Introduction: The presence of Sargassum seaweed on the sea across the globe has been harmful and helpful to the economy. It has been a great threat, particularly to the survival of the fishing industry in coastal African countries where found.
Aims: This study examined the benefits and challenges of Sargassum seaweed to the local fishing communities in Nigeria.
Materials and Methods: This exploratory research used a Key Informant Interview (KII) approach to obtain relevant information from the key stakeholders in the fishing industry. The respondents were randomly selected along the fishing coastal communities in Nigeria.
Results: The findings showed that the occurrence of Sargassum seaweed on the sea is seasonal. The presence of Sargassum on the sea or waterways had prevented fishermen from going to the fishing grounds, leading to loss of catches, deaths of fish (e.g. barracuda, shiny nose), the clogging and tearing of fishing gears, thereby affecting their livelihoods and income. It has equally led to the release of offensive odour in the coastal communities and its mass has been a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Conclusion: The occurrence of Sargassum seaweed has been of no direct benefit to the fisherfolks and coastal environments. It has, however, indirectly provided employment opportunities for young men who cleared its debris and provided a diversified source of income to the fishing households. Thus, it was recommended that in-depth research should be specially conducted on Sargassum through collaborative efforts by relevant institutions to explore the potential benefits of Sargassum seaweed as done in some Caribbean countries.