Bayelsa communities say oil pollution is hurting fishing livelihoods
Indigenes of the Nembe-Okiori communities in Bayelsa State are raising alarms about the impact of oil pollution on their environment. They report that years of contamination have led to a sharp decline in seafood resources, affecting their main source of income. Chief Isaiah Youngdede, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Nembe-Okiori Host Communities Development Trust, highlighted the struggles faced by local fishermen due to environmental degradation. The communities are calling for more support to restore their ecosystems and improve livelihoods.
What we know
- Chief Isaiah Youngdede stated that pollution from oil exploration has caused a decline in species like lobsters, bonga fish, and periwinkle.
- The eight Nembe-Okiori host communities are mainly fishing settlements vulnerable to flooding and coastal erosion.
- Pollution of mangrove forests has disrupted fish breeding and migration, leading to lower catches for fishermen.
- Many families dependent on fishing are now struggling due to reduced incomes and scarce aquatic resources.
- The adequacy of the three per cent Host Community Development Fund under the Petroleum Industry Act was questioned, with calls for more external support and collaboration to address environmental and economic challenges.
