Etang des Salines

Etang des Salines

Country:
France (outre-mer)
Site number:
1830
Area:
207.0 ha
Designation date:
15-09-2008
Coordinates:
14°24'20"N 60°52'31"W
  • Étang des Salines
  • Étang des Salines
  • Étang des Salines

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.


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
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