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Structure of Zooplankton Communities in Tropical Shipping Waters (Mellacorea, Guinea, West Africa)
Mamadouba Camara1, Hadja Ramatoulaye Sylla2, Kanga Désiré Kouame3 ,and Patrice Brehmer4
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DOI:10.17265/2162-5263/2026.03.002
1. Institute of Research in Applied Biology of Guinea (IRBAG), Coyah 146C, Republic of Guinea 2. Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry (UGANC), Conakry 1147, Republic of Guinea 3. Environment Department (DE), Oceanographic Research Center (CRO), Abidjan BP V18, Ivory Coast 4. IRD, University of Brest, CNRS, Ifremer, Lemar, Sub-Regional Fisheries Commission (SRFC), Dakar 25485, Senegal
In West Africa, the intensification of human pressures, combined with strong seasonal hydrological variability, influences the functioning of estuarine and lagoon systems. This study aims to analyze the combined effect of human activity and hydrological dynamics on the spatial and seasonal variability of zooplankton communities in the navigable waters of Mellacorea in Guinea. Zooplankton samples were collected along an anthropogenic pressure gradient during the rainy season using a plankton net (60 μm mesh). Environmental parameters (temperature, salinity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and nitrates) were measured in situ. Community structure was characterized using diversity, species richness, and abundance indices. The results reveal marked monthly variability in zooplankton abundance and composition, primarily linked to hydrological fluctuations. Twenty taxa were identified, with a clear dominance of copepods (89%), with Calanoida predominating (39%). The rainy season is characterized by an increase in taxonomic diversity and abundance. Salinity, turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and transparency significantly influence community distribution and structure. The hydrological conditions, marked by heavy rainfall and a relatively flat coastal topography, favor a stable dynamic, with a notable influence of the marine regime in the estuarine zone. The structuring of zooplankton communities in Mellacorea results from the interaction between seasonal hydrodynamics and anthropogenic pressures. Compared to other West African estuarine systems, Mellacorea exhibits a moderate level of disturbance while maintaining resilience. This study provides essential baseline data for Guinean coastal ecosystems and underscores the importance of long-term monitoring to anticipate the impacts of coastal development and climate variability. It also provides scientific support for the sustainable management of floodplains and port infrastructure, particularly the mining port of Konta.
Zooplankton, anthropogenic pressure, seasonal hydrodynamics, spatial variability, coastal ecosystems, Guinea, West Africa.
Mamadouba Camara,ext..Structure of Zooplankton Communities in Tropical Shipping Waters (Mellacorea, Guinea, West Africa).Journal of Environmental Science and Engineering B 15 (2026) 119-132
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