Dominica

Dominica Dominica has a very narrow coastal shelf, and reef development is limited. At a few locations on the south, west, and northwest coasts, coral veneers on rock are well developed, often on steep slopes and walls, and are highly regarded providing spectacular dive sites. [1] The Reefs at Risk analysis rates all of the approximate 70 sq km of coral reef around Dominica as threatened by human activities. Overfishing, coastal development, and sediment and pollution from land-based sources were identified as threatening almost all reefs. Marine-based pollution was estimated as a threat to about 15 percent of Dominica’s reefs. No hurricanes have struck the island since Hurricane David in 1979. However, Hurricane Luis in 1995 caused heavy sedimentation and wave destruction of reef-building coral (Porites sp.) along the southwest coast. [2] MPAs containing coral reefs include the Soufriere/Scott’s Head Marine Reserve on the southwest coast and Cabrits National Park. The Soufriere/Scotts Head Marine Reserve is managed by the Local Area Management Authority. [3] [1] A.F. Smith, C.S. Rogers, and C. Bouchon. 1999. “Status of Western Atlantic Coral Reefs in the Lesser Antilles.” Proceedings of the 8th International Coral Reef Symposium, pp 351-356 [2] A. Smith et al., “Status of coral reefs in the Lesser Antilles, Western Atlantic,” in Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 1998. C. Wilkinson, ed. (Townsville: Australian Institute of Marine Science, 1998), p. 141 [3] A.H. Smith et al., “Status of coral reefs in the eastern Caribbean: The OECS, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, The Netherlands Antilles and the French Caribbean,” in Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2000. C. Wilkinson, ed. (Townsville: Australian Institute of Marine Science, 2000), p. 324