Ecological survey of soft-sediment marine benthos of the Gulf of Guinea, Nigeria

Abstract

Investigation of soft-sediment marine benthos of the Gulf of Guinea was carried out in May and June 2005. Macroinvertebrates species richness and abundance were determined along a longitudinal gradient of the study area. Three major divisions: Annelida, Crustacea and Mollusca were recorded amounting to 33 taxa. Gastropods made up the highest collections,
representing 78.79 percent density occurrence. Benthos equitability distribution in the designated sampling sites was quite low. Low abundance of organisms was reflected within the shoreline sites but high in offshore sites. The pausity of soft-bottom benthos is a reflection of the frequent dredging and high siltation process in the area.