Impacts of Industrialization on Fish Species Composition and Diversity in Warri River, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

Changes in water quality caused by industrialization and technological advancement, affect fishery resources. The Warri River like many other water bodies in the Niger Delta are experiencing side effects in terms of pollutant build up and destruction of fishes resources. Samples were collected from 9 sampling points namely, stations (A, B, C, D, E, F G, H and I along the Warri River. The fish species were obtained over 24 months from landings of local fisherfolks every forth night with prior arrangement. Fish species found in the respective sampling stations were recorded. Fish species diversity indices were carried out using Margalef, Shannon Wiener and Simpson indices. Condition factors (KF) were also computed. Result show that 34 fish species were recorded in this study, which was lower than the 91 spcies reported previously in 1994. A total of 20 – 29 fish species were recorded and the total number of species recorded during the study period ranged from 2905 – 6789 with the areas of highest industrial activities (stations B, C, and D) having the least diversity. Industrial activities that are linked to the declining fisheries include oil and gas exploration, dredging, waste disposal (solid wastes and effluents), jetty and port activities. Hence, sustainability of the fisheries is threatened by industrial activities. The continuous monitoring of the quality of river and enforcement of strict water pollution prevention measures is therefore suggested.