Coral restoration in the SMMA in St. Lucia
Since early 2019, the CATS program collaborates with CLEAR Caribbean on a coral restoration project in the 'Soufrière Marine Management Area' (SMMA) in Saint Lucia. The project aims at propagating Elkhorn (Acropora palmata) and Staghorn corals (Acropora cervicornis) along the coastline in Soufriere all the way from Anse Chastanet Bay to the Pitons.
The corals are grown on artificial trees made of PVC pipes and glass fiber bars and are anchored to the ground with ropes. So far, a total of ten trees have been installed, building an underwater coral forest. The trees, six of which are used for Elkhorn and four for Staghorn, are accommodating approx. 1,000 specimens ranging in size from just a few centimeters to up to almost forearm length with numerous branches.
CLEAR Caribbean uses fragments of healthy coral, collected from different locations in Laborie Bay (south of Soufriere) and the Soufriere Bay itself, and ties them to the nursery trees. Over time, the fragments grow into healthy and strong corals. The age difference between the smallest and largest pieces seen in the video might only be about nine months to one year, indicating that these corals grow relatively fast. After about a year, the corals are taken from the trees and transplanted onto the actual reef. So far, about 500 pieces of Staghorn coral have been planted in 50 clusters to the reefs at the bottom of Petit Piton and Pinnacle Point.
The trees are not just left to their own fate before the corals are ready to be transplanted, however. Regular checks and maintenance of the trees is required. As shown in the video, it happens that pieces of corals fall off the trees, especially when they grow bigger. This is mainly caused by currents breaking the strings with which the corals are attached to the trees. In that case, the risk is high that the corals are covered by sediments on the sea floor, causing them to die. With regular maintenance dives, these pieces can be reattached to the trees. Another important maintenance measure is cleaning the trees from algae, and the separation of dead or dying coral. The aim is to grow a strong and health population.
One of our CATS program officers, Timo Schirmer, recently got hands-on experience in coral gardening and happily assisted Chester Nathoniel from Soufriere in the re-affixing of fallen coral pieces to the nursery trees. Surely, this very fascinating project delivers tangible results with a direct impact on marine ecosystems. Over time, the coral fragments will grow further and help to restore damaged sections of the reefs in Saint Lucia, benefiting the ecosystem itself and people depending on it.
tour guide
Description The Soufriere Marine Management Authority undertook a tour of the Soufriere marine management area .
A Number of Government Officials including tourism minister Lorne Theophilus and Agricutlture Minister Moses Jn Baptiste as well as Parliamentary Representative for Anse La Raye and Canaries Dr Desmond Long participated in the tour.
DBS' Don Nicholas tells us more:
Shore thing
Key players in Soufriere marine management have ended a one-day workshop on how to more effectively administer protected areas.
The workshop was held at the Cool Breeze Hotel.
Soufriere Scott's Head Marine Reserve Documentary
A sunken lava dome plummeting to unknown depths offering exceptional wall dives and unique features such as underwater furmoroles (Champagne Reef) Home to 27 dive sites rated in top 10 dive destinations in the world and the deepest recorded sperm whale dive-9000ft, the SSMR is a haven for divers and snorkelers. Forming the only tied island in the Caribbean, the Scott's Head Peninsula separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Caribbean Sea.
Within the SSMR there are four zones. Each set aside for its own particular activity.
Fish nursery area: this area at Soufriere was determined to be a valuable spawning ground for many pelagic and reef fish; there is no fishing allowed in this region.
Recreation area: The section located at the beach called Tous sable is set aside as a recreational area for swimming and snorkeling from shore.
Fishing priority area: This part of the SSMR is set aside for the local fishery, there are strict guidelines governing this region.
Scuba Diving: There are several areas set aside for scuba diving activities, these are all demarcated by a buoy placed there for dive boats only.
SSMR pt 2 Marine Management
A Local Area Management Authority (LAMA) was established under SRO#17 of 1998. This legal authority is made up of various stakeholders relating to the enterprise namely; fishermen, village councillors, The Hospitality Industry, Dominica Watersports Association, Dominica Coast Guard and the Fisheries Division.
St.lucia Coastal Water Documentary Part1
St.lucia Coastal Water Documentary from the Suatainable Development and Environment Coastal Zone Management Unit
Restoration of Saint Lucia's Ma Kote Mangrove
Fish at the Coral Reef island St Lucia Eastern Caribbean
Fish at the Coral Reef island St Lucia Eastern Caribbean
1 St Lucia Pitons
The Pitons (Peaks in French) are located near the towns of Soufrière, Saint Lucia. Soufrière and Choiseul Quarter Choiseul on the southwestern coast of the island. They are in the electoral districts of three and ten. The Pitons are located on either side of the Jalousie Bay.
Coral reefs cover almost 60% of the site’s marine area. A survey has revealed 168 species of finfish, 60 species of cnidaria, including corals, eight molluscs, 14 sponges, 11 echinoderms, 15 arthropods and eight annelid worms. The dominant terrestrial vegetation is tropical moist forest grading to subtropical wet forest, with small areas of dry forest and wet elfin woodland on the summits. At least 148 plant species have been recorded on Gros Piton, 97 on Petit Piton and the intervening ridge, among them eight rare tree species. The Gros Piton is home to some 27 bird species (five of them endemic), three indigenous rodents, one opossum, three bats, eight reptiles, and three amphibians.
The volcanic complex includes a geothermal field with sulphurous fumaroles and hot springs.
both mountains are an attraction for hikers although the Gros Piton peak is more popular since it is an easier climb and tours are offered by The Soufrière Foundation, a non-profit group that’s dedicated to help preserve the Pitons Management Area.
Spotted Drumfish
An adult Spotted Drumfish and some Cardinalfish in the Soufriere Marine Management Area (protected marine reserve) near the Pitons in St. Lucia. Shot with SeaLife DC1400 camera & SeaDragon 2000 Photo/Video Light.
Pitons Management Area - Engaging Youth in the Preservation of Heritage and Economy
The Pitons Management (PMA) office of the Department of Sustainable Development hosted a 3-day summer camp for approximately forty (40) youth from Secondary Schools around Saint Lucia. The camp which run from July 18-20 at Leisure Inn in Soufriere; targeted youth aged 14-16 years. Camp activities took a global to local approach and included presentations on the Sustainable Development Goals and the PMA- Saint Lucia’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the formal Open Session on Day 2, Manager for Protected Areas, Augustine Dominique informed guests and participants that the camp would be an annual activity on the Departments’s that engaged youth in advocacy and outreach on environment and world heritage matters. Secretary-General of the National Commission for UNESCO in Saint Lucia, Mrs. Marcia Symphorien addressed the Open Session on the theme Preserving Heritage and Economy through Youth Participation. She implored participants to “make a commitment to protect our heritage to preserve it and to advocate for its sustainable use”. Minister for Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development, Honourable Dr. Gale Rigobert gave her nod of approval to the activity. In her own words; “… activities like these facilitate youth involvement in promoting the sustainable development goals”. On the final Day of the Camp, participants visited some of the sites and attractions within the PMA. The camp culminated with participants lending their voices to the preservation of the PMA and sustainable development in an ad which will soon be published on the PMA website at The camp received support from the private sector, and the Department would like to thank the following entities for their contribution: Hotel Chocolat, Bank of Saint Lucia Ltd, Anse Chastanet Hotel, Soufriere Regional Development Foundation, LADERA, Blue Waters, Soufriere Marine Management Authority, Windward & Leeward Brewery Ltd, Fond St Jacques Cooperative Credit Society, Choiseul Credit Union, Massy Stores; and Stonefield Estate Villa Resort & Spa. Stay tuned to this page for information and publishing of the main output from this year's summer camp; and the announcement of our 2018 Camp Ambassadors.
Like/Follow Us on
Facebook (
Instagram (
YouTube (
St.Lucia Coastal Zone Management PSA
Sustainable Development and Environment Coastal Zone Management Unit Public Service Announcement
Pitons in St. Lucia, Saint Lucia
The Pitons are two mountainous volcanic plugs, volcanic spires, located in Saint Lucia. Gros Piton is 798.25 m high, and Petit Piton is 743 m high; they are linked by the Piton Mitan ridge. The Pitons are a World Heritage Site, 7,190 acres in size, and located near the town of Soufrière.
The Pitons are located near the towns of Soufrière, Saint Lucia. Soufrière and Choiseul Quarter Choiseul on the southwestern coast of the island. They are in the electoral districts of three and ten. The Pitons are located on either side of the Jalousie Bay.
Coral reefs cover almost 60% of the site’s marine area. A survey has revealed 168 species of finfish, 60 species of cnidaria, including corals, eight molluscs, 14 sponges, 11 echinoderms, 15 arthropods and eight annelid worms. The dominant terrestrial vegetation is tropical moist forest grading to subtropical wet forest, with small areas of dry forest and wet elfin woodland on the summits. At least 148 plant species have been recorded on Gros Piton, 97 on Petit Piton and the intervening ridge, among them eight rare tree species. The Gros Piton is home to some 27 bird species (five of them endemic), three indigenous rodents, one opossum, three bats, eight reptiles, and three amphibians.
The volcanic complex includes a geothermal field with sulphurous fumaroles and hot springs.
Gros Piton is at the southern end of Pitons Bay. It is the second highest peak on Saint Lucia, after Mount Gimie.
Gros Piton can be climbed without ropes or mountaineering experience. One can hike to the summit and come back down to the sea-level within a few hours. Local guides are available for hire (typically through the resorts) and are trained by the government to have basic knowledge of the languages common among tourists and of the medical procedures required in case of common accidents.
Petit Piton lies towards the middle of Soufrière Bay, south of Soufrière and north of Gros Piton
Petit Piton was first climbed in 1878 by Abdome Deligny. The islands of Dominica, Martinique, Bardados, and St. Vincent can be seen from its peak.
Saint Lucia's local brand of beer made by the Windward & Leeward Brewery is named after the Pitons.
Both mountains are an attraction for hikers although the Gros Piton peak is more popular since it is an easier climb and tours are offered by The Soufrière Foundation, a non-profit group that’s dedicated to help preserve the Pitons Management Area.
Like us and Join us at Xtreme Collections for more fun and knowledge.
SSMR pt 1 About the Reserve
A sunken lava dome plummeting to unknown depths offering exceptional wall dives and unique features such as underwater furmoroles (Champagne Reef) Home to 27 dive sites rated in top 10 dive destinations in the world and the deepest recorded sperm whale dive-9000ft, the SSMR is a haven for divers and snorkelers. Forming the only tied island in the Caribbean, the Scott's Head Peninsula separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Caribbean Sea.
marine protection
Description A new approach is being used to develop management plans for marine protected areas in five Eastern Caribbean islands. The participants of a workshop which was held in St. Lucia recently agreed to engage the general public and the stakeholders who earn a living off marine resources in drafting and implementing management plans for marine protected areas.
We have details in this report from Alex Bousquet
St. Lucia may lose heritage status
Saint Lucia may be at risk of losing the prestigious World Heritage Status bestowed on the Pitons in 2004.
The future of the Piton Management Area on the UNESO list of World Heritage Sites will be decided shortly at a meeting of the World Heritage Committee. This comes as the Saint Lucia National Trust raises eyebrows over what it says is another government approved development in the protected area.
2 St Lucia Pitons
The Pitons (Peaks in French) are located near the towns of Soufrière, Saint Lucia. Soufrière and Choiseul Quarter Choiseul on the southwestern coast of the island. They are in the electoral districts of three and ten. The Pitons are located on either side of the Jalousie Bay.
Coral reefs cover almost 60% of the site’s marine area. A survey has revealed 168 species of finfish, 60 species of cnidaria, including corals, eight molluscs, 14 sponges, 11 echinoderms, 15 arthropods and eight annelid worms. The dominant terrestrial vegetation is tropical moist forest grading to subtropical wet forest, with small areas of dry forest and wet elfin woodland on the summits. At least 148 plant species have been recorded on Gros Piton, 97 on Petit Piton and the intervening ridge, among them eight rare tree species. The Gros Piton is home to some 27 bird species (five of them endemic), three indigenous rodents, one opossum, three bats, eight reptiles, and three amphibians.
The volcanic complex includes a geothermal field with sulphurous fumaroles and hot springs.
Both mountains are an attraction for hikers although the Gros Piton peak is more popular since it is an easier climb and tours are offered by The Soufrière Foundation, a non-profit group that’s dedicated to help preserve the Pitons Management Area.
British ex-pat found dead at home on Caribbean island of St Lucia - murder probe launched.
British ex-pat found dead at home on Caribbean island of St Lucia - murder probe launched.
A MURDER investigation has been launched after a British man living on the Caribbean island of St Lucia was found dead at his home. The victim has been named by local news reports and friends as marina owner and manager Robert Hathaway. It is understood he was found by a neighbour at around midday on Sunday. A police spokesman in Gros Islet said investigators were awaiting the outcome of a post-mortem examination. He said: “The body of a British national was found where he lived in Grand Riviere, Gros Islet.
“We are treating his death as a homicide.”
He said the post-mortem was due to be carried out on Monday afternoon.
He said: “We will be getting in touch with his family in the UK.
“We don't yet know if he has any next of kin on St Lucia.”Keats Compton, president of the Marine Industries Association of Saint Lucia and a close friend of Mr Hathaway, said: “I heard the news late yesterday. It's really horrific.
“Apart from anything else, Bob was a pal of mine. He was on the executive committee of the (Marine Industries) Association and he was an integral part of it.
MARITIME AFFAIRS
The Soufriere Marine Management Association in conjunction with the Department of Fisheries, held a meeting with marine interests today to begin work on a comprehensive management plan for the island’s marine protected a areas. Alex Bosuquet reports
Hurricane Maria Emergency Relief Assistance to Dominica
In the wake of Category 5 Hurricane Maria, which devastated the Nature Island of Dominica during the night of Monday, September 19, 2017, the ‘German Foreign Federal Office’ (AA), through the German embassy in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, and in collaboration with the German Honorary Consul in Saint Lucia, made available EUR 20.000 for the CARPHA and GIZ-implemented 'Caribbean Aqua-Terrestrial Solutions' (CATS) program area in Dominica that is the ‘Soufriere-Scott’s Head Marine Reserve’ (SSMR). Three villages are located within this area that is the St. Marks Parish, namely Soufriere (approx. 1200 inhabitants), Scott’s Head (approx. 700 inhabitants), and Galion (approx. 100 inhabitants).
Three boatloads of bottled water, food items, pharmaceuticals, hardware, clothing etc. were procured in Saint Lucia and taken to the SSMR area in Dominica and the St. Marks Parish resp. by Karen-P, a sailing yacht that easily accommodated two 7.5 ton trucks of merchandise volume.
The second of the three boat trips to Dominica is the one depicted in this short film documentary. A few still images from the first trip have been incorporated.
The two CATS colleagues in Dominica, Camille David and Brendan Defoe, in collaboration with members of the Village Council and the Dominican police, had set up a well-functioning collection and distribution system.