Marine Managed Areas
3
Areas Designated
Since 1973
11
12 Areas Proposed 210
Marine Managed Areas
Designated
Proposed
Not Protected
Square KM
of Ocean
Square KM
of Ocean
Ocean Protected Shelf Protected
<1% <1%
Marine Managed Area
Sandy Island Oyster Bed MPA - Largest seascape of corals-mangroves-seagrass in
Carriacou - provides critical nursery grounds and mangrove oyster habitat. Positive
health signs - high coral cover, diversity, reef complexity, numerous small fish.
Poor health signs - high fleshy macroalgae, low herbivory, few large fish. At risk
due to clearing of adjacent mangroves, sedimentation, pollution and illegal fishing.
Management efforts include installing mooring buoys, monitoring, restoration and
reducing illegal fishing.
Year Area (km 2 )
Designated *
1 Sandy Island-Oyster Bed MPA 2009
2 Moliniere-Beausejour MPA
1999
3 Woburn-Clark’s Court Bay MPA 1999
Proposed
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Petite Dominique
Limlair Theboud
Sabazan
South Carriacou Islands
Ronde Island Group
Levera
Conference Bay
Southern Seascape
Grand Anse MPA
La Sagesse
Hog Island
Calivigny Island
Area (km 2 )
2.0
0.2
0.3
23.8
69.3
6.9
10.8
91.9
13.4
0.2
0.4
0.1
6.6
0.8
4.2
Ronde
Island
Marine Managed Areas
Caille
Island
Grenada’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
• Foster a higher level of sustainable use
• Increase community involvement and
educational opportunities
Moliniere Beausejour MPA - High relief, most complex reef
structure. Positive health signs - high coral cover, diversity,
complexity. Poor resilience signs - fleshy macroalgae, low
herbivory, low Diadema, low fish biomass, nutrient pollution and
sedimentation. Signs of recovery - some larger parrotfish/seabass,
several small snappers, abundant lobster. Proactive management
is helping to improve reef health, including user zones (Fishing
Priority, Marine Park, Recreational and Yacht Mooring), Junior
Ranger Programs, Monitoring, Community Outreach and active
patrols to ensure compliance and collection of user fees.
Grand Anse Bay - Wide shelf area supports variety of reefs.
Northern Exposure Reef - high herbivorous & commercial fish
biomass, good coral cover. Grand Anse Inshore Reef - >60% coral
cover, many Diadema, high CCA, low macroalgae. Grand Anse is
in the process of being officially designated as a Marine Managed
Area. This new MMA will protect coral reefs, support recreational
activities, and promote sustainable livelihoods.
Woburn Clark’s Court MPA - Largest seascape of corals-mangroves-
seagrass. Nursery area for fish, lobster, and conch. Positive health signs
- high coral cover, healthy corals, high CCA, abundant coral recruits,
low macroalgae, abundant Diadema. Poor health signs - few parrotfish,
groupers, snappers, most fish small in size. Loss of mangroves due to
clearing, sedimentation. Management efforts seek to balance protecting
biodiversity and supporting recreational activities popular in area.
*All three designated MMAs are operational with active management.
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