Protecting Key Habitats
Managed
Key Habitats of Grenada
Three main habitats - coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds - support productive
fisheries, stabilize coastlines and host tourism activities.
• The Nature Conservancy conducted benthic habitat surveys in parts of Grenada and
Carriacou (www.caribnode.org).
• Contiguous areas with corals, mangroves and seagrasses are important nursery
areas and corridors for resident and transient species.
• Habitats are threatened by direct removal and damage, coastal development, poor
water quality, unsustainable fishing practices and global climate change.
• Grenada’s government has proactive programs for marine management, fisheries
regulations, youth education and community outreach.
• New proposed MMAs, if adopted, would protect 65% more reefs, 35% more
mangroves and 41% more seagrass.
78 km 2 of
coral reef 4%
3 km 2 of mangroves 14%
29 km 2 of
seagrass 12%
Coral Mangrove Seagrass
Designated
Proposed
Not Protected
Grenada’s Habitat Types
Threatened
Coral reefs: Reef types vary with wave exposure, water depth,
east/west location. East coast: wide shallow shelf, low relief patch
reefs, hardbottom, low diversity. West coast: narrow shelf, deep
high relief spur & groove reefs, higher diversity. Grand Anse:
wide shallow shelf, low relief inshore reefs. Reefs affected by
unsustainable fishing, high siltation, poor water quality and coral
bleaching/disease. Healthy reefs provide shoreline protection,
greater resources and higher economic and recreational benefits.
Mangroves: Red, black & white mangroves and buttonwood
common. Grenada: ~22 mangrove areas, most on east and south
coasts. Large stands near Levera, Conference and Woburn.
Carriacou: Main mangrove forests near Petit Carenage Bay, Saline
Island, Tyrrel Bay and Lauriston Point. Mangroves have been
cleared in several areas for marinas and coastal development. Intact
mangroves provide higher quality habitat, protect shorelines, and
improve water quality.
Seagrass: Seagrass found around each island. Species include
Syringodium filiforme, Halodule wrightii, Thalassia testudinum, and
Halophila decipiens. The exotic seagrass Halophila stipulacea, first
found in 2002, invaded several areas (e.g., Flamingo Bay). Seagrass
beds provide fish, conch, and lobster habitat and sea turtle and bird
foraging areas. Native seagrasses are impacted by sediment runoff,
destruction and storms. Healthy seagrass stabilizes sediments,
reduces beach erosion and improves water clarity.
Healthy
Steve Schill Ken Marks
Steve Schill Marjo Aho
Steve Schill Emma Doyle
Climate Change Impacts
Biodiversity
Local and regional resource managers need
to incorporate planning for climate change in
their efforts to protect coral reefs.
Rising ocean temperatures increase coral
bleaching, disease and mortality
Oceans will become more acidic as more
atmospheric carbon dioxide is dissolved
reducing calcification in corals and other
calcifying animals
The intensity and frequency of hurricanes
will increase as oceans continue to warm
and will damage corals, coastlines and
infrastructure
Rising sea levels will flood coastal areas
and may reduce light in seagrass beds
and coral reefs
5
Coral Parrotfish
Sponge Grouper
Seagrass Urchin
Mangrove Conch
Threats
Coastal development, dredging, sand mining
Land based sources of pollution
Unsustainable Tourism Hurricanes
Unsustainable fishing Rising temperatures
Symbol library courtesy
of the Integration and
Application Network,
University of Maryland
Center for Environmental
Science
(ian.umces.edu/symbols/)