Exactly, it’s prohibited in writing, renewed every six months.
In reality, many people still anchor there, including me.
Harbor master agents pass by, as mentioned above, to remind you of the prohibition, noting that you could be fined by the authorities.
However, the authorities have so much to deal with in Martinique that the risk is nearly zero.
As for seabed protection… I have to laugh.
With all the boats that have anchored there for years, and still do, the seabed is pristine—just a few anchor marks in the seagrass (which actually attracts small fish that feed on the disturbed areas).
The turtles are still there, which shows that their habitat suits them just fine.
Yes, someone might argue that without our presence, they’d be even better off. The answer is, of course.
During COVID, as everywhere in the world, wildlife and nature had a field day.