St. Martin News Network

As predicted in “EPIC and St. Maarten Pride’s position statement on the Great Salt Pond Ring-road plans” of February 2009 and the Foundation’s “Objections to the Ring road Construction Permit request” of June of this year, the construction of the Ring road is having a devastating effect on the many species of birds, crabs and fish in the Great Salt Pond.

On the morning of Tuesday November 10th, 2009 St. Maarten Pride Foundation and EPIC representatives received calls from a concerned citizen and a department of New Works Project Manager who requested the Foundations to provide assistance at the Flood Gates between the Fresh Pond and the Great Salt Pond on the Illidge road, where hundreds if not thousands of fish were surfacing and unsuccessfully trying to get from the Salt Pond to the Fresh pond.

The Foundations contacted Nature Foundation Marine Park Manager Mr. Lake and arrived at the location at 9:35 am. Foundation representatives examined the situation and concluded that it was necessary to allow Fresh water to enter the Great Salt Pond immediately. The vast amount of sand dredged from the Great Bay area and deposited in the Great Salt Pond has increased the Pond’s salinity, this combined with diminished circulation and a decrease in oxygen levels caused many fish to die and others to seek access to a relatively more hospitable habitat in the Fresh Pond.

After over two long hours of phone calls to Commissioners, Sector Heads and other officials by Foundation staff, volunteers and Sector R.O.B staff, heavy equipment finally arrived to open the dam between both ponds, in order for much needed fresh water to enter the Great Salt Pond.

EPIC, Pride Foundation and the Nature Foundation will be closely monitoring developments at the Great Salt Pond and have advised government to allow a properly managed amount of water from the Fresh Pond to enter the Great Salt Pond when necessary in an attempt to somewhat stabilize the ecosystems.

4 Comments

Be aware November 11, 2009 200.7.54.127 Votes: +4	While I do not particularly have a problem with the ring road, I have to advise Comm. Heyliger to use extreme cautions as he is having this road built. Nature (God) has done proper planning when constructing this earth, the universe and galaxies. Just as we do not know the use of our appendix but yet it can kill us if erupted within, so can we kill our world (Island) if no proper planning and reviews are done before we adjust and reconstruct Mother Nature. We already have the midges because the salt pond is heavily polluted and salt level was reduced. Now increasing the salt level could eliminate the midges but at the same time can have far reaching consequences. Not to talk about Flooding if there is no proper outlets and drainage systems. I am very, very concerned by the negligence being used to get these projects done in a hurry. This was just a warning of what can come if this road is built based on speed rather than using proper planning. Take your time and do it right the first time. Don't wait for a major disaster to happen and then try to correct. (think about cole bay roundabout ... Tuesday afternoon ... trailer). Think about tomorrow and not just today. Be aware !!!!!! Thank you to that citizen and N.W. project manager.. report abuse vote down vote up
Crazy! November 11, 2009 201.220.14.126 Votes: +0	Finally! report abuse vote down vote up
Ras Mystic November 12, 2009 208.91.194.66 Votes: +0	I was about to say something, but "Be aware" said everything that I would have liked to say! Thank You " Be aware" So you the people PLEASE BE AWARE!!! report abuse vote down vote up
brownsugar November 13, 2009 190.102.6.234 Votes: +0	i fine they should just leave the blasted place the way it is look at all these fish man i can remember as a child we use to fish in the greatbay pond for crabs and fish now they messing up the place with roundabout road every history is being distroy. report abuse vote down vote up