Discussion

Through the findings of this research it can be concluded that in fact the mangrove forests in the Niger Delta have decreased due to the presence of oil within the delta. Even though the extent of impacts arising from oil exploration and dredging in the Niger Delta have not been well documented it can be seen from these images that these activities are in fact detrimental to the mangroves in the Niger Delta. These unfortunate ecological consequences can be seen in both the change detection analyses as well as the density slice overlays. In the 1986 density slice vegetation overlay there is few mangrove vegetation within the delta most likely a result of the disastrous oil spills that occurred in 1979 and 1980. Bonny Island is in-fact the hardest hit area as it is where the most devastating oil spill occurred. Then as time went on and management of oil spills improved, the Niger Delta had time to regenerate its mangroves and restore the environment. This is shown in the 2000 density slice vegetation overlay where the image is covered in red referring to vast amounts of lush vegetation. Then as time went on and the world hunger for oil increased Nigeria began to produce more and more oil to fulfill the world's demand. At the same time they were fulfilling their desire of wealth and an improved economy. However, this wealth was at the expense of their environment. Thus, in 2007 once again we see a degraded environment as a result of more oil spills and more oil production sites were built. As a result, oil continues to degrade the Niger Delta's environment and the lush and unique mangroves that call this area home. In addition, it can be noted that there is more oil that has leaked into the environment as seen in the increase in yellow in the 2007 density slice image as compared to the amount of yellow found in the 1986 and 2000 images.

Furthermore, in analyzing the change detection analyses we can also see the decrease in mangrove forest. From 1986 to 2000 the least amount of vegetation was lost as it took years for the consequences of this environmental degradation to actually take effect. Then from 2000-2007 we can see a large decrease in the amount of vegetation in the delta represented in blue and polluted waters represented in red. Then, encompassing the 1986 and 2007 image and conducting a change detection analysis we can see that the outer fringes of the mangroves have been hardest hit in the areas closest to Bonny Island and Port Harcourt. Lastly, the change detection analysis images were then subset where the color was intensified the most not including the cloud anomaly. The latitude and longitudes of these areas were then inputted into Google Earth and shockingly enough these were sites of oil production, dredging canals, gas flares and visible mangrove deforestation. The figures below represent the Google Earth findings correlated to the ENVI change detection analyses.

4°28'29.89" N 7°36'29.64" E

4°31'20.79" N 7°13'19.49" E

Lastly, the thermal band (band 6) was loaded into ENVI in an attempt to locate sources which emitted heat such as gas flares. In analyzing the images on ENVI images that are portrayed in bright white that light up are warmer than those of black and grey areas. Certain speckles of illuminated white appear in areas known for oil production in the Niger Delta. The "cursor location value" tool was used on ENVI to obtain the latitude and longitude of the location of these areas which were emitting heat. Then the latitude and longitudes were inputted into Google Earth for a real time image of the area. It turns out that these sources were in fact gas flares that were left to burn. Interestingly enough the location of the gas flares was the same in both the 1986 image as well as the one from 2007 showing that these gas flares were burning and continue to burn for a time span of over 21 years. As gas flares burn they continue to release greenhouse gases which leads to climate change as well as acid rain and pollution. Below are images taken from ENVI and Google Earth.

Latitude and longitudes used:
4°33'12.82" N 7°2'40.45" E
4°34'33.26" N 6°53'21.71" E

1986 Gas flares

2007 Gas flares

In doing this research, it was discovered that the literature about the degradation and ecological disaster in the Niger Delta does in fact exist. Articles about the deforestation of mangroves and the impacts of oil are not difficult to come across as they seem to be one of the quite popular case studies of students studying at the University of Port Harcourt. Nigerians are interested in their home country and thus are invested in educating themselves and others about the stresses that the Niger Delta faces. However, even with the literature available it still seems as if little is being done to actually stop oil spills, the dredging of canals, deforestation of mangroves and gas flaring. Little is also known about the actual extent of the damage as well as the number of hectares of mangrove forest that has been lost. Regulations and laws are in place yet they are often not enforced. If the Niger Delta is to be saved then stronger laws and regulations need to be created and actually enforced. In addition, research of the Niger Delta using spatial analysis is quite limited. Few literature exists on this topic and only one article was found that incorporates the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)  to monitor spills and their trajectories. Only one research article that incorporated the use of remote sensing was found which was also from a UCLA student studying the vegetation in the Niger Delta. Hence, with the use of remote sensing and GIS scientists can better understand the effects that oil has on mangrove forest as well as monitor and model trajectories of oil spills.

Other issues that were encountered was the lack of availability of satellite imagery. Most of the images that were found had extensive cloud cover that made it nearly impossible to interpret the images. Of the images that were found, problems unzipping and opening the files was a common problem. The scarcity in the range of dates of the images taken was also an issue leaving the oldest image from 1986 and the most recent from 2007. Both of these images were used in this project. In addition, fewer images of the western side of the delta could be obtained even though oil production on the western side occurs at the same rate as production on the eastern side. All of the images used in this study are from the eastern side as they allowed for a time series to be conducted.

Avenues of future research include a spatial assessment of the western side of the delta because it is under threat as well. In addition, raising awareness about the crisis in the Niger Delta should also be done. It is believed that raising awareness will help Nigerians and others save the delta and its biodiversity. Volunteer clean up crews can be organized and the standard of living for local people should be improved. Once Nigerians are able to support themselves only then will they be able to support and conserve their environment. Regulations should be enforced and old and corroded pipes should be replaced. Lastly, images from the satellite Nigeria I should also be used so that further research can be conducted. With positive change and progress there is hope for Nigerians and the Niger Delta. Only once something becomes devastated enough will people stand up and fight for it. Unfortunately, the Niger Delta is at this point.