Date established: 1997
Area (hectares): 5128

General description of site:
The Marine Park surrounds the entire Dutch side of St. Maarten, stretching from the coast to the 200-metre depth range. The Parks activities are concentrated on the eastern side of the island, where the dive sites Molly B'day, Pelican Rock, Hen and Chicks, and Cow and Calf as well as the Proselyte area are located. These areas embody some of the last pristine marine locations on the island, where excellent diving and breeding grounds for marine birds, tropical fish, sea turtles, queen conch and other marine life can be encountered.
Coral reefs, mangrove forests and sea grass beds are some of the fragile ecosystems the Marine Park serves to protect. Such habitats, as well as supporting an assortment of fauna, also provides a barrier against coastal erosion by waves and sea currents, a protective function that plays a key role in stabalising beach environments.

Ecosystems:

• Coral reefs
  
• Seagrass beds
  
• Mangroves
  
• Salt ponds
  
• Fresh Water Ponds
  
• Rocky shore
  
• Simpson Bay Lagoon

Threatened, endangered, endemic species:

• Turtles (Hawksbill, Leatherback, Loggerhead and Green)
  
• Conch
  
• Green Iguanas

International recognition
none

Legal status: voluntary protected area, unrecognized legal protection. Soon to be changed with the Marine Park Ordinance approval. Nature Ordinance approved in 2003

Vision and goals:

• Vision
  The Nature Foundation of St. Maarten was established in January 1997 with the objective to enhance the environment through proper management, education, awareness and protection. In this context, the Nature Foundation has proposed to establish a Marine Park.
  The proposed Marine Park surrounds St. Maarten's entire Dutch side from Oyster Pond to Cupecoy Bay, stretching from the coastal waters and the beaches to the 200 feet depth range. To ensure our waters are used most effectively, various zones have been planned and will be incorporated in the proposed Marine Park. There will be a large fishing area for local fishermen, designated SCUBA diving sites, as well as anchoring and shipping zones.
• Goal(s)
  The Marine Park's primary purpose is to provide a sustainable source of nature conservation, while at the same time guaranteeing a continuation of the local population's traditional use of the area. The Marine Park will be intended mainly for recreational scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing by the local population, and other water sport activities.
  The Nature Foundation's primary concern is to protect nature, while in the process strengthening its economical and educational value, and potential of the natural resources. St. Maarten is the last island in the Netherlands Antilles to establish a Marine Park/Protected area.
  Site Management
  Visitation: unknown. Possibly 15.000 to 20.000 divers per year
  10.000 to 20.000 snorkelers per year

Management body: The Nature Foundation of Sint Maarten

Main challenges:

• Uncontrolled and(over)Development pressure
  
• Limited infrastructure
  
• Lack of nature importance within government
  
• Environmental education of children
  
• Lack of legislation

Does a management plan exist? No

Does an annual report exist? yes

Main stakeholders:

• Fishermen
  
• Tourists
  
• Tourist Office
  
• Coast Guard
  
• Prosecutor’s Office
  
• SXM Port Authority
  
• Dive Operators
  
• SXM Hotel Association
  
• Schools
  
• Reserve Naturelle St. Martin
  
• Other environmental NGO’s
  

Listing of current/recent research activities:

Contact Information:
Manager: Beverly Nisbeth
Wellsburg road 1-A apt. 25
Phillipsburg, St. Maarten
tel: +599-544-4267
Email: info@naturefoundationsxm.org
Website: www.naturefoundationsxm.org