Graeme Hall Swamp

Graeme Hall Swamp. 12/12/05; 33 ha; 13°04'N 059°35'W. A naturally created coastal wetland area with mangrove forests, a seagrass bed, and a shallow nearshore coral reef, which includes a 12-acre artificially-created lake that constitutes the largest body of inland water on the island. At least 84 bird species have been recorded, including Caribbean coot (Fulica caribaea) and Yellow warbler (Dendroica petechia), and the site's Red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) and white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa) stands are the largest healthy mangrove areas left on the island. There are more than 20 fresh and brackish water fish species, among the most interesting of which are those marine species that have become isolated from the sea and become breeding residents of the lake. Fishing has been suspended pending study of the effect of the water quality for human consumption of fish and the effects on fish populations of the introduction of aggressive tilapia species. Ecotourism and environmental educational and research activities are the chief human uses of the site, which has been proposed as a National Heritage Site. Ramsar site no. 1591. Most recent RIS information: 2005.

All sites in Barbados

Related news

Wetlands for the Future initiative bolsters wetland conservation in Latin America and Caribbean