Bombetoka Bay

In fact, Bombetoka Bay is home to some of Madagascar's largest remaining communities of mangroves, which provide shelter for diverse mollusk and crustacean communities, as well as habitat for sea turtles, birds, and dugongs.

Along the northwest coast of Madagascar, mangroves and coral reefs partner to create dynamic, diverse coastal ecosystems.

Near water, shrimp and rice farming are common, while coffee plantations abound in the surrounding terrain.

Sediment transport and suspension in Bombetoka Bay has significantly changed during the past 30 years, with a dramatic increase in the amount of sediment moved by the Betsiboka river, and deposited in the estuary and in offshore delta lobes.

These changes have adversely affected agriculture, fisheries, and transportation for one of Madagascar's largest ports.