Étang des Salines, Protected wetland near Sainte-Anne, Martinique
Étang des Salines is a protected wetland situated at Martinique's southern coast spanning approximately 207 hectares. It brings together mangrove forests, dry woodlands, and grasslands that extend toward the Atlantic shore.
The site was used for salt harvesting from colonial times until operations ended in 1965. Its designation as a protected area came later to preserve the landscape shaped by this former economic activity.
The name comes from its past use for salt gathering, and today visitors find wooden pathways and informational signs throughout the grounds. These routes guide people through different habitats and reveal the layered ecology of the mangrove environment.
Local rangers from Sainte-Anne municipality maintain observation platforms where visitors can watch birds and wildlife. Morning hours offer the best conditions for spotting animals when activity levels are highest.
The wetland serves as a critical stopover for migratory birds traveling from North America before they cross the waters between the islands. Dozens of species pause here to rest before undertaking their long oceanic journey.
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