Monitoring

We keep close tabs on a few stable environments around the island and monitor if the community deteriorates or flourishes. Some of these, such as the seagrass, are of essential value to the ocean and the sea life in it. Others are less important, such as the lionfish infestation, but they are good indicator that life is generally improving or worsening.

The Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database (DCBD) supplies a central repository for all biodiversity related research and monitoring data and information in the Dutch Caribbean. The goal of the DCBD is to guarantee long-term data access and availability, support nature management and facilitate international reporting obligations. The Nature Foundation St Maarten is an active contributor to the DCDB.

Sea Turtle Monitoring

The St. Maarten Nature Foundation is carrying out scientific research and nesting monitoring programs to conserve and protect sea turtle species from extinction. Research and monitoring will lead to better management actions to ensure that these very important animals make a successful recovery.

Shark Monitoring

The Nature Foundation monitors sightings of shark and ray species on St. Maarten’s dive sites, providing insight into species presence, abundance and seasonal patterns.

Coral Reef Monitoring

The St Maarten Nature Foundation carries out their coral reef monitoring program according to the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) Caribbean methods. Reef monitoring is conducted every year to determine the health, composition and state of the island’s reefs. Following the collaborative GCRMN-Caribbean method gives reef managers more tools to compare reef monitoring data,…

Brown Pelican Monitoring

The Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is one of St. Maarten’s national symbols, the depiction of which can be found on the island’s Flag and Coat of Arms.

Marine Mammals Monitoring

Many on St. Maarten might not be aware that there is a relatively significant Marine Mammal population in the waters surrounding St. Maarten, including numerous species of whales and dolphins. St. Maarten lies within the area of the Western Atlantic where various whale species come to give birth to their young. From February to…

Seagrass Monitoring

The seagrass beds of St Maarten provide a biological filter system for the waters within the bays and lagoons. This should give the water its striking azure blue colour which is an essential feature to attract tourists to the area, which in turn supports local businesses. The seagrasses also prevent terrestrial sediments from reaching the…