Shell Beach

Shell Beach Protected Area (SBPA) is located in the northwest part of Guyana, in Region 1, stretching over 120 kilometers (kms) (75 miles) of beach and mudflats. The area gets its name from the presence of beach composed of fragmented mollusks, bivalved, and univalved shells. Mudflats are present in front of the shells, mangroves are found inland of the shells, and swamp forests inland of the mangroves. The SBPA is relatively flat with elevation ranging from less than 1 meter (m) to 25 m and covers an approximate area of 123,055 hectares (ha). SBPA and its surroundings are rich in biodiversity with relatively intact and productive ecosystems. Land cover includes the largest and most intact mangrove forests (both coastal and riverine) in Guyana, mixed swamp forests, open swamps, mixed agriculture, coconut palms, sandy beaches, and open water. There are also seasonally flooded Ite (Mauritius) palm savannahs.

The nearshore waters are considered highly productive due to the nutrient influx from the estuary of the Essequibo in the southeast and the larger Orinoco Delta in the northwest. The vast mangrove forests also serve as nurseries for a variety of fish species.

The area has been renowned for its marine turtle nesting sites. Four species of the world’s endangered marine turtles: the Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), and Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) typically nest annually between February and August. In addition to marine turtles, it is also home to endangered West Indian Manatees (Trichechus manatus), tapirs (Tapirus terrestris), deer (Mazama americana), jaguars (Panthera onca), and several species of primates.

There is also a rich diversity of birds with over 200 recorded species of coastal and migratory birds. Local and indigenous nearby communities have utilized natural resources found in the area for their livelihoods. They engaged in fishing, crabbing, hunting, palm and timber harvesting, and using various materials to make craft and other articles. These natural resources continue to provide an important means for meeting their livelihood needs. Subsistence agriculture is also a major activity with some agro-processing taking place on a small scale.