EPIC MANGROVE RESTORATION

Historically, beautiful stands of lush green mangroves covered many of St. Martin's wetland areas. Today, it is estimated that over 75% of the island's mangroves have been removed for development or naturally destroyed by hurricanes. In recent years, mangroves have been planted in a few wetlands on St. Martin, including Simpson Bay, Grand Etang, Little Bay Pond, Fresh Pond, and Orient Pond.

These mangroves, consisting of the native red mangrove, black mangrove, white mangrove, and buttonwood, play a vital role in the health of the ecosystem. Often seen growing in the wetlands and along their margins, these mangroves have a high tolerance to salt water. One of the most important roles mangroves play in the environment is the increasing of oxygen into the water. Through this system, mangroves are able to counter the harmful agents such as sewage waste, pesticide run-off, and toxins found in trash that has been dumped in the wetlands.

Beyond the role as a filtering system, mangroves play a vital role in providing habitat for the wildlife of the wetland. When fish lay eggs in the wetland, they do so in the mangroves. The young fish then stay within the mangroves to feed as well as to remain sheltered from predators. The mangroves provide an opportunity for the young fish to grow into adult breeding fish and encourage the growth of pond fish stocks. Many species, such as the threatened Caribbean Brown Pelican, are often seen feeding on these adult fish, and require healthy fish stocks to survive. The mangroves also provide habitat for nesting bird species such as Snowy Egret, Green Heron, Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Common Moorhen, and Caribbean Coot.

EPIC Mangrove Restoration Projects

Grand Etang Restoration Project

Simpson Bay Lagoon Restoration Project (2004)

Simpson Bay Lagoon Restoration Project (2005)

200 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Riviera Beach, Florida, 33404
(707)-845-1171

INFO@EPICISLANDS.ORG