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4.5. Seabed inner shelf (0–50m)
The seabed inner shelf is mainly under threat from trawling
activities. However, this habitat is in good condition and
is improving.
4.6. Seabed outer shelf (50–200m)
The seabed outer shelf will possibly be affected in the
future from offshore oil extraction activities. However, this
habitat is assessed to be currently in very good condition
and stable in the past 5 years.
4.7. Water column shoreline (0–20m)
Possible threats for the water column in the shallow areas
near the shoreline include fishing, waste disposal and
habitat degradation due to pollution. However, this habitat
is in good condition and is in stable condition the past
5 years.
4.8. Water column inner shelf (20–50m)
Possible threats for the water column in the inner shelf
areas include fishing activities, waste disposal and habitat
degradation due to pollution. This habitat is assessed to be
in good condition and stable the past 5 years.
4.9. Water column outer shelf (50–200m)
Possible threats for the water column in the outer shelf
areas include fishing activities, waste disposal and habitat
degradation due to pollution. This habitat is assessed to be
in good condition.
4.10. Mangroves
Forest resources in the coastal zone are exploited for a
variety of uses. Prominent amongst these is the fuel wood
trade in mangrove forest wood as well as poles for building
and other purposes. Coastal forests are exploited for boat
building and handicraft. Oyster farming from mangroves
and other hard sub-strata is another activity of coastal
dwellers. Oysters are harvested for both commercial and
subsistence purposes.
Peri-urban agricultural practices are common in Sierra
Leone and are a usual feature of the coastal area. Swamp
rice is one of the main crops cultivated in the coastal area.
In some areas notably in the Kambia district, rice has been
cultivated in areas previously occupied by mangroves.
Mangrove areas have also been cleared for salt extraction.
The mangroves are generally in a good condition alongmost
parts of the coastline. In other parts, mangroves have been
decimated due to conversion to other uses. The best places
are found along parts of the Sierra Leone River Estuary, the
Jong and Moa rivers. The worst places include the Scarcies
river estuary, Ribbi and Kargboro creeks.
4.11. Mudflats
Mudflats in general are in good condition in areas along the
Freetown peninsula and parts of the northern and southern
sectors of the coastline. However, shelter construction is
threatening the stability of mudflats near Freetown. Garbage
and debris also contribute to the degradation of mudflats.
4.12. Offshore banks, Shoals and Islands
These structural habitat systems currently face little or no
pressure and are therefore assessed to be in in very good
condition and stable. The confidence in grade is high and
for the above submission is derived mainly from project
reports and studies as well as from Environmental Impact
Assessment studies.
4.13. Coastal lagoons
The drainage system consists of a series of rivers fromnorth
to south including Great Scarcies, Little Scarcies, Rokel,
Jong, Sewa, Moa and Mano and their associated estuaries.
The coastal water resources include the bays and estuaries of
the rivers of the Rokel (Sierra Leone River), Great and Little
Scarcies, Sherbro, Jong, Sewa, Moa andMano. Nearly all these
rivers flow parallel to one another right across the country
from the high interior plateau in the east towards the lowland
coastal areas before debauching into the Atlantic Ocean.
In general, coastal lagoons are in very good condition.
In some areas, incidents of pollution have been reported
although not serious. These areas are found mainly
downstream of mining areas.
4.14. Summary (habitat assessment)
Thirteen habitat types were assessed at the workshop. The
average score for the habitats indicates a good condition
for most places (Fig. 4.2). The condition of the habitats is
assessed to be stable in the last 5 years.
Figure 4.2:
Summary table of the habitat assessment.
Average, high and low scores for the condition assessment in
the Best 10 %, Most (80 %) and Worst 10 % of places