Fish as Bioindicators of Habitat Degradation in Coastal Lagoons
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University of Ghana
Abstract
Lagoons and their wetlands are some of the most biologically and ecologically important
ecosystems. The lagoon habitat also forms an integral part of the marine fishing industry
and provides important spawning and nursery grounds for many fishes. Aquatic
communities including fish and other species act as biological indicators of water quality
and alterations by summarizing information about their environment. Two lagoons, Laloi
and Oyibi in the and Greater Accra and Central Regions of Ghana were studied from
January to May to determine the ecological status using the Estuarine Fish Community
Index (EFCI). Metrics assigned were the species diversity, trophic integrity, nursery
function and species abundance and composition. At each site, water samples were taken
at the riverine, middle and seaward portions during both high and low tides. Fisher folks
were hired to fish at each of the sites. Uni-variate analyses (diversity) indices showed no
significant differences between sites. Multi-variate analysis (Bray-Curtis similarity)
showed a significant similarity between sites in relation to species composition. Eighteen
species including both finfish and shellfish were identified. The flat head grey mullet
(Mugil cephalus) and the black-chinned tilapia (Sarotherodon melanotheron) were the
two most abundant species during the study. Mugil cephalus dominated catches in the
Laloi lagoon and Sarotherodon melanotheron dominated catches in the Oyibi Lagoon. S.
melanotheron, Lutjanus fulgens and Eucinostomus melanopterus were the most abundant
species collected for the Laloi lagoon. Caranx hippos, L. fulgens, and M. cephalus
constituted a major part of fishes caught in the Oyibi lagoon.
The carangid, Caranx
hippos contributed much of the biomass of fishes collected for both lagoons. Total fish
abundance was greatest in the rainy season than the dry season. Chloropyll a
concentrations and condition factor of S. melanotheron where highest at Oyibi Lagoon
than Laloi Lagoon. Total organic carbon was observed to be high in the Oyibi lagoon
hence the high numbers of S. melanotheron recorded. Tides were important factor
affecting physico-chemical parameters. From the metrics assigned, Oyibi had a moderate
site rating, suggesting that it was under moderate stress. The main stress factors identified
were garbage dumping, defecation, land use changes and increased human pressure.
Laloi Lagoon had a poor site rating, suggesting that it was under severe stress. The main
stresses identified were overfishing, mangrove degradation, garbage dumping and
increased human settlements along the sides of the lagoon. The multi-metric index
described is an effective method that reflects the status of lagoon fish communities and
the overall ecosystem conditions.
Description
Thesis (MPHIL) - University of Ghana, 2012