The Scootās Head marine reserve
Listed marine nature reserve, the area of the Soufriere/Scottās Head has a unique underwater topography.
The landscapes are very hilly, with canyons, steep drop offs, underwater fumaroles, manned and colorful coral reefs, cliffs plunging into the depths. We meet tropical fish, seahorses barracudas, moray eels, black coral, sponges topped craters crinoids, beautiful tubular sponges, coral reefs.
A marine reserve has been set up at Scottās Head in 1998. The offices are located in the small village of Soufriere. A collective local authority comprising coast guards, local councillors, associations and a local fishing committee manages the reserve. A levy is collected from the users either by guards or tourism operators. The reserve is divided in four distinct geographic zones and a specific purpose is assigned to each of them: fish nursery, leisure area, fishing zone and diving zone.
We recommend you to contact the Dominica Watersports Association (DWA) to advise you on the best local operators.
Setting up of mooring spots at the dive sites
It is to be noted that the DWA works towards ensuring that its members comply with elementary safety rules such as the presence of a skipper aboard the boats during the dives, the guarantee of providing transport and dive outings with a boat and supervisory staff with a professional insurance cover.
The association is, amongst others, proud of its involvement in the setting up of mooring spots at the dive sites to prevent the degradation of the seabed.
It is also to be noted that the association is involved in sensitising local populations, mainly the younger generation, to the biodiversity of the seabed by organising snorkelling outings, introduction to diving sessions and glass-bottom boat trips.
The DWA is also trying to convince all the nautical and maritime operators to work together so that the interests of all are met. The small-scale fishermen residing along the bay and the operators who take tourists to the discovery of the place seem to get along well together. You can have a friendly interaction with the locals and can eat on the spot or buy local fishing produce.
