On Tuesday August 31st the Nature Foundation Chief Marine Park Ranger was contacted by the Air Traffic Control Tower of the Princess Juliana International Airport concerning a possible oil spill in the Simpson Bay area. The report was radioed in to the tower by a pilot of a landing aircraft. An on-water survey was subsequently carried out by the Nature Foundation and no oil was found in the water, although significant debris and runoff was detected. Surveys concluded that the pilot possibly mistook runoff and dislodged particles as a result of the passing of hurricane Earl as an oil slick. Follow up surveys were conducted on Wednesday September 1st and Thursday September 2nd with no oil being present in the area.
On Thursday September 2nd Nature Foundation staff carried out a survey of the mooring installations of the Marine Park. All moorings were found to be intact with the exception of the newly placed Isabella Reef (N 18̊̊ 01.119' W 063̊ 07. 039', working depth 93 ft). Some minor maintenance of dive moorings was conducted by Nature Foundation staff.
Nature Foundation Staff carried out an in water survey of Great Bay Beach and the Capt. Hodge Pier as per the request of the St. Maarten Harbour Master. Some debris was found and cleared by Nature Foundation divers and a report was sent to the St. Maarten Harbour Master.
Once visibility clears the St. Maarten Nature Foundation will assess the damage caused to the island's offshore coral reef ecosystems due to the passing of hurricane Earl. Surveys will be conducted and subsequent cleanup efforts will be initiated on offshore reefs once deemed necessary. Surveys are scheduled to commence on Monday, September 6th 2010. Coral Reefs act as a buffer, protecting coastal areas from severe flooding caused by storm surge.
