topics Include:

• Pond construction

• Tools used in pond preparation

• Pond preparation before stocking

• Meaning of pond management

• Pond management practices such as fertilization, liming, and water control

7. Fish Harvesting and Post-Harvest Processes

This section covers what happens after fish have grown.

Covered Areas:

• Materials and methods of fish harvesting

• Fishing gear and crafts

• Construction and mending of fishing nets

• Post-harvest handling of fish

• Fish processing methods

• Fish preservation techniques (smoking, drying, freezing, salting)

• Packaging materials

• Marketing channels for fish

8. Fish Seed Production

Fish seed production ensures sustainability in aquaculture.

Key Topics:

• Broodstock selection and handling

• Differences between male and female mature fish

• Qualities of good breeders

• Artificial breeding: meaning, importance, and steps

• Equipment used in artificial breeding

• Management and nursing of fish seeds

9. Practical Fisheries

This section integrates theory with hands-on practice.

Areas Tested:

• Fish culture techniques

• Environmental conditions of fish habitats

• Tools and equipment used in fisheries

• Common culturable fish species

• Fish feed and materials

• Fishing gear and crafts

• Fish processing and preservation

• Fish products, by-products, and packaging materials

Facilities and Major Equipment for WAEC Fisheries

To support practical learning, the following facilities and equipment are recommended:

• Water quality meters (DO, pH, conductivity)

• Aquaria tanks, nursery ponds, and demonstration ponds

• Fish harvesting tools (nets, traps, hooks)

• Aerators, pumps, and sieves

• Fish processing equipment (freezers, kilns, ovens)

• Measuring tools and safety equipment

• Fish drying racks, boxes, and packaging materials

These facilities enhance students’ understanding of real-life fisheries operations

Career Opportunities in Fisheries

WAEC Fisheries opens doors to several career paths, including:

• Fish farming and aquaculture

• Fish processing and preservation

• Fisheries extension services

• Aquatic environmental management

• Fish feed production

• Seafood marketing and export

• Further studies in fisheries and aquatic sciences

Final Tips for Passing WAEC Fisheries Examination 2026/2027

• Focus on both theory and practical skills

• Practice identifying fish species and fishing gear

• Understand water quality management

• Revise fish preservation and processing methods

• Keep detailed practical notebooks

• Study past WAEC Fisheries questions on http://www.Myschool.ng or visit the WAEC E-Learning Website https://www.waecnigeria.org/