The South Coast Marine Managed Area (SCMMA) is located along the south coast of mainland St. Vincent. Initially designated in 1987 as a Marine Conservation Area, the South coast Marine Conservation Area (SCMCA) was one of ten specially protected marine conservation areas in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. In 2014, the National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority (NPRBA) has earmarked the SCMCA for delineation and designation as South Coast Marine Manged Area (SCMMA). In 2015, the declaration as an MMA or Marine Park made it the second in the country – the other being the Tobago Cays Marine Park (TCMP) in the Grenadines.
The area of the South Coast Marine Managed Area (SCMMA) includes:
- The most widely used recreational beaches in St. Vincent - Indian Bay Beach and Villa Beach;
- A system of coral reefs and sea grass beds;
- A high density residential population;
- A high density of hotels: One-third of visitor accommodation in St. Vincent is located within the SCMMA;
- An important fish landing site: Calliaqua fishing centre is reported as being the second most productive landing facility in St. Vincent;
- Historical and cultural sites;
- Yachting and boating centres; and
- Restaurants and entertainment centres.
In addition to supporting the general consolidation of managerial and operations capacities with the Saint Vincent National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority (NPBRA, designated management entity of SCMMA), the CATS Programme assists the SCMMA with the following:
- Development of the SCMMA Management Plan and Operations Plan
- Development and Implementation of the SCMMA Communication Strategy
- Procurement 4x4 Vehicle
- Procurement of Rubber Dingy & Outboard Motor
- Procurement of Dive Gear
- Support to the SVG Lionfish Derby 2014
- Support to the SCMMA Intermediate Management Entity
- Review and Strategic Action Planning for Changes and Amendments of the National Legal and Organisational Framework for Sustainable Management of Marine Reserves in saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Development of SCMMA Operational Structuring and Financing
- Environmental Assessment, Review and Consolidation of SCMMA Zoning
- Support to a local SCMMA Project on Land-based Sources of Pollution
- SCMMA Junior Ranger Programme
- SCMMA Community Outreach Activities
- SCMMA Focus Group Information Events
- SCMMA Media Productions: (e.g. Radio/TV)
- Wide Range of Capacity Buildings and Trainings related to SCMMA Management and Operations