Martinique Island Research Articles

New Orleans Coffee in The Awakening: The Legacy of Rose Nicaud

New Orleans Coffee in <i>The Awakening</i>: The Legacy of Rose Nicaud

K-Ar Geochronology and geochemistry of underwater lava samples from the Subsaintes cruise offshore Les Saintes (Guadeloupe): Insights for the Lesser Antilles arc magmatism

Dating of submarine volcanic systems is key to understand the history of tectonic and volcanic interactions within the Lesser Antilles volcanic arc. In this study, we investigate the radioisotopic dating of submarine volcanic systems located between Les Saintes (Guadeloupe) and Dominica islands in an intra-arc graben bounded to the west by the active Roseau fault. Submarine lava flows and domes have been sampled with the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Victor6000 controlled onboard the Ifremer's N/O L'Atalante during the 2017 Subsaintes cruise. We sampled distinct volcanic edifices or sets of edifices in the area, in the previously identified Agoucha and Roseau volcanic complexes, and the Coche and Crawen seamounts, in addition to the basement exposed along the Roseau fault scarp. Pre-degassing of these samples before K-Ar dating has been mandatory to strongly limit their atmospheric argon contamination. Based on twelve new K-Ar ages, we find that the earliest volcanism in the area corresponds to the Agoucha volcanic complex with coeval ages of 4.23 ± 0.06 and 4.17 ± 0.06 Ma. These are also the oldest ages obtained for the recent Lesser Antilles arc to the north of Martinique Island. A lava flow sampled along the Roseau fault scarp yielded an age of 4.12 ± 0.06 Ma, further attesting that early phase of submarine volcanism occurred in the area about 1 Ma earlier than the emergence of Les Saintes Islands, which has been dated onland at ~3 Ma. The Roseau volcanic complex was constructed during a relatively long duration of at least 600 kyr, between 3.13 ± 0.05 and 2.52 ± 0.04 Ma, while a much shorter duration is observed for the smaller Coche and Crawen volcanoes, with ages at about 2.2 and 2.0 Ma, respectively. Together with ages of subaerial lavas from Terre-de-Haut in Les Saintes archipelago, these ages suggest that an intense volcanic activity occurred between 3 and 2 Ma in this part of the recent Lesser Antilles arc. The much younger age of 0.274 ± 0.009 Ma obtained here to the north of Colibri volcano, might be related with the northward magmatism of Dominica Island which displays similar timing and geochemistry. Overall, trace elements data show that Crawen, Coche, Agoucha, and, to a lesser extent, Roseau lavas have strong similarities with Basse-Terre, while pyroclastic units, Colibri and some Roseau lavas, are similar to those from Dominica and Les Saintes islands. Finally, this study shows that dating the submarine volcanic activity, which remains mostly unknown and undated, is a key component to understand the formation of volcanic arcs such as the Lesser Antilles arc.

Arsenic in Caribbean bivalves in the context of Sargassum beachings: A new risk for seafood consumers.

Sargassum strandings in the coastal environment can introduce arsenic into food webs. In this context, we assessed the risk of exposure to arsenic for consumers of Caribbean bivalves. In 2019, specimens of Asaphis deflorata and Phacoides pectinatus were collected in an Atlantic coastal zone of Martinique (island) to monitor the presence of arsenic species by LC-ICP-MS. The total arsenic (tAs) concentrations were, on average, 34.4 ± 3.8 and 76.9 ± 22.3µg.g-1 dry weight for P. pectinatus and A. deflorata, respectively. Seven compounds of arsenic were detected in bivalve soft bodies. In P. pectinatus, monomethylarsonic acid was present at a relatively significant concentration (≈ 29.6%). These results were coupled with survey data collected in 2013 and again in 2019, from the main consumers of bivalves. The tAs intake was up to 6mg.day-1 for a 240g (wet weight) meal of bivalves. In addition, we proposed toxicological reference doses also based on detected toxic forms of arsenic and tested their relevance. We concluded that monitoring of total arsenic would be sufficient to ensure the protection of bivalve consumers. Consumption patterns expose consumers to a potential health risk. However, due to a decrease in consumption frequency associated with the depletion of bivalve resources by decomposing Sargassum mats, arsenic exposure has decreased. In the French Caribbean, this is the first study on the risk of human arsenic contamination from the ingestion of bivalves. This study is a contribution to the monitoring of arsenic in the Caribbean coastal environment.

Temporal variations in the level of chlordecone in seawater and marine organisms in Martinique Island (Lesser Antilles).

The present study, conducted in the Galion Bay in Martinique, aims to highlight the temporal and seasonal variations of chlordecone contamination (an organochlorine pollutant) in the ambient environment (seawater) and also in the marine organisms in three main coastal marine habitats (mangroves, seagrass beds and coral reefs). To this end, two methodologies were used to measure and compare the chemical contamination of seawater during 13months (spot samplings and POCIS technique). In parallel, concentrations of chlordecone and isotopic ratios (C and N) were carried out on marine organisms, collected during two contrasting climatic periods (dry and rainy), to evidence seasonal variations. The results showed that the contamination of seawater displayed significant variations over time and depended on environmental factors such as water flows, which imply dilution and dispersion phenomena. Concerning the marine organisms, the level of contamination varied considerably between the two seasons in seagrass beds with higher levels of contamination during the rainy season. Reef organisms were more moderately affected by this pollution, while mangrove organisms showed a high level of chlordecone whatever the season. Finally, isotope analyses highlighted that bioamplification along marine food webs occurs at each season and each station.

Repellency of volatiles from Martinique island guava varieties against Asian citrus psyllids

Repellency of volatiles from Martinique island guava varieties against Asian citrus psyllids

Risk of preeclampsia among women living in coastal areas impacted by sargassum strandings on the French Caribbean island of Martinique

ObjectiveTo investigate preeclampsia risk of pregnant women living in coastal areas regularly impacted by massive sargassum strandings. DesignRetrospective cohort study Settings and populationPregnant women (n = 3020), seen at the University Hospital of Martinique, were included between 25/01/2016 and 31/07/2020. MethodsPatient records were retrospectively reviewed. Distance from coastline sargassum stranding sites was characterized as follows: < 500 m, 500 m-2 km, > 2 km. Main outcome measuresPrimary endpoint was occurrence of preeclampsia. Secondary endpoint was time to preeclampsia defined as the number of weeks free of preeclampsia between the 20th and 37th week of amenorrhea. ResultsTime to preeclampsia onset was significantly shorter in women living in the ≤ 2 km range (mean survival time 32 ± 1 amenorrhea weeks) compared to those beyond 2 km (mean survival time 35 ± 1 amenorrhea weeks, p = 0.037). ConclusionAlong with traditional risk factors, environmental exposure to sargassum strandings might potentially trigger early onset of preeclampsia.

Fibropapillomatosis Prevalence and Distribution in Immature Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) in Martinique Island (Lesser Antilles).

Fibropapillomatosis (FP) threatens the survival of green turtle (Chelonia mydas) populations at a global scale, and human activities are regularly pointed as causes of high FP prevalence. However, the association of ecological factors with the disease's severity in complex coastal systems has not been well established and requires further studies. Based on a set of 405 individuals caught over ten years, this preliminary study provides the first insight of FP in Martinique Island, which is a critical development area for immature green turtles. Our main results are: (i) 12.8% of the individuals were affected by FP, (ii) FP has different prevalence and temporal evolution between very close sites, (iii) green turtles are more frequently affected on the upper body part such as eyes (41.4%), fore flippers (21.9%), and the neck (9.4%), and (iv) high densities of individuals are observed on restricted areas. We hypothesise that turtle's aggregation enhances horizontal transmission of the disease. FP could represent a risk for immature green turtles' survival in the French West Indies, a critical development area, which replenishes the entire Atlantic population. Continuing scientific monitoring is required to identify which factors are implicated in this panzootic disease and ensure the conservation of the green turtle at an international scale.

Statistical analysis of teleconsultations in the context of the COVID-19 epidemic

We consider the spatial and temporal distribution of teleconsultations associated with the COVID-19 epidemic in Martinique, French West Indies from March to May 2020. Statistical tools for the detection of high-frequency areas are presented. The mathematical modeling underlying the so-called scanning methods are discussed taking into account the influence of covariates on teleconsultation occurrences and their evolution over time. Some tools available in the R programming environment and the SaTScan software are presented. The spatio-temporal statistical analysis of COVID-19 teleconsultations is performed. Areas for which the frequencies of people using teleconsultations are significantly higher than elsewhere are presented and these results are discussed with respect to covariates providing relevant information on specific characteristics of Martinique island.

Memorializing Masculinity?

The Black Lives Matter movement has delivered a timely reminder of the colonial narratives underpinning commemorative statuary in the public sphere. Crucial to this renewed scrutiny of public memorialization is a consideration of the intersection of political and historical narratives with systems of oppression such as gender and race. This essay explores the gendering of colonial and anticolonial commemorative statuary on display in the French Caribbean islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe. As overseas departments of France, these islands remain politically, administratively and economically tied to their former colonizer. The essay traces the evolution in Antillean memorialization from the glorification of the white male colonizer or abolitionist to the celebration of slave resistance through the figure of the maroon. It examines a range of public artworks dating from 1904 to 2002, questioning the extent to which these memorials, whether commemorating colonial history, abolitionist rhetoric or anticolonial resistance, uphold “great men of history” narratives. The essay explores the subversion of classical representations of colonial and abolitionist figures through the vandalism and destruction of a number of statues of abolitionist Victor Schoelcher. It examines the masculine iconography of resistance, often premised on the radical appropriation of classicist forms to celebrate male resistors, while women and their roles in anticolonial struggle are commonly obscured or depicted in ways which uphold dominant racial narratives and gender stereotypes. Finally, the essay explores the subversive anticolonial forms employed in several recent installations, which move beyond mimetic depictions of the male body to showcase elements usually excluded from representation, including the grotesque, disfigured or wounded body, or to eschew portrayals of the (gendered and racialized) body altogether. These works point to more inclusive ways of portraying not only resistance to colonialism, but also the suffering and the collective humanity of enslaved peoples.

Insights on the residency status and inter-island movement patterns of pantropical spotted dolphins Stenella attenuata in the Agoa Sanctuary, Eastern Caribbean

The pantropical spotted dolphin (PSD, Stenella attenuata) is the most common cetacean species observed within the Agoa Sanctuary, located in the Lesser Antilles, Eastern Caribbean. These dolphins are easily observable and are the main target of whale-watching activities along the leeward coasts of Guadeloupe and Martinique islands. Because PSD is common within the sanctuary it is considered a resident species, however, no research has been carried out to estimate its population status and movement patterns between islands. Previous unpublished work found the sighting of an individual in Martinique and Guadeloupe, suggesting potential exchange of individuals between these islands. To test this hypothesis a photo-ID survey in 2018 and 2019 was conducted, resulting in 54,298 photographs. With no matches of individuals between islands, our findings do not support regular exchange of PSD individuals between Martinique and Guadeloupe. However, given previous re-sighting data, it is possible that movement of individuals between islands exists but at lower frequencies than expected, which can only be detected through long-term surveys. Additionally, populations from both islands showed relatively high site fidelity. We found that in Guadeloupe the PSD population is homogeneously distributed along the coast. In contrast, in Martinique the PSD population was composed of two resident groups concentrated in one area. Moreover, 70 new individuals were identified in Guadeloupe and 54 in Martinique while POPAN modelling estimated the number of marked individuals in the study area during 2018 and 2019 at 89 in Guadeloupe and 90 in Martinique. This research provides the first insights on the residency and movement patterns of S. attenuata in the Agoa Sanctuary and can inform future efforts in management and conservation.

A Crustal Control on the Fe Isotope Systematics of Volcanic Arcs Revealed in Plutonic Xenoliths From the Lesser Antilles

Lavas produced at subduction zones represent the integration of both source heterogeneity and an array of crustal processes, such as: differentiation; mixing; homogenisation; assimilation. Therefore, unravelling the relative contribution of the sub-arc mantle source versus these crustal processes is difficult when using the amalgamated end products in isolation. In contrast, plutonic xenoliths provide a complementary record of the deeper roots of the magmatic plumbing system and provide a unique record of the true chemical diversity of arc crust. Here, we present the δ56Fe record from well characterised plutonic xenoliths from two distinct volcanic centres in the Lesser Antilles volcanic arc–the islands of Martinique and Statia. The primary objective of this study is to test if the Fe isotope systematics of arc lavas are controlled by sub-arc mantle inputs or during subsequent differentiation processes during a magma’s journey through volcanic arc crust. The Fe isotopic record, coupled to petrology, trace element chemistry and radiogenic isotopes of plutonic xenoliths from the two islands reveal a hidden crustal reservoir of heavy Fe that previously hasn’t been considered. Iron isotopes are decoupled from radiogenic isotopes, suggesting that crustal and/or sediment assimilation does not control the Fe systematics of arc magmas. In contrast to arc lavas, the cumulates from both islands record MORB-like δ56Fe values. In Statia, δ56Fe decreases with major and trace element indicators of differentiation (SiO2, Na2O + K2O, Eu/Eu*, Dy/Yb), consistent with fractionating mineral assemblages along a line of liquid descent. In Martinique, δ56Fe shows no clear relationship with most indicators of differentiation (apart from Dy/Yb), suggesting that the δ56Fe signature of the plutonic xenoliths has been overprinted by later stage processes, such as percolating reactive melts. Together, these data suggest that magmatic processes within the sub-arc crust overprint any source variation of the sub-arc mantle and that a light Fe source is not a requirement to produce the light Fe isotopic compositions recorded in volcanic arc lavas. Therefore, whenever possible, the complimentary plutonic record should be considered in isotopic studies to understand the relative control of the mantle source versus magmatic processes in the crust.

Deux nouveaux Discocoris des Petites Antilles (îles de Guadeloupe et Martinique) (Hemiptera, Thaumastocoridae, Xylastodorinae)

Two new Discocoris from Lesser West Indies (Guadeloupe and Martinique Islands) (Hemiptera, Thaumastocoridae, Xylastodorinae). Two new Discocoris from French West Indies (Guadeloupe and Martinique islands) are described, each from a single male specimen, D. bonfilsi n. sp. from Guadeloupe island and D. rogueti n. sp. from Martinique island. Photographic illustrations of the dorsal and ventral sides of each species are given. A key to species of Discocoris is provided.

Morphological Variation in the Martinican Subspecies White-Breasted Thrasher (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Ramphocinclus brachyurus brachyurus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;)

The White-breasted Thrasher (Ramphocinclus brachyurus) is the smallest passerine bird in the Mimids family. Ranked as “endangered” in the IUCN list, the demographic distribution of this species is spread unevenly across two islands in the Lesser Antilles. The Saint-Lucian subspecies, Ramphocinclus brachyurus sanctaeluciae, was estimated to number between 1200 and 1700 individuals, whereas the Martinique subspecies, Ramphocinclus brachyurus brachyurus, was estimated at between 200 and 400 individuals. As an endemic rare species with a high risk of extinction, the Martinique subspecies should be regarded as a conservation priority. The small size of the Martinique subspecies population, its restricted geographical range, and its narrow habitat tolerance make it quite difficult to study. The variability of morphological traits in this subspecies has not been biostatistically analyzed recently. In order to update knowledge and fill in any gaps, we have used the morphometric approach to study the morphological variability of the Martinique subspecies. The study site is a small peninsula located in the northeast of the island of Martinique (French West Indies) known as “la Caravelle”. We captured 63 White-breasted Thrashers which were marked, measured, and sexed before being released. We did not observe any significant differences between the sexes, signifying an absence of sexual dimorphism. However, we were able to observe a significant variation in morphological traits between individuals measured inside and outside the national protected area of Caravelle. The body mass-tarsus ratio was equal at both sampled sites, something which could potentially be a clue to the bird’s adaptation to different habitats.

Mapping Earthworm Diversity on the Tropical Island of Martinique Using DNA Barcoding Unveiled Both Native and Exotic Species

Mapping Earthworm Diversity on the Tropical Island of Martinique Using DNA Barcoding Unveiled Both Native and Exotic Species

When formal and informal networks promote agroecology: a case study of Martinique Island

When formal and informal networks promote agroecology: a case study of Martinique Island

When formal and informal networks promote agroecology: a case study of Martinique Island

When formal and informal networks promote agroecology: a case study of Martinique Island

Dust storm simulation over the Sahara Desert (Moroccan and Mauritanian regions) using HYSPLIT

AbstractSaharan dust storms are major events that occur normally in the summer and affect the air quality in various regions of the world. In particular, Saharan regions in Morocco and Mauritania actively contribute to dust storms. The Saharan outbreak that took place between 14 and 19 of June 2020 was one of the most severe Saharan dust storms in recent years. This paper investigates the PM10 emissions and concentrations during the 4 days of the dust storm in the region of Western Sahara of Morocco and Mauritania and the transport of the PM10 from the area of study to the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico using Hybrid Single‐Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory Model (HYSPLIT) software with PM10 emission model and cluster analysis. We also analyse the effect of the transported PM10 particles on the concentration level in the Southern parts of the United States and the Martinique islands. The results showed that the average PM10 concentration below the altitude of 100 m during the dust storm was higher than 100 μg/m3 in most of the regions such as Dakhla in Morocco, Nouakchott, Adrar and Tiris Zemmour in Mauritania. This is confirmed by Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) values between 0.7 and 1 retrieved by MODIS‐Aqua for those areas. Furthermore, PM10 particles transported across the Atlantic Ocean affected the concentrations observed in the Caribbean Basin, where hourly PM10 reached 372 μg/m3 and the dust top layer was found between 4 and 4.5 km above ground level. In addition, HYSPLIT cluster analysis results revealed several PM10 particle source areas in Western Sahara such as Bir Anzerane in Morocco, Nouakchott and Tichit in Mauritania that contributed to the increase of PM10 concentrations to an Unhealthy level in the Texas and Florida States in the United States.

Enseignements de l’expérience amérindienne Kalinago sur les risques naturels dans les Antilles françaises

The French West Indies are made up of the islands of Martinique, Saint-Barthélemy, the northern part of the island of Saint-Martin and the Guadeloupe Archipelago. Through the vocabulary of the Native Americans who lived in this region, it is possible to bring out their finesse of analysis to describe different intensity gradients concerning natural hazards. The research has identified that all natural hazards are mentioned except the volcanic eruptions that were very frequent. From the discussion of the concepts of cultural resilience and culture of resilience, we conclude that this society certainly had a perception of volcanoes with a different time scale than ours, adapted to the impact of hazards and their real threats for their way of life.

COVID-19: A disaster

Natural and technological disasters have now been joined by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected all countries since 2020. This article shows the extent to which the pandemic fulfils the definition of a disaster in the light of the situation facing Martinique and other islands. This article illustrates the value of the lessons learned from the experiences shared between the partners of the European Horizon 2020 No Fear project during the first waves. It also demonstrates that the pandemic interferes with the appropriate response to other parallel disasters: the explosion in Beirut, heat waves, fires, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, confrontations and crowd movements, migratory flows from Afghanistan, etc. Thoughts on ways of better preparing and anticipating, as well as fostering cooperation and international aid are presented, as they may be discussed on a national level, within the European Commission or NATO.

The development of early monitoring tools to detect aquatic invasive species: eDNA assay development and the case of the armored catfish Hypostomus robinii

AbstractIntroductions of invasive non‐native species (and their subsequent impacts) are recognized as a major threat to native flora and fauna. This is especially true in island ecosystems such as the tropical island of Martinique. In 2018, one such aquatic invasive species, the suckermouth catfish Hypostomus robinii (Loricariidae), was reported for the first time in two of the islands rivers. H. robinii is a popular freshwater aquarium fish and native to tropical and sub‐tropical South America. Since its initial discovery, a growing number of populations have been found, suggesting a larger distribution of this species through Martinique's hydrographic network. Here, we developed a novel survey technique (utilizing environmental DNA) and conducted a widespread survey across the island to assess the distribution of this invasive species. We were able to detect H. robinii in 22% of sites surveyed (18 out of 83) via our eDNA‐based assay. The presence of these fish was confirmed using traditional trapping at 14 of these sites. Additionally, we used occupancy modeling to investigate the impact of different environmental covariates on the detection efficiency of the novel assay and the potential impacts of false positives and negatives. We highlight a decrease in the detection probability when water volume filtered increases. That said, the eDNA‐based method proves a useful tool for the detection of this invasive fish species and monitoring its spread for management purposes.