Cay Bay:--- On Friday the 9th of November 2012 staff of the Nature Foundation St. Maarten responded with their vessel Yellow Tail to reports of a significant oil spill approximately 500 yards from shore of the Cay Bay/ Pelican area. Once on scene the situation was assessed and the environmental impacts of the spill on the marine environment were determined. Initial assessment found that a large quantity of oil was entered into the sea from an unknown source. There was no oil present in the coastal area by Cay Bay and no activity was observed regarding oil entering the water from industrial sources on Cay Bay. During the assessment it was found that the spill stretched for approximately two kilometres in a west south westerly direction, which roughly 800 gallons of oil was leaked. Contact was immediately established with the various island entities informing them of the situation. Contact was initially established with Inspector Carty of Maritime Affairs, the St. Maarten Harbour Master and the Coastguard who responded quickly to the reports. Communication and coordination between the St. Maarten Port Authority, the Nature Foundation and the Coastguard was swift and effective in responding to this spill.
The Nature Foundation determined that the oil slick covered a significant section of the water column on offshore coral reefs, both of which have a significant ecological and tourism value to the island. Contact was immediately made with all stakeholders informing them of a large amount of oil in the water and swimming in Cay Bay and certain areas of Pelican should also be avoided. Dive Centres had to look for alternate dive sites. Fishermen were also informed that they should avoid fishing along the south-western shore of the island until the oil has been dissipated offshore, as the consumption of petroleum contaminated fish could cause significant health problems.
During the response to the oil slick three Hawksbill Sea Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) were found surfacing in the slick and were covered by oil. Nature Foundation staff were unsuccessful in tracking the animals to remove the contaminants after numerous attempts.
The Nature Foundation will continue to conduct follow up patrols and dives to determine the impact the spills is having on Marine Flora and Fauna. The prevailing wind and currents should push the oil offshore, however the Nature Foundation will continue to monitor the direction of the slick and notify authorities if coastal areas are under threat.