The Guinean continental shelf, which is about 300 km long, has a total area of 47,400 km ². By its extent, it is the largest in all of West Africa.

Coastal ecosystems : they are characterized by the presence of sandy beaches, vast areas of plains, with lush vegetation of mangrove forests that constitute spawning grounds, hatcheries and niches for a diverse range of marine species.

The coastal zone plays an important role in the development of rice farming, the supply of wood for energy and service, etc.

Mudflats: they cover an area of 305 km² and constitute resting areas, feeding areas, potential breeding grounds, nesting and wintering areas for a very large number of rare bird species.

Estuarine ecosystems: the main ones are: the Kogon estuary, the Tinguilinta estuary, the Fatala estuary, the Konkouré estuary, the Bofon estuary and the Mellakoré estuary.

Coral reefs: Knowledge of coral reef ecology is still very limited, they are found in the islands of Loos, especially at the level of the Coral, White and Capri Islands.

Marine ecosystems:

They constitute the field of advanced artisanal fishing and industrial fishing. These ecosystems are subdivided into two areas which are:

• the intermediate part of the continental shelf with a width of 40 to 100 km, reserved for advanced or glacial artisanal fishing and industrial fishing;
• the outer part of the continental shelf, with a maximum width of 30 km, occupies depths of 60 to 200 m and is reserved for industrial fishing.