Shebela Delta

Situated in southern Somalia, the area includes the Shebela River Delta and associated offshore banks to approximately the 100m isobath. Approximate area covered is 570 km squared.

Description

A mangrove-lined permanent river estuary and delta with offshore muddy banks in turbid water. Although very little is known about this area, the nutrients supplied by the northern permanent river support a rich fish and squid population with the mangroves likely to provide important nursery grounds for juveniles. Many of Eastern Africa’s top marine predators are thought to be present including a high diversity of elasmobranchs. Assigned subregional importance because it is the most northerly estuary in the ecoregion, and the only permanent estuarine system in Somalia. The interaction of the EACC and Somali Current in this area makes it likely that there could be different community associations to those found further south.

Contacts

IUCN and Oceanographic Research Institute, Durban, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa.

Conservation Status

Not known, however no formal conservation measures exist.

Summary of threats and information needs

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