PHILIPSBURG:--- During the month of August, the spotlight project of Be the Change Foundation is “Let’s Clean Up Mullet Pond!” Mullet Pond is officially a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar convention due to its mangrove trees, seagrass, and diversity of life. Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) Foundation will hold a one-day cleanup action in Mullet Pond to remove hurricane debris and litter both above and below water. The organization is partnering with other foundations, community groups, schools, and businesses to recruit volunteers, including snorkelers and divers as well as boats, to haul the collected waste. Waste will be weighed and underwater litter reported to Project Aware’s Dive Against Debris citizen-science program.
Large amounts of land and boat-based debris persist in our environment from both Hurricane Irma and daily pollution. This clean-up will reduce marine debris which threatens sea life, such as fish, birds, and sea turtles, which can get tangled in litter or eat it when it’s mistaken for food. Even large items, such as boat parts, are a threat as they break down into microplastics which are consumed by a variety of marine life.
Through this effort, EPIC hopes to build a sense of shared purpose and connection among participants as well as engagement in serving the public good of improving vital habitat.
EPIC Foundation encourages the public to join them in their mission to protect the environment through research, outreach, and community-based action. For more information about this project and how you can get involved contact EPIC by phone at +1 (721) 545-3009, via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/epicislands/.
Donations to support this project or become a sustaining member of Be the Change Foundation can be made at https://bethechangesxm.com/. Be the Change Foundation is a non-profit organization that encourages St. Maarten visitors and residents to give back to various community-based causes through donations and volunteering.
