SEASONAL VARIATION IN MACRO-MICRONUTRIENT COMPOSITIONS OF THE FLESH AND SHELL OF THE PORTUNID CRAB Callinectes amnicola (De Rochebrune, 1883) FROM THE COASTAL WATERS OF SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

Portunids are decapod crustaceans of high economic importance. Seasonal variation in macronutrient and micronutrients contents of Callinectes amnicola from three interconnecting lagoons were investigated using standard methods. The percentages of protein and moisture contents in the flesh were higher than that of the shell, while higher ash and nitrogen free extract were obtained in the shell. Crude fibres was not detected in flesh of C. amnicola but detected in shells with values ranging from 0.30 ±0.72 % (C. amnicola from Lagos Lagoon) to 0.55 ±2.15 % (C. amnicola from Badagry Lagoon). There were statistical differences (P ˂ 0.05) in crude fibre and carbohydrate levels of  the crab shell during wet and dry seasons while significant difference exist in protein level only in wet season. Protein showed negative correlations with all the minerals in crabs from Badagry and Epe Lagoons but positive correlation with all examined minerals in Lagos Lagoon crabs. The study demonstrated that Callinectes amnicola is rich in macro-micronutrients and characterized by low lipid content (< 3%). The nutrient biochemical constituents in the crab species vary with seaso

The blue economy - cultural livelihood - ecosystem conservation triangle : the African experience

Publications costs were supported by the University of St Andrews to IO-Y and the New England Aquarium-Marine Conservation and Action Fund (MCAF) to NK.The concept of Blue Economy (BE) is recognised as central for sustainable development that incorporates socio-economic benefits and ecological conservation. However, in Africa, much of the emphasis on BE is placed on economic gains; as a result, traditional livelihoods and small-scale local operations are outcompeted by international corporations and government initiatives, with little or no regard for social inclusion and environmental sustainability. We argue that successful BE initiatives in Africa accentuate the involvement of local communities and promote sustenance of the natural ecosystem. We define success in terms of the sustainability balance among ecological, social and economic aspects. Drawing on extensive expert experiences, observational data and literature review of case studies across the African continent, we highlight two critical findings. First, large scale BE initiatives prioritise economic gains at the expense of environmental degradation and the exclusion of local communities. Second, using the full spectrum sustainability (FSS) evaluation, we show that successful BE interventions considered ecological, economic, socio-cultural and institutional objectives. Drawing on these case studies, we propose the adoption of a collaborative framework which amalgamates the top-down and bottom-up approaches to BE management. Achieving the goal of successful blue growth in Africa is now even more challenged by the implications of COVID-19 on the BE sectors. Reimagining and rebuilding a resilient BE in Africa post-coronavirus will require a strong political commitment to promoting a balance between economic, social and environmental benefits in line with the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

An Analysis of the Impacts of Bioenergy Development on Food Security in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects

Fossil fuel such as coal, natural gas, oil and recently shale gas are perhaps the most economically viable means for energy generation but are laden with inexhaustible environmental consequences. Thus, biofuel development has received tremendous support from all quarters in response to quest for energy security and clean energy. However, the rapid rate of development of bioenergy has also raised concern chiefly for its nexus with food security with some scholar considering it a disaster especially for countries in the global south. Due to her prime location along the equator, and the generally favourable climatic conditions all through the year, Nigeria is considered to have enormous potential for bioenergy development. Unfortunately, Nigeria is also highly ranked in the 2018 Global Hunger Index (GHI) of International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Rested mainly on exploratory approach, this study analyses the bioenergy potential of Nigeria and the implications of the fast-rising market on food security in the Nigerian context. Critical investigation on the food crop-bioenergy trade-offs was conducted while bioenergy development implications were analysed in the context of the four dimensions of food security. Lastly, mitigative measures to bioenergy development impacts were discussed and one key proposition is need to strengthen the second and third generation technology for biofuel production in Nigeria

Review of the Central and South Atlantic Shelf and Deep-Sea Benthos: Science, Policy, and Management

The Central and South Atlantic represents a vast ocean area and is home to a diverse range of ecosystems and species. Nevertheless, and similar to the rest of the global south, the area is comparatively understudied yet exposed to increasing levels of multisectoral pressures. To counteract this, the level of scientific exploration in the Central and South Atlantic has increased in recent years and will likely continue to do so within the context of the United Nations (UN) Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Here, we compile the literature to investigate the distribution of previous scientific exploration of offshore (30 m+) ecosystems in the Central and South Atlantic, both within and beyond national jurisdiction, allowing us to synthesise overall patterns of biodiversity. Furthermore, through the lens of sustainable management, we have reviewed the existing anthropogenic activities and associated management measures relevant to the region. Through this exercise, we have identified key knowledge gaps and undersampled regions that represent priority areas for future research and commented on how these may be best incorporated into, or enhanced through, future management measures such as those in discussion at the UN Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction negotiations. This review represents a comprehensive summary for scientists and managers alike looking to understand the key topographical, biological, and legislative features of the Central and South Atlantic