Saving Nigeria’s Sharks and Rays: A Call to Action for Our Waters — Dr Oladipo

Growing up in rural Nigeria, I was filled with questions about the world around me. One that stuck with me was how fish continued to appear in rivers despite constant daily fishing. That childhood curiosity led me on a lifelong academic journey—from earning a B.Sc. in Zoology to completing a Ph.D. in Hydrobiology and Fisheries.

Today, that same curiosity fuels my work in conservation, where I blend genetics, taxonomy, and environmental science to protect Nigeria’s rich aquatic biodiversity.

While conducting research across Nigeria’s coastal and riverine communities, I encountered remarkable species like the daisy stingray, Niger stingray, blackchin guitarfish, smooth-hound sharks, and the pincushion ray. These creatures play vital roles in maintaining ecosystem balance—stingrays, for instance, help sustain sediment health, while sharks regulate fish populations. Yet, in Nigeria, they are often misunderstood, overlooked, or regarded as mere by-catch.

When I discovered that many of these species are listed by the IUCN as Endangered or Critically Endangered, I knew I had to act.

This realization inspired me to launch a focused scientific and conservation campaign—despite the financial, ethical, and logistical hurdles. I meticulously developed research proposals that highlighted the ecological importance of these species and outlined actionable strategies for their protection.

My dedication eventually attracted support from global organizations including the Rufford Foundation,

PADI, the Society for Conservation Biology, the Save Our Seas Foundation, and the National Geographic Society. Their backing has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life.