Fisheries and Aquaculture Journal
Open Access

Abstract

A Survey of the Benthic Microfauna of the Marine Ecosystem on IRIS-1 Oil Platform at the Cape Skirring in Casamance, Senegal

Hamet Diaw Diadhiou, Mbaye Tine, Anis Diallo and et Mor Sylla

Long-time suspected as having great natural resources of petroleum, oil was only discovered as recently as 2001 in the West African marine coastal ecosystem. The potential area harboring this offshore oil extends on six countries: Mauritania, Senegal, Guinea Conakry, Guinea and Cape Verde. A large Shallow block called AGC Shallow is in offshore area located between Senegal and Guinea Bissau and has an offshore drilling called IRIS-1 drilling, which covers 1,700 km². Although these oil reserves are likely to generate significant new economic interests, especially for local communities living along the Senegalese coast to Guinea Bissau, their exploitation must take into account the biological and ecological potential side effects on aquatic ecosystems and their biological diversity. The objective of this study was to characterize the habitat and benthic fauna present in IRIS-1 drilling area. The results showed that the benthic microfauna around the IRIS-1 drilling point has a medium specific diversity of about 44 species with a more or less pronounced spatial variability. Marine mollusks, essentially sessile species, are the most important benthic species groups encountered. These organisms are quite sensitive to oil disturbances, which at long-term, may have serious effects on them. We suggest the proposed mitigation and mitigation measures for the IRIS-1 should focus on elements that are at least harmful to the environment and wildlife populations inhabiting the drilling zone. Dispersants may also be used to reduce the toxicity of products discharged into the sea.