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, industr...