L'ÉTANG DES SALINES: A NATURE FULL OF SURPRISES
If you are on holiday in Martinique, you probably know it: the beach of Les Salines - and in particular its Grande Anse - located in Sainte-Anne, at the extreme south of the island, is one of the most popular sites for tourists and the native population. Moreover, it is currently undergoing a natural phenomenon of erosion which raises many questions.
In any case, if you linger in the area, we strongly invite you to stroll by the Etang des Salines. Internationally recognised, protected since 2005 and managed by the Commune of Sainte-Anne, this site is the property of the Conservatoire du Littoral, a public establishment that works to democratise this exceptional natural site. In this respect, several facilities facilitate the discovery of the site. Accessible from the entrance to the beach, on the left, the Etang des Salines will amaze you with the gentle magic that reigns there. Guided tour in pictures.
Our guide's name is Sylviana. She is one of the two commissioned and sworn Coast Guards, in charge of monitoring the territory of the ecological watch, informing the public, informing about all forms of pollution. These two guards are also responsible for compliance with the regulations in force on the perimeter. Sylviana is accompanied here by her collaborator Michel.
All right, let's go! The Etang des Salines spreads over a surface area of 97 hectares, which can go up to 104 hectares in periods of rising tide and strong swells. Its water is both salty and fresh,
comes from the Caribbean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, rainwater and runoff. It is at the origin of a mangrove-type vegetation.
We then understand the abundance of mangroves. Exceptional thing, where traditionally the four species of this tree are distributed in different points of a mangrove, here, they are all (black, red, gray and white) grouped on a small space. They differ from each other by the shape of their roots, but also by their leaves and fruits.
The aerial roots of the mangroves rise up out of the water, as if to greet us. These are pneumatophores.
By taking the specially designed decking to accompany the visitor to the heart of the pond, one arrives at the Observatory, a small ajoupa from where the fauna and flora can be discreetly observed.
Benches, pedagogical panels facilitate the knowledge of the environment and its components.
Here! Looks like a "Cirique" crab! Shh! Shh!
Let's leave it and continue our visit!
That's when you catch a lovely snowy egret. Present throughout America, this bird is recognizable by its black and yellow beak and yellow fingers.
No doubt she came to feed and to locate the space where she will make her nest to lay her eggs ...
Sometimes called "Cémafot" crabs because of their hypertrophied claws that they deploy in back and forth movements, by way of intimidation, sometimes called "fiddler" crabs because of the little whistle that they emit during their sexual parade when they approach their females, these little beasts seduce us more than they intimidate us.
Throughout the circuit, educational signs and games continue to inform us and test our knowledge and understanding of this exceptional ecosystem. With its crabs and shrimps - respectively 10 and 5 distinct species, its fish - 38 species recorded -, its seabirds and coastal birds - more than 80 -, the Etang des Salines cheerfully displays its richness and diversity.
But let's start at the beginning. This is Jocelyne. At the entrance to the beach of Les Salines, in the reception area, if you see her, you can greet her warmly and ask her to point you in the right direction to reach this magnificent place called the Etang des Salines.
A view from the north side of the pond.
He's a raptor: the Osprey. To go out and be admired, it seems he has his hours! So we would be privileged to arrive at the right time to capture his flight. Majestic!
In short... All this is only a glimpse of the delicious surprises that will be offered to you when you discover this site... You can judge for yourself. Just go there; the entrance is free and open to all.
But let's start at the beginning. This is Jocelyne. At the entrance to the beach of Les Salines, in the reception area, if you see her, you can greet her warmly and ask her to point you in the right direction to reach this magnificent place called the Etang des Salines.
And if you want to know more, or, better yet, for a guided tour, the Association Reflet D’culturewill know how to be your referent.
You will then remember to bring suitable shoes and clothing, hats and water. Visits by canoe, therefore on the water, are also possible, offering an even richer and more complete vision of the Etang des Salines. Then let yourself be carried away. Nature will do the rest...
CONTACT
Route des épices : tel 0696 45 75 18
Sylviana Stephen-Fortuné / Paul Aulien
Reflet D’culture
Tél. : / 0696 289 194
Email : sylviana.stephen-fortune@hotmail.fr
Thanks to Sylviana and Michel for their reactivity, their availability and their smile.