Coral Reefs and the SMMA and ecosystems

Soufriere Marine Management Association is an NGO committed to tackling the problem of coral reef damage in St. Lucia.

There are global and local threats to coral reefs around the world:

Global:

1. Ocean acidification is rising due to more pollution and sewage being dumped.
2. Rising water temperatures due to global warming.
3. More lion fish tear apart the coral looking for food.

This results in the bleaching of coral. A prolonged bleaching kills colonies.

Local:

1. Sewage dumped from hotels.
2. Boats dropping their anchors onto coral.
3. Mining and farming of coral. [common in poorer countries].
4. Overharvesting and overfishing of coral for tourism.

The SMMA have chosen to divide the area around St. Lucia into designated areas to combat the damage done to coral reefs from overfishing, destruction by dropped anchors etc.

There are five designated areas:

1. Marine reserves
2. Fishing priority areas.
3. Multiple use areas
4. Yacht mooring areas
5. Recreational Areas

By doing this, they are protecting the coral reefs all while allowing the continuation of economic activities such as fishing.

Coastal ecosystems:

1. Mangroves
2. Salt marsh
3. Sand dunes

Mangroves can vary from shrubs to 60ft trees. They are situated along rivers throughout the coast. They are flooded regularly and have adapted to the changing climate. They can survive choking mud as well as changing water conditions. However, they are thought of as unproductive and smelly hence they are continuously being cleared out and cut down to make room for agricultural land and human settlements. Pollution and toxic waste from industries and perhaps hotels across the coastline damage the mangroves and inhibit their growth.

2. Salt marsh are usually situated behind spits/ tombolos. Anywhere where there is shelter from open sea. Their location is also largely influenced by the climate and weather. Storms and rough seas may disrupt the sand bars/ spits or tombolos and possibly destroy the salt marshes. Overgrazing, tidal flooding and coastal erosion are huge threats to salt marshes.

3. Sand dunes are formed by wind blowing over sand on the shore inland. Sand accumulates where there is vegetation such as marram grass. The prevailing wind has to be onshore. Sand dunes are most threatened by people trampling on them and destroying the vegetation that holds them in place. In places like Studland Bay, flexible boards have been placed on top of the sand dunes to deter people from directly trampling on them.