Marine Protected Area Effectiveness Assessment: Lekki Conservation Centre Coastal Zone, Lagos

Marine protected areas are recognised internationally as a cornerstone tool for biodiversity conservation and fisheries recovery in coastal seas, yet their effectiveness in Nigerian coastal environments has received limited scientific scrutiny. This study assesses the ecological effectiveness of the coastal zone adjacent to Lekki Conservation Centre, Lagos State, South West Nigeria, which affords de facto marine protection to approximately four kilometres of coastline through restricted access and prohibition of extractive activities. A before-after-control-impact framework is approximated using resurvey of benthic invertebrate, fish assemblage, and water quality data from available historical records (2015 to 2019) and new fieldwork conducted in 2024. Inside-outside comparisons contrast the Lekki Conservation Centre coastal zone with three reference sites of similar habitat type subject to active artisanal fishing and recreational use. Fish species richness, abundance, and mean body size (as a proxy for fishing pressure) are assessed using underwater visual census transects. Benthic invertebrate diversity is evaluated through quadrat sampling. Compliance with access restrictions is evaluated through stakeholder interviews and review of enforcement logs. Ecosystem service valuation estimates the economic benefit of conservation to adjacent fishing communities through enhanced larval export. Findings are expected to reveal higher fish biomass and invertebrate diversity within the protected zone, supporting the conservation effectiveness case for extended marine protected area designation. Keywords: marine protected area, effectiveness, Lekki Conservation Centre, Lagos, coastal biodiversity