Aquatic survey carried
out in Mullet Bay Pond
MULLET BAY/St. Maarten--An aquatic survey was conducted recently of Mullet Pond to ascertain the fish population and other underwear attributes by Ocean Care, Environmental Protection In the Caribbean (EPIC) and St. Maarten Pride Foundation.
The pond, which borders former Mullet Resort, harbours extensive sea grass beds and aquatic mangrove trees, is part of Simpson Bay Lagoon, one of the largest salt water lagoons in the Caribbean.
Using SCUBA and photography equipment, the group that forms part of the Mullet Pond Coalition, documented a wide range of fauna and flora in the pond, one of the few untouched areas of the lagoon that still has a viable Mangrove population. It serves as a breeding area for many fish that eventually find their way unto the reefs and sea grass beds in the seas surrounding the island.
Many species were found during the survey that are less abundant in open water, including pale and ringed anemone, thorny starfish, various sponges and specific mangrove species, such as mangrove oysters, mangrove tunicates, a colony of animals which produce anti-cancer agent and their predator, tiger worm. Also many juvenile fish, some in large schools, were documented. Juvenile barracuda, parrotfish, schoolmasters and grey snapper were seen in large numbers hiding amidst the mangrove roots.
Above water, many land animals and avian birds could be found sheltering in the foliage. The group discovered, amongst many other birds, a night heron nesting area and amongst the roots numerous large green iguanas scurried.
The information gathered by the foundations on the survey will be sent to biologists for a scientific list of all species photographed.
“The Mullet Bay Pond is under significant threat as there seem to be plans to destroy the mangroves in order to make a yacht marina,” according to the group. The group hopes that by surveying the area and bringing awareness to the fact that there is the ecosystem, steps can be made to protect the area from destruction.
Other areas that previously were mangrove habitats, such as Dawn Beach and Red pond have been destroyed to accommodate the building of hotels. Others including Mullet Bay Pond, Little Bay Pond, and Fresh Pond are facing significant threat, the groups said.
Also visit http://www.epicislands.org/Mullet%20Pond%20Coalition.htm for more information.
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