The West Africa Shellfish Knowledge and Outreach Hub, based at the University of Cape Coast, recently conducted a thorough shellfish biodiversity assessment in the Densu Delta. This assessment, carried out over two days, on 18th and 19th January, 2024, sought to unravel the importance of mangrove conservation on shellfish biodiversity.

The Densu Delta, nestled within the river valley formed by the Aplaku-Tukuse and Weija McCarthy Hills near Accra, spans approximately 34 square kilometers of wetlands. This diverse ecosystem comprises lagoons, freshwater marshlands, salt pans, scrubland, and coastal sand dunes, providing a habitat for various fishery and aquatic resources, including the West African mangrove oyster. Embracing the ethos of co-management, a designated area spanning 1,792 hectares has been earmarked for the sustainable exploitation of oyster fishery resources and the restoration of mangrove habitats. This collaborative endeavour, focused primarily on the West African mangrove oyster, extends its purview to encompass broader ecological considerations, including the preservation of mangrove vegetation and the maintenance of water quality.

The shellfish biodiversity assessment, conducted as part of the Women Shellfishers and Food Security Phase II project's research activities, aimed to evaluate the impact of mangrove reforestation interventions (undertaken under the Women Shellfishers and Food Security (WSFS) project and the Sustainable fisheries Management (SFMP) project) on shellfish biodiversity in the designated co-management area.

Recognising the crucial role of shellfish in ensuring food security and supporting livelihoods, particularly for coastal communities and women, across West Africa, this assessment holds significant importance. By unraveling the complex relationships between mangrove conservation and shellfish biodiversity, this initiative aims to pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable future for the Densu Delta's inhabitants and small-scale shell fisheries livelihoods.