More signatures
to save Mullet Pond
PHILIPSBURG--The Mullet Pond Coalition submitted more petitions and letters of support recently to government in its campaign to protect the natural areas of Mullet Pond in Simpson Lagoon.
The coalition and volunteers have now collected almost 1,000 petition signatures and dozens of support letters from around the world.
“Residents, tourists, and timeshare owners are all voicing their concern about the rapid urbanization of their beloved St. Maarten. Many express concerns that the island is already too crowded and overbuilt. They want to save the last green spaces which make the island so beautiful, places such as Mullet Pond,” according to the coalition.
The group supports the zoning of Mullet Pond, located between Point Pirouette and Mullet Beach, as a protected area in which it is prohibited to remove and/or cut existing vegetation, including mangroves and sea grass, within 15 meters of the lagoon shoreline.
The coalition was formed in response to redevelopment plans for the Mullet Bay Resort posted on the internet. The plans describe an 85 yacht marina, including mega-yachts up to 300 feet, and 32 yacht villas with private docks.
The Mullet Pond Coalition urges the public “to speak out and let Lt. Governor Richards know that we say “Yes” to Mullet Resort but “No” to the destruction of Mullet Pond.”
Simpson Bay Lagoon is one of the largest lagoons in the Caribbean. The section of the lagoon known as Mullet Pond, which borders Mullet Resort, harbours extensive sea grass beds and aquatic Mangrove trees. This one area represents about 65 per cent of all the mangroves left around the lagoon. Mangroves and sea grass serve many ecological functions, such as supporting healthy fisheries, clean water, and shoreline protection.
To download a printable petition or sign the online petition, go to www.epicislands.org and click on Mullet Pond Coalition. There is also a link to a 5-minute video showcasing the natural environment and threats to the site. Potential volunteers or those seeking more information can contact coalition members: Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC), Nature Foundation St. Maarten, Ocean Care, and Pride Foundation.
