Shell Keys National Wildlife Refuge

Shell Keys was established in 1907 to protect part of the eroding coastline of Louisiana.  The erosion has continued since that time and though the islands are often awash, they still offer a resting area for shorebirds and protection for the coastline.  Access to the refuge is, of course, only by boat.

DIRECTIONS TO REFUGE : From Lafayette, LA, take Louisiana Highway 182 south to New Iberia, LA, then take Louisiana Highway 83 to the end, then boat 20 miles across West Cote Blanche Bay to edge of Gulf of Mexico.

ENDANGERED & THREATENED SPECIES ON THE REFUGE: Brown Pelican

OTHER WILDLIFE SPECIES: Shore birds

HABITAT DESCRIPTION: Small sand spit /shell barrier island

FOCUS ACTIVITIES: Bird watching/fishing

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PUBLIC USE: Bird watching/fishing -- accessible only by boat.