IMPACT OF MARINE POLLUTION ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF FISH AND SEAFOOD COMPANIES IN PORT HARCOURT METROPOLIS RIVERS STATE FOOD COMPANIES IN PORT HARCOURT METROPOLIS, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

This study investigated the impact of marine pollution on productivity of fish and sea food companies in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. The study adopted a descriptive and experimental research design and it is a census study. Primary source of data was generated through self- administered questionnaire. The target population of interest for this study comprised of two hundred and sixty-six managers and supervisors of twenty selected fish and sea food companies in Port Harcourt Metropolis. The major sources of data for the study were via primary sources and lab oratory analysis. Primary data for this research was collected through the administration of a structured questionnaire. Also, laboratory analysis was conducted on the three water bodies which were utilized by shipping and marine food companies’ operation. The research instrument was validated through supervisor’s vetting and approval while the reliability of the instrument was achieved by the use of the Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient and a reliability coefficient of 0.93. Data generated were analyzed and presented using both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The hypotheses were tested using the Spearman’s Rank Order Correlation Statistics. The findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between oil waste from marine pollution and the productivity of fish and sea food companies in Rivers State [(P =.000) p<0.05]; there is significant relationship between solid waste discharged from marine pollution and the productivity of fish and sea food companies in Rivers State [(P =.000) p<0.05]; amongst others. This finding was further substantiated with the laboratory results which strongly affirmed the above findings. The study recommends that the management of the shipping industries or the fish/sea food companies should ensure they create better ways of oily waste disposal to minimize the rate of marine pollution and enhance the productivity of fish and seafood companies in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State