Mud Flat Dynamics and Intertidal Biodiversity at Escravos Shoreline, Delta State

Intertidal mud flats are among the most biologically productive coastal environments in the tropics, supporting diverse communities of benthic invertebrates and providing critical foraging habitat for migratory shorebirds and resident wading species. This study investigates mud flat dynamics and intertidal biodiversity at the Escravos shoreline, Delta State, South South Nigeria, a site at the mouth of the Escravos River within an active oil production corridor. Seasonal sediment surveys document mud flat extent, surface texture, and elevation change using real-time kinematic GPS surveys and sediment accretion plates deployed for six months. Grain size, cohesive sediment properties, and organic carbon content are characterised to describe habitat quality. Intertidal macroinvertebrate surveys use 0.05-square-metre quadrats at three tidal elevations (low, mid, and high tide zones) during four seasonal sampling events in 2023 to 2024. Assemblages of polychaetes, bivalves, gastropods, and crustaceans are identified and enumerated. Shorebird counts are conducted during high tide roost surveys to assess the foraging community dependent on the mud flat ecosystem. Petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations are determined in surface sediments to evaluate contamination as a driver of invertebrate community patterns. Findings are expected to reveal impoverished invertebrate communities proximal to oil production infrastructure relative to reference sites three kilometres upstream. Long-term monitoring recommendations are directed at the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency. Keywords: mud flats, intertidal biodiversity, Escravos, Delta State, benthic invertebrates