David Bay

Overview

David Bay is on Grenada’s northwest coast, where a small stand of mangroves grows along a stream flowing into the sea. This is known as a riparian mangrove, a narrow strip of trees that protect waterways where fresh and salt water meet. Although modest in size, David Bay plays an important role in stabilizing the shoreline, filtering runoff, and creating habitat for wildlife.

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Ecological Monitoring

Vegetation surveys confirmed that the stand is made up entirely of white mangroves (Laguncularia racemosa). No red (Rhizophora mangle) or black (Avicennia germinans) mangroves were recorded. The limited diversity and small area make David Bay one of Grenada’s more vulnerable mangrove systems.

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In 2025, leaf samples were collected for stable isotope analysis. This type of testing helps track how much the site is influenced by seawater versus freshwater inputs. Results are still pending, but they will provide an important baseline for understanding the hydrology of this small mangrove.

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Archaeology and Cultural History

David Bay is listed in Dr. Jonathan Hanna’s archaeological site inventory. Finds include pottery fragments and shell remains that show Indigenous communities made use of the area more than 1,000 years ago. The presence of freshwater, marine resources, and sheltered land would have made David Bay attractive for settlement or seasonal use.

For more detail, see Dr. Hanna’s Archaeological Site Inventory of Grenada (ASIG).

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Significance

David Bay shows that even small mangroves matter. Its white mangroves protect the coast and improve water quality, while archaeological finds highlight its role in Grenada’s earliest human history. Protecting sites like David Bay ensures that both ecological and cultural values are preserved.