Marine Managed Areas
Marine Managed Areas
Designated
Proposed
Not Protected
2 Areas Designated
Since 1973
1 Areas Proposed
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Calibishie area - endangered
elkhorn coral and adjacent
Thalassia seagrass meadows are
important fishery and nursery
habitat
Capucin
Square KM
of Ocean
0.4 of Ocean
Square KM
Ocean Protected Shelf Protected
<1% 2%
Calibishie
Wesley
Portsmith
Pointe Ronde
Marigot
Dublanc
Morne Diabiotins
Anse Soldat
Thibaud
Grande Savanne
Cabrits Marine Reserve (MR) - part of the larger
terrestrial National Park, protects biodiversity
in the watershed stretching from upland ridge
to adjacent coastal marine habitats. White
mangroves only found here. Important interface
between land and sea provides key nursery
areas for numerous fish, nes ting habitat for
birds, and nesting beaches for sea turtles.
Recent management activities to protect and
celebrate the marine environment include:
• Fishermen training course
• Installation of dive moorings
• Deployment of fish aggregation devices
• Splash and Clean up event in Toucari
• Savanne Paille Primary school and local
resident outreach
• ‘This is Who We Are’ campaign to celebrate
the ocean
Salisbury
Mero
Grand Savanne Area -
Largest contiguous, diverse
and healthy coral reefs and
seagrass beds. Managing
these adjacent habitats
can improve fisheries and
protect biodiversity.
Castle
Bruce
St. Joseph
Rosalie
Mahaut
La Plaine
Fond Cole
Roseau
Berekua
Marine Managed Areas Year
Designated
1. Cabrits National Park
2. Soufriere-Scott’s Head MR 1986
1998
Proposed
3. Indian River
Area (km 2 )
7.0
4.9
0.5
Marine Managed Areas
Dominica’s MMAs are important as they:
• Protect marine biodiversity by conserving critical habitats
• Provide refugia and replenishment zones for exploited fisheries
• Reduce negative impacts associated with human use
Soufriere
Scott’s Head
Soufriere-Scott’s Head MR (SSMR) - coral reefs,
seagrasses, underwater sulphur vents, wall
reefs, deep water and currents. Diverse marine
life - corals, sponges, reef fish, pelagic fish,
dolphins and whales. Managed by Local Area
Management Authority with members from
tourism and fishery industries, local community
and Fisheries Division. Four multiple-use zones:
1) Fish nursery area where no fishing is allowed,
2) SCUBA diving area, 3) Fishing priority area,
and 4) multi-use recreation area. Lack of waste
water treatment is a concern. Reduced fishing
pressure is helping fish recover with higher fish
densities and larger-sized fish.
Bout Sable - Only
area with black
mangroves, provides
nursery habitat,
stabilizes shorelines.
• Foster a higher level of sustainable use
• Increase community involvement and educational opportunities
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