Andoni River

The Andoni River^[1] (Okwan Obolo) is one of the many rivers in Rivers State, Nigeria.^[2] Andoni River is located between the New Calabar River and Imo River.^[3] It is believed to have derived its name from St. Anthony, a European explorer who visited the area in 15th century.^[4] The mouth of the river gives way to large mangroves which are an important habitat for aquatic animals.^[5]

Andoni River

Fauna

The river is host to many fish species including Sarotherodon melanotheron, Galeoides decadactylus, and Ilisha africana.^[6] Additionally the river mangroves are home to the many other aquatic animals including oysters Crassostrea gasar and shrimp Penaeus monodon.^[7] Over the last decade evidence has emerged that the river and it's estuary are declining in capacity to support habitats for local fish populations.^[8]

Pollution

Report says in 2022 that Andoni River is one of the rivers in Rivers State that is being polluted by oil spillage as a result of illegal oil refinery.^[9] The estuary is also enduring contamination from quick hydrocarbon contamination sources and nearby contamination from dissolved sullied dregs, released household and human squander, and long separate stream contamination.