Belair Pond, Great Salt Pond Faced with Challenges Regarding Salinity and Oxygen Levels
The Nature Foundation carried out its bi-annual water quality tests on the 28th, 29th and 30thof September at seven sites surrounding St. Maarten. These tests are carried out in order to determine the levels of pollutants and other factors affecting wetlands and beaches on St. Maarten. Tests were carried out in order to determine Nitrates (which shows that the water is polluted), Phosphates (which shows the presence of Sewage), Nitrogen, Dissolved Oxygen, and the acidity of the water. Tests were carried out on seven sites; Cole Bay Lagoon, Simpson Bay Lagoon, Mullet Pond, Kim Sha Beach, Great Bay Beach, Belair Pond, Fresh Pond, and the Great Salt Pond. The sites of Great Bay Beach and Kim Sha Beach were particularly chosen to test the swimming quality of the beaches.
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It was determined that the sites Cole Bay Lagoon, Kim-Sha Beach, Mullet Pond, and
Great Bay had low levels of both phosphates and nitrates in samples tested. Elevated levels of nitrates and phosphates show that there is a presence of various types of pollutants and sewage in wetlands and coastal areas. The highest level was recorded in the Great Salt Pond and indicates lower water quality. Taking this into consideration levels will continuously be monitored by the Nature Foundation.
It was further established that the sites Cole Bay Lagoon, Kim-Sha Beach, Mullet Pond, and Great Bay had low levels of Nitrogen in samples tested. Elevated levels of Nitrogen, caused by pollutants, can cause massive fish die-offs in wetlands and coastal areas. The highest level was recorded in the Great Salt Pond at .6 ppm, which is a relatively high number and indicates the presence of elevated nitrogen levels which can pose a threat to aquatic organisms and which may again result in fish die-offs. The continuous filling in of the Great Salt Pond, recently for the Foga Project, will increase the level of fish die-offs in the future.
Similarly the Belair Pond has also been experiencing elevated levels which can result in a continuation or expansion of fish die-offs, of which a small scale die-off is currently occurring. All fish recorded at the die-off are Tilapia. The Nature Foundation will continuously monitor Nitrogen Levels at this site in order to give an approximation when fish die offs may be expected.
Almost all levels of oxygen recorded were at sufficient levels; however the lowest levels were recorded in the Great Salt Pond and Belair Pond. This site should be closely monitored for a further drop in oxygen levels which may result in fish kills and breeding of airborne insects (i.e. Midges. With the ongoing dry weather the Nature Foundation is advising the public and private sectors to remain vigilant for the possibility of fish die-offs.