Unravelling the Influence of Coastal Pollution on Sea Turtle Habitat Use in Delta State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Sea turtle populations around the world are seriously threatened by coastal pollution, which jeopardises their survival, habitats and health. This study examines the impact of coastal pollution on sea turtle habitat use in Delta State, Nigeria, a region characterised by intense oil and gas operations. During an intensive study spanning for 21 months between November 2019 and August 2021 along the river mouths of the Benin, Escravos and Forcados estuaries, three sea turtle species were recorded: Dermochelys coriacea, Chelonia mydas and Lepidochelys olivacea, with L. olivacea being the most preponderant, accounting for 59.5% of the total sightings. Other important findings include poor health conditions and uneven species diversity. Others include alarming trends in the erosion of the coastline (approximately 462 m between 2006 and 2021), which threatens the long-term survival of these iconic species. To assess the vulnerability of sea turtle habitats to pollution, we employed a Habitat Sensitivity Index (HSI). Our results show that sea turtle habitats in the study area are highly sensitive to pollution, with HSI scores ranging between 0.6 and 0.9. The main parameters influencing habitat sensitivity were identified as total hydrocarbon, dissolved oxygen and conductivity. Our research provides important highlights on how sea turtle distribution patterns relate to coastal pollution, emphasising the critical need for conservation and management measures to save these vulnerable creatures. The study's findings have significant ramifications for stakeholders, conservationists and legislators working to save the area's sea turtle populations.