The Impact of Oil Pollution on Mangrove Ecosystems in Bayelsa State: A Case Study of Ogbia Local Government Area

Oil pollution arising from pipeline vandalism and well blowouts continues to inflict severe ecological damage on the mangrove ecosystems of Nigeria's Niger Delta region. This study investigates the spatial extent and ecological impacts of oil pollution on mangrove vegetation in Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. Satellite imagery from Sentinel-2 and Landsat-8 platforms was used to map vegetation health using the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index across three time points: 2018, 2021, and 2024. Field surveys documented oil spill sites, plant mortality rates, and soil hydrocarbon concentrations at twelve transect points. Interviews with 100 fisherfolk and farmers assessed perceived changes in fishery yields and farming conditions. Findings confirm a statistically significant decline in mangrove canopy density in areas proximate to active pipeline routes, with soil total petroleum hydrocarbon values exceeding remediation thresholds at eight of the twelve sites. Fisherfolk report an average 47 percent reduction in daily catch over the past five years, which they attribute primarily to habitat degradation. The study critiques the timeliness and adequacy of Joint Investigation Visit processes used by regulatory authorities and oil companies to assess spill impacts. Recommendations include strengthening community notification protocols, improving pipeline integrity monitoring, and fast-tracking bioremediation at identified critical sites. Keywords: oil pollution, mangrove degradation, Niger Delta, Bayelsa State, pipeline spillage.