Guatemala Near Shore Waters

The Pacific marine-coastal zone, included in the large South Coast region of Guatemala, is recognized for its great scenic beauty and productivity. Increased protection and sustainable use of Guatemala’s marine-coastal resources, especially fish stocks in national waters, are essential to Guatemala’s socioeconomic stability and the ecological integrity of the eastern Pacific marine corridor. Habitats to be protected include sandy beaches, mud flats, estuaries, herbaceous wetlands, coastal lagoons, mangroves, and benthic habitats including the unique marine San Jose Canyon. Notable conservation targets include extensive mangrove stands, hammerhead shark breeding sites, sea turtle foraging, and breeding areas and nesting beaches (Lepidochelys olivacea, Dermochelys coriacea, Chelonia mydas, and Eretmochelys imbricata), bird rookeries and resting areas for migratory birds, 12 species of dolphin and orca, and humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae).