Mayumba National Park

Gabon’s coast has been recognized as a key nesting ground for leatherback turtles, (Dermochelys coriacea) for many years, but recently, the exposed beaches south of the town of Mayumba have received particular attention. Nesting densities calculated for the area place it as the number one or two leatherback turtle nesting sites in the world, highlighting their key role in the conservation of this threatened species. In August of 2002, Gabon created 13 national parks, including an area designed specifically to protect these beaches. Mayumba National Park shelters 60 km of turtle nesting beach and coastal vegetation, and stretches for 15 km out to sea, protecting important marine habitat for dolphins, sharks, and migrating humpback whales. The WCS project at Mayumba provides technical and management support to the Gabonese Parks authority in the park development, marine resource protection and creation of a hub for marine science and conservation in the region.

The Human Aspect

There are no people living within the boundaries of the Mayumba National Park, but communities in the surrounding area have much to gain from park activities. Fishing is vital to the local economy and nutrition. Uncontrolled industrial fishing in and around the park threatens the long-term survival of these resources, and thus the future of everyone living in the area. WCS is investing in surveillance equipment and personnel to safeguard fisheries resources for the local people. The presence of the Park and our activities in the surrounding area will provide a buffer against unsustainable fishing practices and guarantee this protein source for the future.

Threats

Over-fishing by industrial trawlers threatens not only the human population, but also the ecosystem. As these boats target lagoon entrances and other sensitive areas, they interrupt the developmental cycle of many coastal fish species, threatening the stocks. Trawlers also disturb sensitive substrates, reducing the biodiversity of the system, and have been identified as an important cause of mortality for marine turtles. Turtles are also threatened by accidental capture by long-line fishing vessels seeking tuna. Finally, turtle populations are jeopardized by the market for turtle eggs, which results in dozens of nests being destroyed each year within the Park, and hundreds more along the length of the Gabonese coast.

The area around Mayumba is dotted with oil rigs and other petrochemical installations. While of vital importance to the Gabonese economy, oil production activities pose a threat to the marine environment. Seismic surveys may disturb breeding humpback whales, drilling activities may pollute the sea-bed, and accidents with pipelines and storage vessels may lead to large-scale spills. Even small amounts of pollution may accumulate in some species, resulting in harmful effects.

WCS Activities

WCS began working permanently in Mayumba in May 2004, and we are currently busy establishing essential infrastructure for the management of the park. Eco-guards have been hired and are already patrolling the beaches to protect turtle nests and detect illegal fishing vessels and oil pollution. We have established a project headquarters in the town of Mayumba, which is the only location where boat missions can be safely launched into the Park. We will soon take delivery of a small vessel for sea-based surveillance to deter illegal fishing within the Park. This boat will also provide the first platform for initial oceanographic surveys of the area and the study of humpback whales and dolphins. We are collaborating with local communities to assess the impacts of the Park on their lives, and are working to ensure that in addition to the benefits of fishery protection, communities become active partners in conserving the riches of Mayumba National Park.

Important Next Steps

Once the natural resources of the Park are properly protected, we will place greater emphasis on better understanding the species and habitats found within its borders. Marine science and conservation are still in their infancy in Gabon, and Mayumba National Park, with its wild beaches, lagoons and coastal waters, is ideally placed to become a major regional hub for marine conservation, research, and training.