Seagrass beds in Martinique cover approximately 4,974 hectares and consist mainly of turtle grass and manatee grass. They serve as nurseries for many species by providing food, oxygen, and shelter. However, seagrasses face risks of disappearance due to natural disturbances, human pollution, poaching, and boat anchoring. Efforts are being made to protect seagrasses through sea policing, responsible boating practices, and reducing marine waste.

2. Seagrass are flowering plants that grow
entirely underwater.
Its roots ( or rhizome ) are anchored in the
sand.
We can find them in salty water and fresh
water.

3. *
*In Martinique, seagrasses cover approximately
4.974 ha (about 11% of coasts)
*The coast of south half of the island, between
“Anse d’ Arlet” and the bay of Robert,
represents the biggest areas of seagrasses.

4. Seagrass in the bay of Mulet- Vauclin

5. *The seagrases of the island essentially consist of
Thalassia testudinum (turtle grass) and of
threadlike Syringodium (manatee grass)
Turtle grass
Manatee grass

6.  seagrass hosts a lot of species like: fish, Queen conch ,
Edible Urchin, long-spined Urchin, three-rowed- sea
cucumber , sea cat…
It products oxygen , some food to the species
Species can reproduce , feed , live in herbarium : it’s a
nursery

7. *
Queen Conch
Edible urchin
Three –rowed
sea- cucumber
Long-spined
Urchin

8. Cushion Star
Peacock Flounder
Hawksbill Turtle
Sea Cat
Spottle Eagle Ray

9. *Disturbance factors
Risk of disparition because of :
Natural disturbances
 human pollution
Poaching
Anchorage

10. Track poachers by Sea police men
Learn how to anchored boats
Reduce human waste in the sea

11. Sortie pédagogique au Vauclin
Anse des Mulets – Avril 2014