Saba National Marine Park

The Saba National Marine Park encompasses the waters and sea bed encircling Saba, Netherlands Antilles from the high water mark to 200 feet (60 meters) deep. In total, the marine park covers approximately five square miles (1300 hectares). At the time of its creation in 1987, the government passed the Marine Environment Ordinance to protect the coral reefs and other marine life found in the park. The Saba Conservation Foundation manages the Saba National Marine Park, as well as the island's hyperbaric facility and natural sites on land.

A number of regulations ensure that the park's thriving aquatic life remains healthy. Zones divide the area according to acceptable uses. For instance, commercial fishing is forbidden in certain places to prevent overfishing. The reefs are protected from damage by 36 permanently anchored buoys where boats can moor. And scuba divers are not permitted to dive by themselves; they must dive with guides from one of Saba's three dive shops. Protecting the Saba National Marine Park is not just an environmental concern, it's also an economic concern. Tourism currently brings in more money to the island than any other industry, and the Saba National Marine Park is the biggest tourist draw.

Aside from the fact that Saba's reefs have remained healthy, several natural formations attract divers to the marine park. A few features were formed through volcanic activity, such as the Pinnacles. These peaks rise up to 100 feet (30 meters) from the ocean floor, covered with corals, sponges, and other invertebrates. In the Ladder Bay area, a natural labyrinth was created by flowing lava. Other attractions include underwater caves, tunnels, and rock walls.

Many different species of life inhabit the Saba National Marine Park. Soft corals abound, while hard corals live only in the waters on the island's east side. Types of fish found in the park include parrotfish, blue tang, black durgon, and barracuda. Sharks and stingrays frequent certain areas. Octopus, turtles, and spiny lobster make the park their home also.

Saba's residents may access the park for free, while visitors pay $3 (US) per dive (in addition to dive shop diving fees). The park fee supports maintenance of the park and its equipment.

References

* [http://www.sabapark.org/index.html Saba Conservation Foundation]