Which seabirds and marine animals live along the Namib Desert coast?

The shore area of the Namib Desert is densely populated by various marine birds, most notably flamingos and pelicans. In the southern portion of the desert, African penguins are also found, nesting in colonies on rocky islands and mainland sites along the coast.12

Regarding marine mammals, the coast supports colonies of seals, which are protected in specific areas such as the Cape Cross Seal Reserve. While the desert environment is harsh, these coastal regions benefit from the Benguela Current, an oceanic current that creates nutrient-rich waters and excellent fishing grounds, supporting the diverse wildlife found along the shoreline.134