Benguela Current Marine Ecosystem

The Benguela Current Marine Ecosystem is located along the south-western coast of Namibia. The area experiences a wind driven upwelling of cold, nutrient rich waters being pushed to the surface from the deep ocean. This nutrient rich water leads to high growth of phytoplankton that support a thriving ecosystem. In fact, the Benguela Current Marine Ecosystem is one of the most productive costal upwelling zones, supporting many species of zooplankton, fish, sea birds, marine mammals. The ocean contains sardines, anchovies, horse mackerel, pilchards, and a variety of other fish species. In turn, the fish help support bird populations of African Penguin, Crowned Cormorants, Bank Comorant, Cape Gannets located on islands off the coast. There are also numerous whale species and Cape Fur Seals.

         Unfortunately, this ecosystem is under threat from overfishing, marine pollution, and invasive species. Some of the pressures on the ecosystem began in the 1870s when ships arrived to collect bird guano deposits on the islands to use as fertilizer. At this time, they built wooden platforms to help harvest bird guano. The platforms are still in place today. One of the other major threats, overfishing, is now being strictly controlled by the Namibian government. Since independence the Namibian government has made an effort to regulate fisheries, try to rebuild depleted fish stocks, and develop sustainable fishing practices.

-Laura Spielman

http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/6094/