Status of Coral Reefs of the World 2000

Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2000
reefs on the south and southwest coasts. A 1995-1996 survey indicated that reef areas not
directly affected by volcanic ash were relatively pristine with no indication of the human
impacts that affect reefs elsewhere in the region.
CURRENT AND POTENTIAL CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS
A regional programme, Caribbean: Planning for Adaptation to Global Climate Change
(CPACC), is being implemented in 12 countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts
and Nevis, Dominica, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and
Trinidad and Tobago. The objective is to support the countries in preparing to cope with
the adverse effects of climate change, particularly sea level rise. Specific activities include
establishing a sea level and climate monitoring network and databases, resource
inventories, vulnerability and risk assessments, and policy formulation.
CURRENT MPAS AND MONITORING/CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT CAPACITY
Antigua and Barbuda
The established MPAs are the Diamond Reef, Salt Fish Tail, Palaster Reef, and Cades Bay
Marine Parks. Cades Bay is the most recent, established in 1999, and includes beaches,
reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves.
Dominica
Soufriere/Scotts Head Marine Reserve is managed by the Local Area Management Authority.
The Cabrits National Park includes a marine component. Permanent photoquadrats were
established but are not monitored systematically.
St. Lucia
The Maria Islands Nature Reserve, established and managed since 1986, includes reefs, and
will become part of a proposed Pointe Sable National Park, which will include some of the
largest reefs on the southeast coast of the island. The Soufriere Marine Management Area
(SMMA) was established in 1995, and includes an 11km stretch of coastline, with zoning
that includes Marine Reserves, Fishing Priority Areas, and Multiple-use areas, and is managed
by the Soufriere Marine Management Association. This includes representatives of all
agencies and user groups with direct management responsibility for activities in the area.
User fees from yachting and diving directly support management. The establishment and
operation of the SMMA is a significant development in the management of multiple uses of
reef resources in the region, and demonstrates the potential for institutions based on a
process of participation, negotiation, conflict management, and the devolution of authority.
The Canaries - Anse la Raye Marine Management Area, north of the SMMA on the west coast,
was declared in 1999 and is becoming operational in 2000 with management by the SMMA.
Barbados
Folkstone Marine Park has not functioned effectively since its establishment in 1981 and a
participatory study is underway to improve its management. Two offshore breakwaters, at
Rockley and Reed’s Bay, have attracted a variety of marine life and have been designated as
Marine Protected Areas. A third MPA in Carlisle Bay consisting primarily of artificial reefs will
be upgraded to a Marine Park.
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