This report outlines the activities of the Nature Foundation post hurricane Gonzalo. Hurricane Gonzalo struck St. Maarten on the 14th of October 2014 as a Category one storm. The following report outlines the assessments carried out by the St. Maarten Nature Foundation.
Oil and Debris in Wetland and Ocean Environments:
Due to the significant amount of vessels sank (based on ongoing estimates the number is close to three dozen) there is significant debris in the Simpson Bay Lagoon. This debris is associated with wood and floating debris, fiberglass and other solid material as a result of the downing of many sailing and motor vessels. There is also some significant fuel in the water, both as diesel and as gasoline. Oil is also present in the form of motor oil. Particularly the area by Simpson Bay Shipyard on Simpson Bay Road saw fuel being entered in the environment. The Nature Foundation has responded since early October 14th with oil absorbent booms and pads to assist in the cleaning up of fuel. This process is ongoing.
The Nature Foundation also received a report that there was a significant oil spill offshore of Cay Bay. Upon inspection this was deemed to be mud, soil and sand runoff caused by heavy rain as a result of the passing of Hurricane Gonzalo. The on-water survey was subsequently carried out by the Nature Foundation and no oil was found in the water, although significant debris and runoff was detected. Follow up surveys were conducted on the 15th and 16th of October with no oil being present in the area.
Wrecked Vessels:
Early on October 14th the Nature Foundation assisted many vessels that were in distress and towed and collected dinghies and other small boats to safe locations. Hurricane Gonzalo caused significant damage to vessels in the Simpson Bay Lagoon. The Nature Foundation recommends that wrecked vessels be removed as fast as possible to further reduce the introduction of fuel into the environment of the Simpson Bay Lagoon and Oysterpond areas. Abandoned vessels should be added to the list of vessels to be cleaned and sunk as artificial wrecks.
Mangroves:
Some mangrove areas suffered considerable damage, although the resilience of mangroves in well managed areas usually recover quickly from hurricane events. The Mangroves in Mullet Pond suffered considerable damage in part due to unauthorized vessels tying unto mangrove roots. Prior to inclement weather the Nature Foundation will seek to restrict the tying of vessels in the inlet of Mullet Pond in order to protect the mangrove strands.
The mangrove strands of Belair, Red Pond and Fresh Pond received considerable damage but will be monitored for recovery. Usually mangroves recover quite quickly from storm events. If it is noticed that areas are not recovering as quickly as they should additional mangrove strands will be transplanted.
The mangroves which were planted by the causeway feared very well despite some vessels being stranded nearby. Some mangroves were damaged because of debris being attached to the roots.
Trees and Foliage:
Hurricane Gonzalo's intensity, rainfall and previous meteorological conditions caused quite some damage to trees on St. Maarten. Particularly Almond, Genip and Tamarind Trees sustained major damage. Some of the trees which were damaged had a trunk diameter of more than a meter and therefore were of historic significance. The locations of damaged trees have been noted and additional trees will be planted as part of the Nature Foundation St. Maarten Trees Project.
Beaches:
The Nature Foundation conducted water quality tests at Kim Sha, Great Bay, Simpson Bay and Little Bay Beaches. There was poor water quality at Great Bay Beach and Little Bay/ Belair Beach due to the overflow of the Belair and Great Salt Pond. The Nature Foundation recommends that people avoid bathing in Great Bay until water quality levels have stabilized.
There is also quite a bit of debris washed up on Great Bay Beach which can pose a hazard to bathers. A number of dead invasive Tilapia were also found on Great Bay Beach having expired due to salt stress. Clean-up efforts should be focussed on removing the Tilapia and debris from the area by Bobby's Marina to the Captain Hodge Wharf.
Sea Turtle Index Beaches Simpson Bay, Guana Bay, Gibbs Bay and Dawn Beach were found to be in relatively good shape with the exception of large amounts of Sargasso weed being washed ashore. The Nature Foundation transferred a nest which was lain late Saturday Early Sunday higher up the Beach but the nest was lost to inundation. Similarly a nest was lost in Dawn Beach.
Diving Surveys:
The Nature Foundation carries out underwater surveys in Great Bay and Simpson Bay using diving equipment after the passing of any major storm to ensure that there is no debris which can harm swimmers. Diving surveys of Simpson Bay resulted in no major debris found which could pose a threat to swimmers. There are some significant patches of Sargasso in the area which swimmers should avoid.
An attempt was made to survey Great Bay but the visibility was too poor to effectively do so. Despite this there is a significant amount of debris at Great Bay Beach which can pose a threat to bathers as are the carcasses of numerous Tilapia out of the Great Salt Pond.
Subsequent dive surveys of Great Bay Beach will follow as visibility and water quality clears.
Man of War Shoal Marine Protected Area
Initial surveys of the Marine Park shows that mooring installations survived seas caused by the passing of Hurricane Gonzalo. Visibility was still too poor to effectively survey the coral reefs and subsequent surveys will be carried out in this regard on Friday October 17th. Results of this survey will be communicated in a further release.
Click here to view more photos of the Nature Foundation Post Gonzalo Assessment.