The northern portion of the west coast is also quite diverse in it's array of habitats. Although true reefs are only present in the form of isolated patch reefs, healthy coral communities are found off the cliffs of Morne Espagnol and the western half of the Cabrits where they grow on extensive rocky habitats (boulder fields).

The band of seagrasses which can be followed from the Layou River almost seamlessly is interrupted near the Espagnol River. It continues on the southern end of Pointe Ronde although in a much sparser and patchier distribution. Throughout Prince Rupert's Bay. Seagrasses are patchy and include numerous areas with invasive species. Similarity, patch reefs in this area are for the most part dead.

The southern shore of the Cabrits harbors remnants of patch reefs that were probably mined during the construction of Fort Shirley. The patch reefs along the northern end of the Cabrits also show signs of sever physical destruction. Within the swampy area east of Cabrits, white mangroves can be found.

A fairly solid band of seagrasses starts on the southern end of Douglas Bay and continues all the way to Anse Bell. In that stretch coral assemblages on rocks in Douglas Bay (N), the patch reefs of Toucari Bay (s) and the coral assemblages on large consolidated rock formations near the Hermitage River can also be found.

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For each of the following areas /sites, colored dots (see key below map) mark the presence of specific habitats baring sessile epibenthic communities.

The areas/sites are: 1. Pointe Crabier to Bioche; 2. Bioche to Espagnol River; 3. Espagnol River to Ti Bai; 4. Ti Bai to Lamoins River; 5. Lamoins River to Indian River; 6. Indian River to Swamp Ravine (work in progress); 7. the Cabrits or Swamp Ravine to Bell Hall River; 8. Bell Hall River to Manicu River (Tanetane); 9. Manicu River to Toucari Bay (N); 10. Toucari Bay to Anse Bell; 11. Anse Bell to Capucin.