Title: An assessment of coastal erosion patterns and impacts on sea turtle nesting sites at Almond Beach, Shell Beach, in Guyana

Authors: Emily Machado; Leanna Kalicharan

Addresses: University of Guyana, Georgetown, Guyana ' University of Guyana, Georgetown, Guyana

Abstract: Coastal erosion patterns and impacts on sea turtle nesting habitats for Almond Beach, Shell Beach Protected Area, Guyana were assessed from 2016 to 2024. High-resolution satellite imagery, GIS analysis, and expert interviews quantified shoreline changes and evaluated their effects on the nesting habitats for the leatherback and green sea turtles. The analysis over nine years revealed significant spatial variability of Almond Beach with pronounced erosion of its eastern zone. Severe erosion rates were observed from 2021 to 2024 correlating with increased loss of sea turtle nests and the need for nest relocation. The findings show as coastal erosion increases, it threatens local sea turtle nesting habitats. The study proposes targeted conservation strategies to mitigate erosion impacts and enhance the resilience of sea turtle nesting habitats. These findings highlight the urgent need for adaptive management to protect biodiversity and support the livelihoods of coastal communities in tropical coastal regions.

Keywords: coastal erosion; sea turtle nesting; shoreline change; GIS analysis; habitat loss; conservation strategies; shell beach; Guyana.

DOI: 10.1504/IER.2026.157338

Interdisciplinary Environmental Review, 2026 Vol.25 No.4, pp.345 - 374

Received: 13 Nov 2025
Accepted: 16 Jan 2026
Published online: 28 Oct 2026 *

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