ASSESSMENT OF EXTENT AND RATE OF WETLAND LOSS IN PORT HARCOURT METROPOLIS
Amadi, O. M. P., Gobo, A. E.&Ngah, S. A.
Institute of Geosciences and Environmental Management
Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.
Email: sogbujiic@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
The study assessed the extent and rate of wetland loss in Port Harcourt Metropolis Between 1990to 2020. To achieve this, research questions were postulated. The study utilized quasi-experimental design and made use of satellite images of Port Harcourt Metropolis of 1990, 2000 and 2020. The major land-use types identified in the study alongside wetlands include built up area, water bodies, farmland/sparse vegetation. The findings from the study revealed that in 1990 wetland occupied a spatial extent of 123.23 km2 (26.89%) of the land use pattern of the study area. Consequently, in year 2020, there was dramatic change as wetland size reduced to 44.61 km2 (9.74%) of the total land-use pattern of the study area.Markov’s probability of land-use change for 30 years (2020-2050) showed that the probability for wetland changing to a built up area for 30 years (2050), was 0.0049 (0.49%). The study concluded that other land-use type’s especially built-up areas have continued to increase the rate and extent of wetland loss in the study area. The study recommended that adequate and continuous monitoring of wetland by making use of satellite remote sensing should be encouraged in the study area. Also, there should be wetland protection and management through the use of land use planning and management.
Keywords: Assessment, Extent, Rate, Wetland loss, Port Harcourt
