Survey of Mangrove Forest Degradation in the Niger Delta: A Case Study of Bayelsa State

Mangrove ecosystems in the Niger Delta are among the most biologically diverse and economically valuable coastal habitats in West Africa. However, decades of oil extraction, urban encroachment, and unsustainable logging have severely degraded these ecosystems. This study surveyed the extent and drivers of mangrove degradation in selected creeks of Bayelsa State, South South Nigeria. Field surveys were conducted across four local government areas using transect methods and quadrat sampling. Satellite imagery from 2019 to 2024 was analyzed using geographic information system tools to quantify changes in mangrove cover. Species composition was assessed using belt transects, and regeneration potential was evaluated through seedling density counts. Data on human activities including logging, oil spills, and sand dredging were collected through structured community interviews. Results indicated a net loss of approximately 18 percent of mangrove cover over the five-year period, with oil spill events identified as the most significant degradation driver in the southern zones, while logging dominated in northern areas. Rhizophora racemosa and Avicennia germinans showed the most significant decline. Community dependence on mangrove resources for fuel wood and fishing substrates was found to be very high. The study recommends integrated mangrove management plans incorporating community participation and satellite-based early warning systems. Keywords: mangrove degradation, Niger Delta, Bayelsa State, oil spill, remote sensing.