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The Simpson Bay Lagoon of St. Martin/Maarten is one of the largest lagoons in the Caribbean.  The environmental, recreational, and commercial value of the lagoon cannot be overestimated and drives a significant portion of St. Maarten’s economy.  However, pollution in the lagoon has reached a critical level.  Heavy metals, sewage, oil, and other pollutants cause problems related to human health, ecological function, and decreased economic value.  The Good Mate and Blue Flag's Clean Marinas Certification Program are designed to address these pollution issues through education and outreach which encourage stewardship and voluntary compliance.  

Blue Flag International

Blue Flag Clean Marinas

 

Good Mate

 
 

A clean marina is one that has been certified to follow protocols which reduce pollution and improve safety.  Boaters can choose clean marinas and know they are supporting a business which is environmentally responsible, clean, and safe.

The Project Manager for the Love the Lagoon project will hold workshops for interested marinas and boatyards and assist them in meeting clean marina criteria.

Examples of measures to be implemented could include the installation of sewage pump-out stations, proper waste storage and disposal, and oil spill response units.

Once the necessary voluntary actions are taken by the marina, a committee of non-profit and government representatives will review the marinas and boatyards to determine eligibility for certification under the clean marina project..

  The Good Mate project aims to educate and support boaters in reducing their environmental impact. 

Through educational events, distribution of literature such as brochures, and one on one contact, the Good Mate project provides information on steps individuals can take to improve the health of our waters. 

For example, boaters can choose less toxic anti-fouling paints and boat cleaning solvents.  They can also add a special sponge to their bilge which soaks up dangerous oil residues.

By being good stewards of the lagoon environment, together we can improve the health of this unique body of water.

 

 

Love the Lagoon Newsletter

Volume 1 issue 1 (April 2007)

Volume 1 issue 2 (June 2007)

 

Love the Lagoon Annual Report

2007-2008

 

Lagoon Log Column

The Simpson Bay Lagoon and its Ecological Value (28 July 2007)

Environmental threats the Simpson Bay Lagoon Faces:  page 1    page 2 (4 August 2007)

Why Participate in the Love the Lagoon Project (11 August 2007)

What You Can Do to Help Protect Simpson Bay Lagoon (18 August 2007)

What Can You Do to Help Protect Simpson Bay Lagoon: Part III (25 August 2007)

Car Batteries in Simpson Bay Lagoon (1 September 2007)

What is Water Quality and How Does it Relate to Simpson Bay Lagoon? (15 September 2007)

Environmental Stewardship and the Simpson Bay Lagoon (22 September 2007)

Measures Government Should Take to Protect the Simpson Bay Lagoon (1 October 2007)

The Necessity of a Moratorium on Large Developments (6 October 2007)

Financing Environmental Protection (13 October 2007)

Financing Environmental Protection part II (20 October 2007)

Environmental Protection and Law Enforcement (3 November 2007)

Environmental Protection and Law Enforcement part II (10 November 2007)

Environmental Protection and Law Enforcement part III (19 November 2007)

Traffic Congestion Along Simpson Bay Lagoon (24 November 2007)

Luxury Yachts Contribute to Lagoon Pollution (24 December 2007)

No Finances for the Environment in the 2008 Budget (29 December 2007)

Proposed Bridge Across the Lagoon is Not a Solution (5 January 2008)

 

 

 

 

For more information on this project, contact the Project Manager, Rueben Thompson    E-mail: rjthompson@epicislands.org 

St. Maarten Phone: (599) 545-3009