CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Water transport  which include maritime transport and hydraulic effluvial  transportation, is the transportation of people or goods via waterways(LINDA FERNANDEZ,2007) .Nowadays  ,more than 90%of commercial traffics conducted by sea through cargo-handling commercial shipping (e.g. merchant marine ) and  non-cargo commercial shipping (eg ferries ,cruise ships).Maritime transportation includes military ships ,tugs and fishing vessels .(UNCTAD,  2022).In the earliest evidence of maritime transport dates back to around 3000BECE, with sailing ships in ancient civilization such as Egyptians, Phoenicians, and Greeks  in 1500-1700CE the Europeans explores such as Christopher Columbus and Varco da Gama, established new maritime trade route across the globe(Sumerians )  .In the 1960s mark an important turning point for the industry when several  accidental oil spills occurred, resulting in the pollution of water and costal habitats and the demise of a larger number plants and animals. This engendered a significant wave of indignation among the public and a growing awareness of the negative consequences of maritime transportation on the marine ecosystems .The international community responded with the adoption of the ‘’International Convention for the prevention of  pollution from ships (MARPOL)’’,which is the main international agreement to prevent marine pollution by ships from operational or accidental causes, original signed in 1973, it was modified by the 1978 protocol and came into force in 1983.The MARPOL convention was signed at the international Maritime Organization (IMO) (EEA& EMSA, 202,1, WALKER 2019)

 According to DR.Jean –Paul Rodriguez (2008) by the end of 19^thcentury, international transportation undertook a new growth phase especially with improvements in engine propulsion technology of steamships and a gradual shift from coal to oil in the 1870s. Although oil has been kwon for centuries for its commercial use was only applied in the 19^thcentury. Inventors started experimenting with engines that could use cheap and abundant fuel. Oil increases the speed and capacity of maritime transport. The energy consumption of ships was reduced by a factor of 90% relative to coal, the primary energy source for steam engines before this innovation. An equalized oil-powered ship, considerably reducing operating cost and extending range (TONYR WALKER et al, 2019). also Coal refueling stages along trade routes could be by passed.

Global maritime circulation was also dramatically improved when the construction of transoceanic canals reduced intercontinental distance, such as Suez (1869) and Panama (1914) canals. Asia and Australia become more accessible from Europe. The earliest forms or water transport were likely simple rafts made from bundled reeds or logs. These provided a way to cross rivers and navigate short distances along coastlines Evidence suggests their use date back to the Paleolithic ear. Hollowed-out logs formed the basis of more advanced canoes offering better stability and carrying capacity. These allowed for longer journeys and the exploration of inland waterway. Civilization in regions like Mesopotamia and Egypt developed sophisticated reed boats, capable of carrying significant cargo and people these boats were remaster of shipbuilding and navigation during this period. Their ships facilitated extensive trade network across the Mediterranean Sea and beyond. Rivers severed as major arteries of trade and communication. Civilizations along the Nile, Tigris-Euphrates, Indus, and Yangtze rivers relied heavily on river transport for agriculture, commerce, and military movements. Coastal trade routes also flourished, connecting settlement along the shores of various seas and oceans (Christine erbe, 2019)

Shipbuilding techniques advanced significantly, with the introduction of planked hulls, improved rigging, and more sophisticated steering mechanisms. The size and capacity of ships also increased, reflecting growing trade demands.

The Age of exploration witnessed the development of advanced sailing vessels like the caravel (Portuguese) and galleons (Spanish), optimized for long-distance voyage and the transport of large quantities of goods. These ships facilitated Europe exploration and colonization across the globe.

Advance in navigation techniques, including the use of the compass, astrolabe, and improve cartography, played a crucial role in enabling safer and more reliable long-distance voyages.

The Age of Exploration saw the establishment of extensive global trade networks, connecting Europe with Asia, Africa, and the Americas. These networks facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures, but also fueled colonialism and exploitation.

The construction of canals (e .g the Suez and panama canals) dramatically shortened shipping routes, reducing travel times and cost

The transition from wooden to iron and later steel hulls resulted in stronger, more durable, and larger ships capable of carrying heavier loads.  The development of containerization in the mid-20^th century was a transformative event. Standardized containers revolutionized cargo handling, significantly reducing costs, improving efficiency, and expanding global trade. (EMIL MATHEW, 2017)

Specialized vessels like tankers (for oil) and bulk carriers (for dry bulk commodities) emerged to meet the growing demand for efficient transportation of specific types of goods

In the world perceptive china’s maritime transport has undergone significant transformations throughout history. From the ancient maritime Silk Road to the present day, china has invested heavily in its maritime infrastructure, including the construction of new ports and the expansion of existing ones, this has enable china to become one of the world’s largest shipping nation. China ‘share of global export has surged from less than 2% in 1990 to almost 11%by 2018. China has also become the world’s largest shipbuilder surpassing former leaders like South Korea. In china technologies like the AL and 5G, and cloud-controlled autonomous vehicles are being adopted to optimize port operations, reduce labor dependence, and improve efficiency. Chinese port are implementing AL models to optimize container verification, customer service, and equipment management.

The United States has long and storied maritime history, its maritime transport evolving significantly over time. From the early days of American shipping to the present day, the U.S has played a major role in global maritime trade. In recent years, the U.S has faced challenges in its maritime sectors, including increase competition from foreign shipping companies and regulatory changes. However, the U.s remains a significant player in global maritime trade.

While both china and the U.S have undergone significant transformations in their maritime transport sectors, there are some key differences. China’s rapid economic growth investment in maritime infrastructure have enabled it to emerge as a major player in global maritime trade. In contrasts, the U.S has faced challenges in its maritime transport sector, including increased competition from foreign shipping companies

Far from home Africa’s maritime trade dates back to ancient civilizations, such as Egypt, Nubia, and Axum, which trade with the Mediterranean region and Asia trans- Saharan trade (500-1500CE) The trans-Saharan trade network connected west Africa to the Mediterranean region, with maritime transport playing a crucial role in the exchange of goods. Maritime trade routes and ports in Africa, which were primarily used for the export of natural resources and the import of manufacture goods. After independence, many Africa countries invested in developing their maritime transport infrastructure, including ports, shipping lines, and maritime training institutions. (Smithsonian institute)  

1.2 Statement of the problem

Maritime transport is the primary contributor to underwater pollution in the ocean. Underwater   and vibration affect numerous marine species in several different ways. Mammals are especial affected as it interferes with their ability to transmit and receive acoustic information. Ship strikes a leading cause of death for endangered whales; ships strike can also injure other marine species like seals and penguins. Invasive species ship ballast water can release aquatic invasive species like bacteria, microbes, and small invertebrates. These species can outnumber native species, affecting predator-prey relationships and the food chain oil spills can cause toxicological impact on the ecosystems.

Sewage and grey water discharges shipping release more than 250million tones of sewage and grey water into the ocean, which contain bacteria, micro plastics, contaminants, and pathogens marine life at sea is threatened intensive human actives such as fisheries, ship traffic, pollution and coastal development cetaceans and other vertebrates are affected not only by chemical pollution, but also by noise pollution (Richardson et al 1995; Simmonds et al., 2004). Despite its economic importance, there is limited empirical data on how these maritime activities are affecting local marine life, including fish populations, mangroves, and coral systems. Existing environmental management management practices at the Douala seaport appear inadequate in mitigating these negative impacts, and enforcement of environment regulations remains weak. This gap in knowledge and regulation threatens the sustainability of both marine biodiversity and the livelihood of communities dependent on coastal resources. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate the extent and nature of the impact of maritime transport on marine biodiversity in the Douala seaport, in order to inform more effective conservation travesties and sustainable port management policies 

1.3 Research Questions

1.3.1 Main Research Question

What is the impact of maritime transport on marine biodiversity at the seaport of Douala?

1.3.1 Specific Research Questions

what are the key maritime transport activities at the Douala seaport that contribute to changes in marine biodiversity?

To what extent have maritime transport related activities affected marine species diversity

What environmental management measure are currently in place at the Douala seaport

1.4 Objectives of the Study

1.4.1 Main Objective

The main objective was to analysis the role or the impact of maritime transport on marine biodiversity

1.4.2 Specific Research Objectives

To identify various maritime activities at the Douala seaport affecting marine biodiversity

To assess the extent of environment degradation and marine biodiversity

To evaluate the effectiveness of existing laws put in place to protect marine biodiversity