Simpson Bay Lagoon
~EPIC Launches Temporary Nesting Habitat for Vulnerable Birds~
PHILIPSBURG:--- A new initiative has recently been launched to protect Sint Maarten’s Least Tern population. The foundation Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) has partnered with Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) to create a floating platform on Simpson Bay Lagoon to provide a temporary nesting habitat for this species.
Least Terns are small seabirds that nest in colonies in flat, open areas, such as sand or gravel. Development has left little viable habitat for the species, with other threats such as eggs and chicks being eaten by invasive predators and nesting sites flooding during storms exacerbating the issue. As a result, the birds have taken to nesting around the airport runway, which is protected from dogs by fencing but poses a threat to birds and humans due to the risk of potential air traffic collisions.
While EPIC is working to restore seabird habitat around the island, a short-term solution was necessary to keep the terns away from the airport. In late April, EPIC launched a temporary nesting habitat in the form of a floating platform. Located in the Simpson Bay Lagoon immediately next to the runway, we hope that the birds utilize this area instead of the runway area. The platform consists of a floating dock with a wooden frame on top and is complete with gravel and attraction devices.
To prevent bird disturbance, the platform and surrounding area must be free of human interaction. This includes not approaching the platform, not causing significant boat wake near the platform, not playing loud music or other audio disturbances, and not dumping trash or other waste in the area.
We want to thank Deon and the team at Aquatic Solutions for their incredible generosity and expertise. We also thank BirdLife Netherlands, Binkie Van Es, The Nature Foundation of Sint Maarten, and the team at PJIA for their partnership and support.
This effort is part of EPIC’s larger initiative “Least Tern and Caribbean Brown Pelican Species and Habitat-based Biodiversity Restoration on Sint Maarten.” The project is made possible with funding from the European Union’s BESTLIFE2030 Program, which works to protect the biodiversity of Outermost Regions and Overseas Countries and Territories through small-scale initiatives. For more information on EPIC’s projects, visit our website epicislands.org and follow us on social media @epicislands. For contact regarding presentations or educational outreach activities, don't hesitate to get in touch with project coordinator Colby Poerio at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..