SSMR
What is the SSMR?
The Soufriere Scott’s Head Marine Reserve (SSMR) is located on the
southern tip of the island. It encompasses the villages of Scott’s Head and
Soufriere
up to Anse Bateau, near the village of Point Michel. It is one of the most
picturesque bays on the island, both below and above the water. The
region is
dominated by the Scott’s Head or Cashacrou Peninsula; separating the
calmer
Caribbean Sea from the wilder Atlantic Ocean. During the islands turbulent
past the
headland was home to battalion of Scots Guards, who used to fire warning
cannon
and signal fires when fleets from Martinique approached.
There is still an old gun emplacement there with a commanding view across
the bay
to Roseau, and across the channel to Martinique.
The bay is an extinct volcanic crater plummeting to undetermined depths as
a lava
chute; there are many Carib myths and legends associated with the region
adding to
its mystery. Dive sites such as Craters Edge, Scott's Head Pinnacles, L’
Abym,
Danglebens, and Champagne have helped consistently placed Dominica in
the top
10 diving destinations worldwide.
Why was it established?
The SSMR was established under the fisheries act#11 of 1987, and the
Statutory
Rules and Orders (SRO) #18 of 1998. Due to increasing demand placed
upon a
limited resource by various users a protection and management had to be
implemented, the Reserve was ratified for the following reasons:
. To Reduce user Conflicts
. To preserve the traditional fishing practices
. To ensure conservation of the resource for all users
How is it managed?
A local Area Management Authority (LAMA) established under SRO#17 of
1998.
This Legal authority is made up of various stakeholders relating to the
enterprise
namely; Fishermen, Village councilors the hospitality industry, The Dominica
Wtersports Association, The Dominica Coast Guard and the Fisheries
Division.
LAMA is charged with managing the affairs of the SSMR in keeping with its
rules
and regulations. Wardens are empowered by law to collect user fees,
maintain the
moorings, monitor the reefs and maintain the infrastructure.
What happens to the User Fee?
All persons entering the SSMR are required to pay a nominal fee, either to
the
Wardens, directly to the manager at the office, or through an approved Dive
operation. The user fee goes straight back into maintaining the SSMR and
its
resources.
Zones?
Within the SSMR there are four zones. Each set aside for its own particular
activity.
1. Fish nursery area: this area at Soufriere was determined to be
valuable
spawning ground for many pelagic and reef fish; there is no fishing allowed
in this
region.
2. Recreation area: this section located at the beach called Tous sable”
is set-
aside as a recreational area for swimming and snorkeling from shore.
3. Fishing priority area: This part of the SSMR is set aside for the local
fishery,
there are strict guidelines governing this region.
4. Scuba Diving: There are several areas set aside for scuba diving
activities; all
demarcated by a mooring buoy placed there for approved dive boats only.
Do’ & Don’ts
Do
Enjoy the spectacular beauty of the bay, above and below the water.
Please dispose of any garbage you generate, or any you find. There are
receptacles
in the villages of Pointe Michel, Soufriere and Scott's Head for your trash or
that
which you may collect.
Use an approved Dominica Water Sports Operator to conduct your aquatic
adventures safely by boat.
Return to Dominica to continue exploring the under water treasures the
island has
to offer.
Do Not
Jet ski in the Marine Reserve, stand on or break the corals, many of which
grow at
fantastically slow rates.
Do not dispose of or dump any litter, soil, debris or pollutants into the Marine
environment.
Moor or anchor in the reserve without express permission
Take samples of any fish, sponge coral or marine organism.
Use a spear gun for the purposed of fishing, Scuba Dive independently
without
special permission from the Chief Fisheries officer.
What else should you know?
Yacht/Boat users should be advised that the Customs & Excise division
issues a
coast wide permit, which allows anchorage in certain areas around Dominica’
s
Coast. The SSMR is totally off limits to this, and only certain activities are
permitted within the area.