COASTAL AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS, CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES IN NIGERIA

Summary

The coastal ecosystems in Nigeria are classified into four broad regions according to differences in general morphology, vegetation and beach type. They are the barrier lagoon complex, the transgressive mud beach, the Niger delta and the strand coast. The delta has provided the best conditions for the growth of vegetation and provides habitat for the widest variety of trees and plants. There are no significant protected coastal wetlands in Nigeria. The greatest opportunities for in situ conservation of unique and threatened species abound in the delta area. Mangroves and fishes are the major renewable resources which have been managed using various conservation actions including legislation, regulation and mandatory environmental impact assessment. Captive breeding and culture are practised for over-exploited and endangered fish species. Some problems mitigating against the conservation of aquatic resources are associated with coastal urbanization, oil and gas exploration and exploitation, industrialization, domestic and industrial waste discharges, the menace of water hyacinth, coastal erosion and difficulties associated with aquaculture development. There is a need for a clearer focus on the conservation of coastal habitats and ecosystems as a whole. Some recommendations are proffered as remedies against weakness in management and conservation measures. Research promotion and funding will encourage ex situ conservation of valuable species. Community participation and public awareness on the importance of the conservation and preservation of aquatic resources could be attained through proper educational processes. The importance of an integrated Coastal Zone Management Policy coordinated by a single government agency is advocated for effective coastal ecosystem management and planning for sustainability.

Keywords:

• aquatic resource conservation
• coastal aquatic ecosystems
• fishes
• mangroves
• Niger Delta
• conservation legislation
• barrier lagoons
• coastal zone management