Welcome to Shell Beach, one of Guyana’s most critical conservation areas and only coastal protected area. We are taking you beyond the shells to share a look at some of the conservation and monitoring projects happening  in this protected area. Funding for these projects has been co-financed through the Protected Areas Trust and executed by the Protected Areas Commission.

Why Shell Beach Matters

Shell Beach is more than a nesting ground, it’s a lifeline for marine and coastal biodiversity and a cultural treasure. Wherever turtles hatch, they recognize it as home, so Guyana is their home. They may travel the world, but they return here to nest.

Sea turtles are migratory species, traveling thousands of miles across oceans. Their survival influences the health of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and marine food chains. Amerindian communities surrounding SBPA depend on these ecosystems for traditional livelihoods and cultural practices. Additionally, mangroves and coastal forests act as natural barriers against storm surges and flooding, while storing carbon to combat climate change.

Historically, before the 1980s, locals harvested turtle eggs and meat for livelihood. Conservation began after Dr. Peter Pritchard recognized the area’s potential and educated communities on its importance. Today, these communities actively participate in conservation, showing how awareness can transform practices.

Challenges We Face

Despite its beauty, Shell Beach faces urgent threats:

Beach Erosion: Severe erosion has reduced available nesting grounds. Patrol hours dropped by 58% in 2024 due to shorter beaches, limiting monitoring efforts. The site has been relocated three times due to rapid erosion.

Climate Change: Rising sea levels and flooding threaten nests and alter turtle nesting behavior. Increased freshwater intrusion can damage eggs and nesting sites.

Poaching: Although reduced, illegal egg harvesting persists. In 2024, five nests were poached, impacting hatchling survival.

Species Decline: Green turtle nests fell dramatically from 233 in 2023 to just 37 in 2024. Leatherback nests dropped from 37 to 27. These declines highlight the need for urgent conservation action.

Remote Location: Rangers face challenges in getting supplies and quick responses from agencies due to the area’s isolation.

Conservation Wins

Amid challenges, there are inspiring successes:

• 92% of nests relocated to safe hatcheries in 2024, ensuring higher survival rates.
• Zero dog disturbances thanks to new fencing around hatcheries.
• Community engagement programs have significantly reduced poaching incidents.
• Hawksbill turtles achieved 64% hatch success, the highest among species, proving that targeted protection works.
• New ranger stations at Moruka, Waini, Luri, and Barmani strengthen monitoring and protection efforts.

These victories demonstrate the power of collaboration between rangers, scientists, and local communities, supported by organizations like the Protected Areas Trust (PAT), which funds conservation and alternative livelihoods.

Funding and Partnerships

Protected Areas Trust (PAT) plays a critical role in sustaining Shell Beach conservation. PAT is Guyana’s only national environmental trust fund, mobilizing and managing sustainable financing through endowment funds, grants, and partnerships. Since 2017, PAT has issued multiple grants to Shell Beach, supporting turtle monitoring, educational outreach, and alternative livelihoods for surrounding communities. Consistent and long-term funding ensures ranger stations, hatchery infrastructure, and awareness programs remain effective.

Conservation Timeline

• 2011: Shell Beach officially designated as a Protected Area.
• 2017: First PAT grant issued for turtle monitoring and conservation.
• 2020: Hatchery fencing introduced to prevent animal predation.
• 2024: 92% of nests successfully relocated; new ranger stations established.

Meet Our Rangers

“Walking these beaches and seeing the erosion—it impacts me personally. In a few years, there might be no beach left to patrol.” – Dion Turnhill, Protected Areas Commission Ranger.

Rangers work tirelessly to relocate nests, monitor turtle activity, and protect hatchlings from predators. They also educate communities about conservation and sustainable practices, emphasizing that even small actions—like avoiding litter or not disturbing nesting turtles—can make a big difference.

Turtle Facts

• Leatherbacks lay 80–100 eggs per nest, while Green turtles lay up to 254 eggs per nest.
• Hawksbill turtles are elusive and considered the “smartest” due to their quick movements and ability to hide.
• Turtle eggs take 45–55 days to hatch, and hatchlings face numerous threats on their journey to the sea.

Did you know? Leatherbacks can dive deeper than most marine mammals, making them true ocean explorers.