Oguta Lake. 30/04/08; Imo; 572 ha; 05Oguta Lake. 30/04/08; Imo; 572 ha; 05°42'N 006°47'E. The largest natural, freshwater lake in southeastern Nigeria, located in a natural depression within the floodplain of River Niger. Its water surface area varies from 180 to 300 ha depending on the season, and its average depth is 5.5m. It receives perennial drainage from Rivers Njaba, Utu and Awbuna and the lake drains into River Orashi. The lake contains 258 species of phytoplankton in 107 genera and 40 fish species. Small scattered populations of the endangered Sclater's guenon (Cercopithecus sclateri) occur in some relict forests south of the lake. The lake is an important source of municipal and domestic water to the people of Oguta, but is also the recipient of urban sewage. It is also of cultural and spiritual importance to many community members. Fishing and tourism are important socioeconomic activities in the area. Overfishing is stressing the lake and sewage and sedimentation aided by deforestation are seen as threats, mitigated by the fact that the lake is annually flushed by floodwaters through an active outlet. The Oguta Lake Watershed Protection Project is involving local communities in revitalizing the lake and promoting sustainability. Ramsar site no. 1757. Most recent RIS information: 2008.