International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies
2015, Vol. 2, Issue 6, Part B
Influence of tidal regimes in relation to industrial activities on the hydrodynamics of the Calabar River system in Southern Nigeria
Author(s): Job Bassey E., Eyo O. Edet, Ekene P. Iwuagwu
Abstract: The Cross River system is formed from numerous tributaries arising from the Western slopes of the Cameroon Mountains which have two spurs into Nigeria as the Oban Hills in the south and the Obudu Hills in the North. A field study was conducted during a single expedition at designated locations to study the influence of tidal regimes in relation to industrial activities on hydrodynamics of Cross River system between 10th and 11th August, 2009 during the high and low tidal regimes using the Institute of Oceanography Research Vessel "Plankton Fisher". The locations used for the studies were CALCEMCO (now UNICEM) jetty, Intels Jetty (left and right Flanks), Calabar/Creek Town entry route, TINAPA Jetty, Adiabo Bridge and Adiabo-Okurikang (control location). River depths and flow velocity were taken in-situ along designated stations using an automated eco-sounding device (for depth), and stop-watch and un-juiced orange fruit as floater (for flow velocity). The choice of stations was based on discharge rate, flow direction, absence of impediment to flow, depth, ab initio. These locations were, however, duly geo-referenced. During high tide, velocity values ranged from 0.01 and 1.42ms-1. Highest velocity value of 1.42 ms-1 was recorded at Adiabo Bridge with the lowest value at Adiabo-Okurikang (control point). Generally, there were marked variations in velocity of the water current during the survey. Conversely, during low tide, water current velocity ranged between 0.01 and 1.11ms-1. Least velocity value of 0.01ms-1 was recorded at the left flank of Intel Jetty and Tinapa Jetty, respectively. This was followed by values of 0.03ms-1, 0.14ms-1, 0.23ms-1 and 0.35ms-1 at Adiabo-Okurikang, CALCEMCO jetty (UNICEM), Calabar/Creek Town entry route and Intels jetty (right flank), respectively. The study recommends the need for appropriate measures on tidal regime management for enhanced ecosystem functioning of the Cross River System.
Pages: 123-127 | 1378 Views 93 DownloadsDownload Full Article: Click Here
How to cite this article:
Job Bassey E., Eyo O. Edet, Ekene P. Iwuagwu. Influence of tidal regimes in relation to industrial activities on the hydrodynamics of the Calabar River system in Southern Nigeria. Int J Fish Aquat Stud 2015;2(6):123-127.
