Etang des Salines

Étang des Salines
Étang des Salines
Étang des Salines

Etang des Salines

  • Country: 
    France (outre-mer)
  • Site number: 
    1830
  • Area: 
    207 ha
  • Designation date: 
    15-09-2008
  • Coordinates: 
    14°24'N 60°52'W
Materials presented on this website, particularly maps and territorial information, are as-is and as-available based on available data and do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

Overview

This coastal lagoon is in the south of Martinique in the Lesser Antilles archipelago, at the limit of the Saint Lucia Channel. The waters entering the lagoon from the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea create particular ecological characteristics which favour diversified and rich aquatic populations. The Site is the last stop for many birds coming from North America before crossing the Saint Lucia Channel. Mangroves provide feeding ground for many invertebrates and other marine species, including the endangered American eel (Anguilla rostrata) and the vulnerable Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus). The area used to be important for local livelihoods thanks to its salt production and exploitation between the 18th and 20th centuries, which gave the lagoon its name. Beyond several threats related to run-off of pesticide and other pollutants, tourism-related developments are becoming a problem as the Site includes one of the most popular beaches in Martinique. A restoration plan is being prepared as of 2023.

Administrative region: 
Archipelago of petit Antilles

  • National legal designation: 
    • Classement - Presqu'île de Sainte Anne
    • Conservatoire du Littoral
  • Regional (international) legal designations: 
    • Other international designation
  • Last publication date: 
    13-07-2023

Downloads

Ramsar Information Sheet (RIS)

Additional reports and documents