Knowledge of Climate Change and the Perception of Nigeria’s Coastal Communities on the Occurrence of Sargassum natans and Sargassum fluitans

Abstract

Climate change effects threat life on earth especially economically poor areas.Among them is noticed the shifting of the algae species Sargassum natans and Sargassum fluitanss seaweeds from the Brazilian coast to new areas along the West African coastline. Their occurrence along the Nigerian coast and their effect on livelihood are necessary subject because of their link to coastal dwellers food security and economic activities. This study aims to evaluate the perception of coastal residents on the occurrence of Sargassum on the banks and their notion of climate change effects. 206 household heads were interviewed using a structured questionnaire over eleven areas. The coastal population knowledge about climate change and the reason of the occurrence of Sargassum species, is limited due to low education level and information access limitations. Also, the population complained about the occurrence of another specie identified as Eichhornia crassipes which disturbs fishery and boats displacements. Moreover, changes in weather conditions particularly temperature have various consequences on the respondents' livelihood by affecting their health, welfare, feeding and incomes. The population lamented about challenges of climate change and occurrence of Sargassum fluitans affecting fishery as they have no any adaptation measures to cope with these situations.

Biomass composition of the golden tide pelagic seaweeds Sargassum fluitans and S. natans (morphotypes I and VIII) to inform valorisation pathways

“…Exposure to high concentrations of hydrogen sulphide can lead to pulmonary, neurological, and cardiovascular lesions. In addition, Sargassum has negative impacts on the fishing and tourism industries in the Caribbean, as well as in western Africa (Adet et al, 2017;Ofori et al 2020).…”

Brown algae invasions and bloom events need routine monitoring for effective adaptation

“…recreational beach access and respiratory health) and cause economic problems [21] (e.g. fishery and tourism sector losses) that affect people's lives [22,23]. Blooms formed by brown algae have not been as common historically as those formed by the green algae (phylum Chlorophyta), specifically genus Ulva (sea lettuce).…”

Covid-19 and Sargassum blooms: impacts and social issues in a mass tourism destination (Mexican Caribbean)

“…Satellite monitoring systems can accurately predict their movements and provide early warning of the arrival of Sargassum floating mats (Chavez et al 2020). This does not, however, reduce the challenge to national governments of containing and managing them (Adet et al 2017). Their sheer scale makes collection on the open sea a daunting socio-technological and socioecological venture, especially when considering the potential effects on marine trophic chains, and consequently on marine ecosystems and habitat equilibrium.…”

“…The social reality of the blooms is manifest most clearly on coasts in the form of local and regional economic impacts (Adet et al 2017;Djakouré et al 2017;Torres 2019), as well as health impacts from the chemical composition and heavy metal content of this biomass (Chavez et al 2020). Very limited research has been done on the effects coastal Sargassum accumulation has on economies and human health, emphasizing the need for long-term, multidisciplinary studies.…”