Approximately two months after Hurricane Maria, the journey towards recovery and cleaning of Dominica dive sites continues. Despite the destruction caused by the hurricane there is encouraging news from the Dominica Watersports Association.
Not only are some dive operators set to reopen in January 2018, but the deeper corals and reefs below 45 feet all appeared to be intact and in decent shape. However, most of the shallow reefs above 45 feet suffered damaged, mainly to the sponges and softer corals and would therefore need some TLC. Dominica currently welcomes Voluntourism to assist in the recovery of dive sites that would include, manual removal of sediment which will help speed up the recovery and might save some corals. Other work includes installing and replacing moorings and possible removal of logs.
CONDITION OF DIVE SITES POST HURRICANE MARIA – SEPTEMBER 2017
| Dive Sites | Status | Work To Be Done |
| Champagne Wreck
|
90%, good to dive | None |
| Champagne | 90%, good to dive | Install extra mooring |
| Witches Point | 90%, good to dive
|
Need buoy and new rope/chain |
| Coral Gardens | 80% , good to dive
|
Install mooring |
| Danglebens Pinnacles
|
80%, good to dive | Mooring needs new rope/chain and life buoy |
| Danglebens North
|
80% , good to dive | Install mooring, removal of logs |
| Champagne South
|
70%, good to dive | None |
| Swiss Cheese
|
70%, good to dive | Install mooring and buoy |
| Scott’s Head Point
|
50%, possible to dive | Install mooring, replace rope for chain |
| Scott’s Head Drop-off
|
50%, possible to dive | Relocate mooring, replace rope and buoy |
| Soufriere Pinnacles
|
50%, not recommend to dive | Install mooring |
| North Coast (Cabrits, Toucari & Douglas Bay) | Reefs below 45 feet intact, Reefs above 45 feet damaged
|
General cleanup of dive site |
| West Coast | Reefs below 45 feet intact, Reefs below 45 feet damaged | General cleanup of dive site |
NOT ABLE TO BOOK JUST YET? However, feel free to reach out and to find out about any Dive Voluntourism Package, to help get the affected areas back on its feet after hurricane Maria. www.toucaribay.com/voluntourism/
Discover Dominica Authority will continue to liaise with local operators for updates on reef conditions and assessments of the underwater environment in collaboration with the Dominica Watersports Association. http://www.dominicawatersports.com
