ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION, LIVELIHOODS, AND HEALTH IMPACTS OF OIL EXTRACTION ON MARITIME RESOURCES IN BRASS LGA, NIGER DELTA, NIGERIA

Environmental degradation from oil extraction poses significant threats to coastal livelihoods in the Niger Delta, yet integrated assessments linking ecological impacts to household well-being remain limited. This study investigates the socio-ecological consequences of oil pollution in Brass Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Specifically, it assesses patterns of oil-induced environmental degradation, examines impacts on fisheries and mangroves, and analyzes livelihood and health outcomes for coastal communities. Two hypotheses were tested: (1) oil extraction significantly affects maritime resources, and (2) repeated exposure to oil spills negatively affects livelihoods and health. Data were collected from 300 respondents using structured questionnaires and supplemented with secondary spill records. Analyses employed descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. Results indicate that frequent oil spills, primarily from illegal bunkering and pipeline failures, degrade fisheries, mangroves, and water quality, leading to reduced fish catch, loss of income, health challenges, and displacement. The study recommends stricter monitoring of oil infrastructure, ecological restoration, livelihood support programs, and risk communication to enhance community resilience and sustainable resource management.