Banc d’Arguin (Mauritania)

Abstract

The Banc d’Arguin refers to a vast coastal wetland located between Cap Blanc (20°46′N – 17°02′W) and Cap Timiris (19°23′N – 17°02′W) in Mauritania, West Africa. The area presently supports over one million wintering Palearctic waders and other shorebirds. It’s one of the three most important hotspots along the East Atlantic Flyway between the Arctic and South Africa. Primary production in the Golfe d’Arguin depends mostly on the extensive pristine sea grass beds, but the area is also influenced by the Canary Current Upwelling. Banc d’Arguin is recognized worldwide for its marine biodiversity and especially for its globally important wild bird populations. It holds significant cultural values and contributes to the fisheries economy in Mauritania. The extensive area of sea grass, mudflats, sand banks, channels, islands and islets are included in the Parc National de Banc d’Arguin, one of the largest marine protected areas in Africa listed as a Ramsar site and inscribed on the World Heritage List. Threats include fishing, offshore oil and gas prospecting, rural migration to coastal areas, pollution from oil and gold mines, and climate change. Important changes are to be expected on species composition and richness if external pressures continue.