Influence of environmental variables on meiofaunal nematode communities of the inner continental shelf waters of the Gulf of Guinea, S. E. Nigeria. – I. Ewa-Oboho, S. W. Petters and E. Antai
ABSTRACT
The major features of meiofaunal nematode assemblages are described for 12 locations in the inner continental shelf region of the Gulf of Guinea. (S. E. Nigeria). Dominant species within communities were identified in relation to environmental variables and possible anthropogenic activities.. Nematode assemblages showed characteristic patterns that revealed a high spatial stability of distribution in terms of species composition. Density and specie richness increased significantly with reducing median particle diameter of sediment, water depth and mobility of faunal group. Similarity of faunal species was observed in locations with similar water depth, sorting coefficients and sediment type. Acute effects of oil and gas activities on nematode in the study region seems unlikely.