St. Maarten Marine Park Zones

The St. Maarten Marine Park is managed by the St. Maarten Nature Foundation. As yet the island legislation giving the park legal status is not in place, but it is expected to be passed in 2000. The Marine Park will then encompass the entire coast of St. Maarten. Different zones will provide for different uses.

CONSERVATION ZONE (Green):
Conservation areas aim at preserving natural values by excluding all potentially damaging activities. Conservation zones have been defined because of their significant natural values such as the presence of unspoiled coral reefs and their function as nursery areas for many marine animal species. Fish sanctuaries, lobster/conch and fishing areas fall under the conservation zone.

INDUSTRIAL ZONE (Grey):
Industrial activities, including oil transshipment, cargo transport, takes place in the general direction of Cole Bay and the Great Bay Harbor. Because of the specific risk factors it is important to designate a separate zone for industrial use.

Dive boat moored at one of the moorings
(red on map) provided by the marine Park.

ANCHOR ZONE (Yellow):
Anchoring causes damage to seagrass beds and coral formations. Yachts, cruise ships and other vessels have been anchoring in an unregulated fashion for years because there are insufficient suitable alternatives (moorings, marinas). As long as this is the case, it is best to concentrate anchoring zones where the least damage to natural values will be inflicted.

Since moorings cause less damage, a sufficient number of moorings will be placed to diminish and eventually eliminate anchoring completely.

TRAFFIC ZONE/SHIPPING LANES (Light Orange):
A traffic zone is defined particularly for the large cruise ships that frequent Great Bay. Some large cruise ships have a draft that exceeds 8 meters. Some important reef formations, such as those outside of Great Bay can be found at relatively shallow depths. The traffic zone serves for safety reasons, preventing cruise ships from navigating close to hazardous reefs and dive sites. Also this zone can serve as a stand-by area for cruise chips awaiting pilot-assistance.

In addition, shipping lanes to Cole Bay are indicated for freighters and tankers. These vessels have a draught of up to 5 meters. A reason to indicate shipping lanes for industrial purpose is (besides safety aspects) to decrease the risk of coastal pollution, e.g. oil spills. The shipping lanes converge to the coast so that as little as possible of the coastline is exposed to the risk of ship traffic.

OTHER PARK AREAS (Pink):
This is a zone where general management regulations apply.

Sint Maarten Nature Foundation
Great Bay Marina, Unit #3
P.O. Box 863, St. Maarten, N.A.
Tel: +599-542 0267 Fax: +599-542 0268
E-Mail: naturesxm@megatropic.com

Rescuing a Green Sea Turtle - June 22, 2000
On June 21st, 2000 on a weekly patrol, the staff of the Marine Park (Nature Foundation of Sint Maarten) encountered a Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) floating on a large tar/oil spill close to Proselyte Reef........

    Update to: Rescuing a Green Sea Turtle - July 20, 2000
    I just wanted to let you know.... rescued Green turtle sited....

Reef Monitor Update - Year End 1999
Together with Reefkeeper International, a non-profit research group, the Nature Foundation is investigating in what condition the coral reefs are in, and what kind of corals you can find around the island by implementing a coral inventory......