Exploration of the Seaweed Resources in Nigeria: A Case Study of Lagos Coastal Waters

This study provides an in-depth exploration of seaweed biodiversity in Nigeria’s coastal waters, a largely unexplored area for marine resources. There is a dearth of sufficient data on seaweed biodiversity in Nigeria. The research aimed to assess the diversity and distribution of seaweeds in this region. Seaweed samples were collected by hand, using scrapers, at low tide from four stations identified by local fisherfolk and commercial divers. These samples were analyzed in the laboratory for species identification. A total of 39 seaweed taxa were identified, with Rhodophyta (red algae) being the most abundant (74%), followed by Chlorophyta (green algae) (21%) and Heterokontophyta (brown algae) (5%). The highest biomass species included Grateloupia sp., Chaetomorpha antennina, Gracilaria sp., Ceratodictyon variabile, Cladophora sp., Gelidium pusillum, Ulva sp., Blidingia minima, and Caloglossa leprieurii. Species abundance was highest on breakwater rocks and on the bodies of anchored or sunken vessels, while sandy beaches exhibited lower abundance. The findings reveal significant potential for Nigeria’s seaweed in aquaculture, climate change mitigation, and biotechnology. The study recommends further molecular research, expansion of sampling areas, and the development of sustainable seaweed cultivation practices to support Nigeria’s blue economy.