Assessment of Hydrogeomorphic Suitability of Lake Mbemun for Socio-cultural Fishing Festival in the Bachama Chiefdom, Adamawa State, Northeastern Nigeria

Abstract

The feasibility of socio cultural fishing in any fluviatile lake strongly depends on water and fluid mud depths of the lake. In this study, the suitability of Lake Mbemun for a socio cultural fishing festival has been examined. Using the data obtained from hydrographic survey, Bathymetric and fluid mud depth maps of the lake for March 2016 were prepared. Both maps were used for hydro geomorphologic analyses of the lake. Results showed that the lake had a fetch of 2.95 km, a maximum width of 2.01 km and a surface area of 3.65 km2, making it widely opened to wind and waves impacts which in turn enhance water mixing and sediment focusing. The lake was also found to be generally shallow with a mean depth of 0.81 m, a depth indicator of 1.48 and a relative depth of 0.06%. It’s Shoreline Development Index (1.5) indicates its crenulated state which reflects the potentials for development of littoral communities (plants) and high biological productivity. But with fluid mud depths ranging from 0.44 m to 1.26 m in most parts of the lake, it was considered very muddy and unsuitable for a socio-cultural fishing festival. Therefore, Dredging of the lake is recommended for suitable socio-cultural use.