The southern region of the west coast is the most populated and in parts possibly the most altered by humans. Alterations include restricting the Roseau River to a single outflow in the 18th century and more recently the construction of various sae-defense walls protecting coastal roads. Population centers are in close proximity of the narrow shelf and its marine resources.

South of Roseau the young volcanic peaks shape the underwater world by being the source of the rocky outcrops and sublittoral environments on which epibenthic organism can settle. Reef coral assemblages and a few patch reefs line the stable substrates. Extreme topographic scenarios include vertical walls of which only the upper portions are settled by light dependent organisms. The invasive coral Tubastraea coccinea has so far been identified at two locations within area 2 (see below). Where rivers deposit sediments (e.g. Pt. Michel) seagrassses (Syringodium) are well established. Mixed stands of Thalassia and Syringodium were present at Cachacrou prior to Hurricane Dean (Aug 2007). In November 2007 only a few patches of Halophila and individual shoots of Syringodium were at this location.

North of Roseau the shelf widens slightly and broadens the spectrum of habitat types. In Fond Cole a variety of coral habitats are established on consolidated and unconsolidated rocks. This area also includes some of the oldest corals of Dominica estimated to be over 500 years old. Seagrasses are well developed all the way to Layou. To date, the Canefield cliffs are the southernmost distribution point identified for the invasive Halophila stipulaceae.

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

The area/sites are: 1. Scott's Head to Soufriere; 2. Soufriere to Champagne; 3. Champagne to Pointe Michel (cemetery); 4. Pointe Michel to Newtown (S) (work in progress); 5. Newtown (S) to Roseau (River)(work in progress); 6. Roseau to Fond Cole (work in progress); 7 Fond Cole to Canefield (River); 8. Canefield to Les Pointes (N); 9. Les Pointes to Tarou Point (Rodney's Rock); 10. Tarou Point to Layou River.