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The Nature Foundation of Sint Maarten was established in January 1997 with the objective to enhance the environment through proper management, education, awareness and protection. In this context, the Nature Foundation Sint Maarten has proposed to establish a Marine Park, for which funding was obtained from the Dutch World Wildlife Fund, for a start-up period of two years.

The proposed Marine Park surrounds Sint Maarten’s entire Dutch side from Oyster Pond to Cupecoy Bay, stretching from the coastal waters and the beaches to the 200 feet depth range. To ensure our waters are used most effectively, various zones are to be incorporated in the proposed Marine Park. There will be a large fishing area for local fishermen, designated SCUBA diving sites, as well as anchoring and shipping zones.

The Marine Park’s primary purpose is to provide a sustainable source of nature conservation, while at the same time guaranteeing a continuation of the local population’s traditional use of the area. The Marine Park will be intended mainly for recreational scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing by the local population, and other water sport activities.

The Sint Maarten Nature Foundation & Marine Park
The Marine Park | The Nature Foundation | Park Zoning

Sectie Milieu en Natuur Departement van Volksgezondheid en Milieuhygiene
(Official Site of The St. Maarten Nature Foundation - English / Dutch)

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....

Global and Local Seagrasses Threatened - April 6, 2000
It is difficult to emphasize how important seagrasses are to the marine environment.......

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......

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