Abstract

The Soufriere Marine Management Area (SMMA) and Pitons Management Area (PMA) are a Marine Management Area (MMA) and Environmental Protection Area (EPA), respectively, both situated on the southwest coast of St. Lucia. The SMMA was legally declared in 1995 and is approximately 11km long, extending to a depth of 75m. It is dominated by nearshore coral reef plateaus that rapidly drop off to deep depths. The PMA was awarded World Heritage Status in 2004. It extends over 29.09 km2 and includes the Pitons, the town of Soufriere, nearby coral reefs, sulphur springs and drive-in volcano. The marine zone of the PMA overlaps part of the SMMA. The town of Soufriere, adjacent to both the SMMA and PMA, is considered to be the tourism capital of St. Lucia. As such there is potential for development of the area as tourism has grown significantly over the past 10 years. With a number of physical developments by residents and others currently being planned, both the SMMA and PMA are threatened by coastal development. Therefore through a sub-grant from the CERMES-implemented, Socio-economic Monitoring by Caribbean Challenge MPA Managers project (CC SocMon), the SMMA and PMA conducted a socio-economic assessment to determine perceived threats of planned development within the areas; determine the level and extent of use of the areas by residents and other users and to identify potential management solutions to address impacts identified. The data will be used to inform strategies to mitigate socio-economic impacts of such development within the SMMA and PMA.

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