For decades, Saba’s diving industry is contributing significantly to the island’s economy. To facilitate the needs of the sector and to avoid anchoring of vessels on the delicate sea bottom substrate, thus inflicting irreparable damage to Saba’s pristine coral reefs, a system of mooring buoys was installed shortly after the formation of the Marine Park in 1989. The regular maintenance of the 33 moorings has since been the responsibility of the Saba Conservation Foundation (SCF).
However, to assure the continued safe use of the mooring system, many of the 20 year old anchor pins urgently needed to be replaced. Hence, the SCF applied for and received funding from De Uitvoeringsorganisatie Stichting Ontwikkeling Nederlandse Antillen (USONA ), in order to purchase the necessary equipment to restore the moorings and install new ones, thereby increasing Saba’s attractiveness as one of the best dive destinations in the Caribbean.
With the co-operation of Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA), St. Eustatius National Parks (STENAPA) and sponsorship from Juliana’s Hotel and Dawn II, a Ranger Exchange and Underwater Drilling Course was set up for early September, with instruction provided by drilling expert and former ranger of St. Maarten’s Nature Foundation, Paul Ellinger. The exercise was attended by staff of the SCF, STENAPA, local dive instructors and other volunteers. Unfortunately it was cut short by the anticipation and necessary preparations for Tropical Storm Erika, but shortly after its passing, the project continued with the assistance from the local dive stores Saba Deep, Sea Saba and Saba Divers.
Quite notably, to show their support and commitment, Commissioner Chris Johnson and Island Secretary Menno van der Velde, actively participated in the project, by installing a new mooring. Impressed by the progress, Commissioner Johnson suggested, that after consulting local fishermen, the SCF should also look into installing moorings for small fishing vessels. The idea received positive responses by the stakeholders and discussions in that regard have commenced. The project is expected to be finalized by the end of the month.