Home to most of the island's sea species and, based on research, possessing the most significant ecosystem left on the island in terms of coral reefs and sea grasses, the area was selected to be listed as a protected area. This adds to the island's tourism product, where diving is a popular activity for tourists.
Management of the marine park was handed over to St. Maarten Nature Foundation during the signing at Captain Hodge Wharf. The foundation now has the official mandate to manage St. Maarten's marine park.
Nature Foundation Manager Tadzio Bervoets explained, "Most of our sea species, like dolphins, whales, turtles, all call the marine park their home. That's why it is important that we have this management agreement not only to police, but also research what is going on within the marine park."
The significance of this signing dates back to 1997 when the Nature Foundation was established with the specific goal to institute a protected marine area for the island. Bervoets said the foundation's goal had been made a reality over the past year with substantial assistance from the Department of Civil Aviation, Shipping and Maritime Affairs.
Nature Foundation's role will be to manage the park in terms of controlling users and combating poaching and illegal fishing. The protected area stretches from the tip of Pointe Blanche 17 kilometres into the sea at a depth of 100 metres.
"It doesn't interfere with any shipping traffic. We were very careful when we were taking the steps to implement this, so as not to infringe on maritime traffic or traditional fishing grounds. Although it is an economically important area, we don't foresee any major negative impact on traditional use," said Bervoets.
Fishing will be allowed, but restricted to trolling. Participants must have an engine running and should be moving through the area while fishing. Anchoring or tying up on a mooring will be prohibited.
Bervoets said, "I understand that a lot of people will find that difficult to deal with, but the whole idea of a protected marine area is that there is an area where fish can regenerate, so hopefully that way the fish stock around the island will replenish itself."
In a brief comment on the occasion Meyers said, "I tip my hat to those actively involved in marine preservation." He said that with the ongoing development on the island it was important to have a balance ensuring the island's natural beauty is preserved.
See today's edition of Weekender in this paper for an in-depth feature on the Man of War Shoal Marine Park.
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