dArguin

dArguin, often referred to as Île d'Arguin, is an island and surrounding coastal archipelago off the Atlantic coast of Mauritania, near the town of Nouadhibou. It forms part of Banc d'Arguin National Park, a protected coastal and marine area that also includes offshore banks and tidal flats. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1989 for its exceptional biodiversity and for the cultural value of its traditional fishing communities.

Geography and ecology: The Banc d'Arguin lies along Mauritania's shallow continental shelf, where seasonal upwelling brings nutrient-rich waters that support abundant fish and plankton. The archipelago comprises sandy islands, sandbanks, and tidal flats interspersed with seagrass beds, providing feeding and breeding habitat for a variety of seabirds, waders, and marine life. The area serves as a critical wintering and transit site for migratory birds and sustains important fish stocks that underpin local livelihoods.

Human inhabitants: The Imraguen, a long-standing coastal community, rely on artisanal fishing within the park's waters. They traditionally use dugout canoes and, in historical practice, dolphin-assisted methods to herd fish into nets. This aspect of fishing is deeply integrated with the cultural landscape and heritage of Banc d'Arguin.

Conservation and management: Banc d'Arguin National Park was established by Mauritania in 1976 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989. It is managed to protect biodiversity while supporting the livelihoods of local communities and traditional fisheries. Management measures address sustainable fishing, habitat protection, and restrictions on industrial activities, though the area faces challenges from overfishing, climate variability, and coastal development.