Issue 54 - November 2019

Experience Shell Beach Protected Area

by Karin Nunan of Good Travel

Shell Beach Protected Areas © Karin Nunin

Protecting Sea Turtles and Benefitting Indigenous Peoples

Guyana is an eco-tourist’s dream destination where sustainability is not a tagline, it is a way of life. Every time you leave the capital city of Georgetown, you will find yourself immersed in a unique adventure, sometimes wild and rugged, and at other times simply relaxing and serene.Wildlife far outnumber people and 80 percent of the country is covered in pristine rainforests and remote coastline of which Guyana’s nine Indigenous Nations have been the stewards of for a millenia. The coastal area is home to a majority of the nation’s people yet there are vast expanse that are completely undeveloped with the exception of a handful of coastal communities where people, nature and sea turtles have been living side by side for hundreds of years. Intrepid travellers and wildlife lovers who are seeking to experience some of the planet’s last truly wild places will be naturally drawn to Shell Beach Protected Area.

Almond Beach, A Hidden Gem

Leatherback Turtle © Fotonatura

Almond Beach is the epicentre and is part of the 75-mile stretch of beach and mudflats referred to as Shell Beach. This is the nesting ground for four of the world’s eight endangered species of marine turtles. From March through to August of each year, leatherback, green, hawksbill and olive ridley sea turtles can be found on this two kilometre stretch of coast. Fortunately, all four of these species are protected in Guyana by the Fisheries Act of 2002 and Protected Areas Act of 2011. In addition to the sea turtle species, there is an unheralded variety of biodiversity species in the protected area, including jaguars, sloths, harpy eagles, and red ibis.

The Guyana Protected Areas Commission declared Shell Beach a Protected Area in 2011. Since that time, rangers have been dutifully caring for the conservation and protection of the area’s unique ecosystems in partnership with the Guyana Marine Conservation Society and local indigenous communities.

a man standing next to a Giant leatherback turtle on the beach walking her back to the ocean

Giant Leatherback Turtle © Romeo Defreitas

The journey is an adventure in and of itself

While it can feel near impossible to get to Shell Beach, just a stone’s throw from the Venezuelan border, the journey is as memorable as the beach itself. Once receiving a government-issued permit, one must travel 12 hours in a series of speed boats up the Atlantic coast and then through the nation’s river systems, including the infamous 99 turns (which is as perilous and stomach-turning as it sounds). The journey traverses through pristine mangroves and skirts along the Pomeroon river that is sometimes tidally influenced, which means prior planning and expert boat captains are critical. Once you arrive there, you would easily notice the thousands of small pieces of broken shells covering the spectacular beach, hence its name. If you’re interested in customizing a trip to this unique stretch of land, Wilderness Explorers and Adventure Guianas are two local tour operators that make it possible for travellers to experience amazing wildlife adventures to Shell Beach. You can get in contact with these tour operators right here on our website.

The most rewarding destinations are often the hardest to get to

Once on Shell Beach, the undulating tides, beach erosion and mangrove growth cycles continue to remind residents and travellers alike that nature has always been … and will continue to be … boss. Families who have resided on the beach for generations physically relocate their homes farther into the interior when erosion cycles are high. The only school in the village also risks falling into the sea and will eventually be relocated again.

The leatherback, green, olive ridley and hawksbill are constantly affected by eroding coast that pushes debris onto the turtle nesting sites. The Protected Areas Commission conversation rangers dutifully patrol the beaches at night to collect data on numbers and types of nests while also protecting hatchlings. They have kept log books for decades, and recent satellite tagging programs allow scientists to track where female turtles venture once they lay their eggs and depart the shores.

However, once on Shell Beach, it is not the rugged terrain and adventure that the beach puts up for offer. Quite the opposite. Once there, contacting the world outside of your immediate view is near impossible – there is no cell phone or satellite coverage and the entertainment day-to-day consists of watching the same palm trees blow to the west and the same muddy waves push more ocean onto the sand. For nature lovers, this is one of the best places in Guyana to experience nature undisturbed. At night, the sky opens up to the most beautiful array of stars and the moon lights the way onto the shore. It is that very light that guides sea turtles to find their way to the same spot where they were born decades before and their ancestors decades before that. Once they nest, the green turtles head to the coasts of Brazil and leatherback turtles, the largest of all turtles, go as far away as Nova Scotia – but always makes it back to Shell Beach for their nesting seasons.

a leatherback baby turtle crawling back into the sea after the hatchling

Leatherback Hatchling © Romeo Defreitas

Support conservation during your visit

Despite the clamor of the waves, the cacophony of the birds in the wind (there are over 200 species known to frequent Shell Beach) and the rustling of the palm trees, there is a quiet and calm about Shell Beach which is pervasive. While the government protects and conserves the area by requiring permits for travellers that can be hard to obtain, it also means that if you get the rare chance to travel to this beautiful land, you will have an experience like no other. And if you are even luckier, you may get an opportunity to work as a citizen scientist with the local conservation rangers and communities to learn more about those endangered sea turtles swimming along the shores.

There is no doubt that everyone has something to learn from Guyana’s sea turtles, the nation’s real citizen scientists. Waiting for them to come to shore by the light of the moon and watching them nest, you will be taught a unique lesson about patience, perseverance and peacefulness. Even the most seasoned of travelers are left breathless.

When visiting Almond Beach, all travellers should adhere to best practice. Females like their nesting beaches dark and quiet. Therefore, flash pictures, bright flashlights, loud noises, and even light-colored clothing should be avoided. It is important to maintain a respectful distance in the water and near nesting beaches as well. Of course you should never buy turtle shell or feed sea turtles. Feeding them makes them sick and more vulnerable to harm. Visitors are also encouraged to pack out more than they pack in. That is, try to help clear plastic and other litter when you visit even if it’s not yours, as wildlife often confuse plastic for food.

It is no wonder Shell Beach is heralded across Guyana as a true paradise and Guyana’s Sea Turtles as one of the nation’s most important treasures. You won’t want to miss an opportunity to see these beauties in action. So add this to your travel “life list” and start planning your trip today.

Travel Better in Guyana: Guyana is working hard to conserve its vibrant wildlife and ecosystems and protect its culture and heritage. We realise that it is often difficult to understand how you can support these aims and make a difference when you travel. That’s why we’ve set out to help you by creating Visitor Guidelines For Sustainable Travel. All passionate globetrotters, curious culture seekers and bold adventurers are encouraged to do all they can to leave a positive impact on the people and places you visit in Guyana.

a peaceful beach in the evening in Guyana

Shell Beach Protected Areas © Romeo Defreitas

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Issue 54 - November 2019

Giacomo Abrusci Blue Ambassador of the Year Award Recipient

Giacomo Abrusci, the recipient of the Loggerhead Marinelife Center Blue Ambassador of the Year Award exemplifies significant contributions in marine conservation through volunteer-related activities.

Nearly everyone in the ocean conservation community is familiar with SEVENSEAS Media. What most people do not know is that the entire organization was founded by, and is run by one volunteer individual, Giacomo Abrusci. For nearly 5 years he has tirelessly dedicated his time to elevating our community by providing a grassroots outlet for individuals to network, tell stories, share professional development and career opportunities, and even take part in networking events and beach cleanups. With 30k monthly visitors to his site and subscribers in 174 countries, Giacomo is single-handedly strengthening the capacity of the ocean conservation community by building bridges with his free resource.

Through SEVENSEAS Media, Giacomo provides tens of thousands with news and career resources, he gives an outlet for hundreds of organizations to share their good work and fundraise, and he offers virtual and in-person opportunities for direct action.

Giacomo does all this, as a volunteer, for free. Honoring him with the Blue Ambassador of the Year Award not only acknowledges his efforts but brings attention to SEVENSEAS Media where others within our community can get involved, support, or benefit from the resource.

Learn more about the Loggerhead Marinelife Center Go Blue Awards here.

If you would like to get involved or have ideas to collaborate, email giacomo at sevenseasmedia.org.

Issue 54 - November 2019

SEVENSEAS Travel Magazine – November 2019 – Issue 54

SEVENSEAS Marine Conservation & Travel Magazine cover November 2019

Giacomo Abrusci Recipient of the Blue Ambassador of the Year Award

The recipient of the Loggerhead Marinelife Center Blue Ambassador of the Year Award exemplifies significant contributions in marine conservation through volunteer-related activities. Read more…

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Manta rays form social bonds with each other, study shows

Manta rays form social relationships and actively choose their social partners, a new study has revealed. Research published today by scientists from the Marine Megafauna Foundation, Macquarie University, the University of Papua, and the University of York is the first to describe the structure of social relationships in manta rays. Read more…

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Conquering the Pacific Ocean: The Final Exam

A licensed sea caption and experienced rower, Lia has conquered some of the world’s most hostile stretches of water. But her next expedition is bigger and more challenging than anything she has ever attempted. In April 2020, Lia will attempt a solo, unsupported crossing of the Pacific Ocean and if successful, she’ll be the first person to ever achieve it. Read more…

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Dive Deep Into The Indian Ocean With “Ocean Encounters”

Corals reefs, pods of dolphins, tropical fish, sea turtles, hammerhead sharks and majestic manta rays will swim through Shangri-La’s European properties this autumn as part of the “Ocean Encounters” photographic exhibition created by Greg Lecoeur. Read more…

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Profit Over Safety: Ecotourism Gone Wrong?

It’s dark, you are gearing up for a once in a lifetime dive. You descend to a sand patch surrounded by coral, the whole area lit up like a stage. The show is about to begin. Read more…

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Cooperative in Cuba Turns Plastic Waste Into Lumber

Like other countries, Cuba is dealing with plastic pollution that has washed up on its beach shores and river basins. A group of industrious people in western Matanzas province, some 100 kilometers from Havana, is collecting and recycling plastic waste. They are members of the cooperative A-3, which produces plastic lumber from recycled plastic waste. Read more…

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Egypt Implements Environmenttal Standards to Protect Coral Reefs

The Reef-World Foundation and Chamber of Diving & Watersports (CDWS) are pleased to announce Egypt is adopting Green Fins environmental standards to protect its coral reefs. Read more…

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Missed the climate strikes? Try These 8 ways to save the oceans

As the threat of climate change continues, millions of people around the world are taking to the streets to protest about climate change and urge governments to take action now. Read more…

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Midnight Canibalism Takes Top Award at Yap’s Annual MantaFest 2019

Long after sunset, 35 feet down and miles offshore, a squid stalks in the inky darkness of the Yap Trench in the western Pacific Ocean. With a lightning fast strike, it captures its prey in a forceful act of cannibalism. The split seconds that unfolded in this drama of one squid catching and devouring another of the same species was captured by blackwater diver/photographer Sheila Ott of Switzerland. Read more…

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Under the Waves with Karim Iliya, November 2019

a black and white picture of humback whale swimming in the deep ocean

A baby humpback whale passes beneath me, playfully turning and rolling in the warm waters of Tong) where south pacific humpbacks come to breed, socialize, and birth their calves. See the picture

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Interested in advertising, contributing an article, or becoming a donor?

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54 Issues, readership in 174 countries, 22,000 subscribers, over 30,000 monthly visitors…and growing. Read more…

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Experience Shell Beach Protected Area

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St. Lucia Coral Spawning

We patiently hover just above the reef in complete darkness, only occasionally illuminating the reef with our dive lights. We are here to see if this annual, natural event is actually going to happen. It’s not a given that it will. It is thought that only a certain alignment of the moon and the tide plus perhaps the water temperature will trigger this initial stage of new life on the reef. Read more…

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How whale poop is saving the oceans

Whales are much-loved by ocean fans around the world for their unique personalities, haunting song and sheer size. Yet few people realise the vital role whales play in supporting ocean health and minimising the impacts of climate change. These incredible cetaceans are able to modify the environment around them and do so with their faecal cycles. Read more…

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Swimming the Great Pacific Garbage Patch with Ben Lecomte

Mankind is producing over 300 million tons of plastic every year with 50 percent of it being for single-use purposes. More than 8 million tons of that same plastic is being dumped in our ocean where it will exist for several hundred years. Read more…

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Rhinopias Scorpionfish in Ambon Indonesia! Jack’s November Underwater Photograph

a purple fish swimming and hiding next to the coral

The Rhinopias is one of the most searched fish in the world. This rare species is described as the ‘Holy Grail’ of underwater photography and tops the list of weird and strange creatures – called critters – that can be found. They even belong to the top attractions in the few places on the world where they can be seen! Read more…

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Climate Change Can be Reversed – If We Act Now

“For the first time in recorded history, humans are changing the planet in ways that endanger our basic life support systems,” warn award-winning economist Graciela Chichilnisky and business leader Peter Bal in their new book REVERSING CLIMATE CHANGE (World Scientific Publishing; December 2019). Read more…

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The FREE Weekly Conservation Post and Jobs List

For 15 years the Global Marine Community Weekly Conservation Post has been email round-up of events, jobs, and announcements in ocean conservation. Learn more and subscribe free!

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SEVENSEAS FEATURED TRAVEL

Below are a few of our favorite tour centers and operators. Be sure to mention SEVENSEAS Media for special rates and discounts when making your inquiry.

Susan Bruce Travel

We’ve been traveling, advising clients, and planning trips across the globe for over 30 years. We help you explore amazing places and people — from mountain sanctuaries in Bhutan to the jungles of Peru. Learn more…

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Oceanic Society Expeditions.

A selection of expeditions and volunteer vacations for our travellers that will further the mission to conserve marine wildlife and habitats. More info.

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Alelí Tours Puerto Rico

Alelí Tours is a small-scale ecotourism business located in La Parguera, southwest Puerto Rico. More info.

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Isla Mar Research Expeditions – Field Courses in Puerto Rico

A field course coordination company in Puerto Rico that specializes in organizing and hosting island ecology (marine/terrestrial) themed courses. More info.

Marine Megafauna Foundation

Our mission is to save threatened marine life using pioneering research, education, and sustainable conservation solutions, working towards a world where marine life and humans thrive together. Read more… More info.

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Bangkok Photo Tours.

We visit traditional sights but focus on markets, street art, and local food. All camera forward and environmentally sensitive. More info.

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Pangaea Ocean Sailing Expedition

Panex is opening up sailing expeditions for guest crew. This is an unique opportunity to go sailing, cross an ocean, and be a part of something bigger. More info.

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SEE Turtles

…protect endangered turtles throughout Latin America and the world by supporting community-based conservation efforts through ecotourism, education, and Billion Baby Turtles. More info.

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Scuba Junkie Dive Centers

A personal favorite from SEVENSEAS Media. Go to Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, Sibuan, Mantabuan, Mataking, and more. More info.

Ever dream of swimming with humpback whales? Now you can.

If you are interested in swimming with or photographing humpback whales Karim guides… More info.

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Loggerhead Marinelife Center.

Imagine roaming some of the world’s most beautiful ecosystems. Gorgeous vistas, affordable travel and amazing memories; immersing yourself in the sounds of nature. More info.

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Pete Oxford Expeditions.

We offer unique, small group expeditions for travelers and photographers to remote and pristine destinations and cultures around the world. More info.

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Alnitak Conservation in Action on Volunteer Expeditions

Alnitak is a grassroots marine science organization dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity in our oceans. From May through to October, we run expeditions to survey the rich waters in the Balearic Sea, inviting any ocean enthusiasts to join us on board. Our expeditions take place in the stunning Cabrera National Park and the Menorca Biosphere Reserve. Read more…

The FREE Weekly Conservation Post and Jobs List

Signing up for the free Weekly Newsletter & Jobs List will get you a round-up of upcoming events, webinars, meetings, reports, funding opportunities, photos of the week, and recent postings to the jobs list.

To sign up for our free subscription, please Click Here or email us Here.

Since 2004, SEVENSEAS Media has fostered an informal and non-partisan platform to promote understanding of key issues and challenges while building partnerships across an increasingly diverse group of marine conservation professionals and students.

Our mission is to promote communication and build partnerships across the global marine community and to identify and address gaps in the community’s work. SEVENSEAS Media achieves this through multimedia promotion and partnerships. The community consists of a diverse and growing group of participants, including non-governmental organizations, government agencies, foundations, bilateral and multilateral agencies, fellowship programs, independent consultants, and academia/students.

If you are interested in contributing or getting involved, email us Here.

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Issue 54 - November 2019

Six Blue Parks Join the Growing Network of Global Ocean Refuges

Blue Park Awards Presented to Marine Protected Areas that Meet the Highest Standards of Marine Life Protection

Our Ocean Conference in Oslo, Norway, Marine Conservation Institute and its international science council awarded six outstanding marine protected areas (MPAs) Blue Park designation. A total of 16 MPAs now hold the prestigious Blue Park Award indicating that they meet the highest science-based standards for marine life protection and management. The Blue Park Award recognizes outstanding efforts by nations, non-profits, MPA managers, and local stake-holders that effectively protect marine ecosystems now and into the future.

“Our goal is to recognize those MPAs that deliver on biodiversity conservation, really protecting our ocean environment and inspiring others around the world to strongly protect at least 30% of the ocean’s most important places by 2030,” said Dr. Lance Morgan, President of Marine Conservation Institute. “Blue Park recognition provides regional examples of successful efforts and serves as a road map for others as we strive to protect our oceans for generations to come.”

After months of rigorous review by Marine Conservation Institute and an independent scientific panel, today’s announcement welcomes the following Blue Parks to a growing network of global ocean refuges (See this link for detailed information on each Blue Park and the system of parks: https://marine-conservation.box.com/s/xfh3bs9tn0ydh2c45vkdzq5vrz367l7p.)

Aldabra Atoll Special Reserve, Seychelles, size in 2,559 km² and 988 mi²
Area Marina Protetta di Torre Guaceto, Italy, size in 22 km² and 9 mi²
Arnavon Community Marine Park, Solomon Islands, 169 km² and 65 mi²
Marine Protected Areas around the Northern Channel Islands, California, USA, 3,804 km² and 1,469 mi²
Parque Nacional Isla del Coco, Costa Rica, 2,011 km² and 777 mi²
Reserva Marina de Galápagos, Ecuador, 138,000 km² and 53,282 mi²

Total Area for 2019 Blue Park Awardees is 146,565 km² and 56,590 mi²

“Blue Parks are the antidotes to the barrage of threats to life in our oceans,” said Dr. Sarah Hameed, Senior Scientist of Marine Conservation Institute. “MPAs may not be able to stop climate change impacts immediately, but strong protected areas in the right places today will enable ecosystems to recover and build resilience for the future.”

An international council of marine scientists evaluates MPAs nominated for the Blue Park Award and determines which ones meet the standards. The Blue Park Award criteria are based on what scientists have learned about what works to safeguard marine ecosystems. The evaluation of each nominee includes location, design, management, regulations and compliance to select MPAs that effectively protect the world’s most valuable and critical ecosystems.

“This is a time of great peril for ocean life as it faces off against increasing marine industrialization and climate change,” said Professor Douglas McCauley of UC Santa Barbara, Director of the Benioff Ocean Initiative and a member of the international science council for Blue Parks, “Blue Park Awards are shining a light on protected areas that are leading efforts to protect marine biodiversity and help promote resiliency to climate change impacts.”

A growing number of countries and conservation organizations are encouraging the creation of hundreds of new protected areas to reach the world’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 14) of protecting 10% of our oceans by 2020 and the proposed goal of at least 30% by 2030. Marine Conservation Institute is working to ensure as many MPAs as possible meet the high conservation standards of Blue Parks.

“Many of today’s marine protected areas are not effectively protecting the best places,” continued Dr. Hameed. “They’re often ‘paper parks’ appearing to meet commitments but lacking substance. Achieving a Blue Park Award requires meeting science-based standards we know will protect the oceans for generations to come. If we elevate and bring recognition to Blue Parks, we believe it will encourage more countries and leaders to meet this critical standard going forward.”

Today’s 6 winners join 10 prestigious 2017 & 2018 awardees. The network now includes 16 Blue Parks covering 1,669,388 km² or 644,404 mi² of ocean (approximately the size of Alaska or Iran, or 3 times the size of Kenya). These outstanding marine protected areas are securing lasting protection for marine biodiversity and their hard-won recognition has already inspired others to work towards a Blue Park Award. Nominations for the 2020 awards can be made through mid-March. Visit blueparks.org to find out how your marine protected area can become a Blue Park.

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