The Statia Marine Park was established in 1996 with the objective of conserving and managing the marine resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the people and future generations. The park surrounds the island (encompassing the entire coast) and extends from the high water mark out to a depth of 30 metres (100 ft). The total area of the park is 27.5 km2. Within the Marine Park, there are two actively managed reserves where anchoring and fishing are not permitted in order to protect pristine coral reef.

The Marine Life of Statia

There are 3 types of coral reef within the marine park. Many of the reefs have developed on the remains of an extinct volcano (the Boven area) and a dormant volcano (the Quill area). The types of substrate corals have colonized range from bombs and lava blocks to solidified lava flows shaped like ‘fingers’. In the Southern Reserve, a distinctive spur and groove zone (a series of alternating rocky fingers and sandy channels) has formed. The third reef type has formed on the remains of wrecks, both new and old, dating from the 1700s to 2004.

The coral reefs of the Marine Park also boast a high biodiversity. 100% cover (with over 43% coral and 15% sponges) has been recorded in the Reserves. A wide array of tropical reef creatures resides in and around these reefs as well. Among these species are: Angelfish, Butterflyfish, Flying Gurnard, Moray Eels, Spotted Drums, Frogfish, Sea Horses, Octopus, Lobster, Rays, Sharks, and Turtles. From January to April, the calls of Dolphins and Whales can often be heard as they migrate through the Marine Park. The Botanical Garden presents a popular viewpoint for Humpbacks during this time.

Background Information on Reefs and Their Status Worldwide

Corals themselves are very delicate structures made up of tiny animals called polyps. A coral polyp consists mostly of a soft stomach, stinging tentacles, and a mouth surrounded by a hard limestone skeleton. The formation of a large reef is a long and arduous process. Colonies of thousands of coral polyps can take hundreds of years to form massive reefs. The structure of each reef is developed through growth of new colonies over older skeletons.

Coral reefs around the world are under threat resulting in the possible loss of the most highly productive and diverse ecosystem. Coral reefs support thousands of species, provide food to millions of people, and act as barriers against floods and coastal erosion.

Factors Currently Threatening Coral Reefs in the Caribbean

• Natural events such as hurricanes and diseases can destroy entire reefs.
• Physical impacts from anchors, boat groundings, and divers have an adverse affect on reefs.
• Climate change, leading to increased water temperatures, causes coral bleaching (coral turns white as it loses the algae upon which it depends for food). Prolonged bleaching may cause death.

Marine Park Reserves

Within the Marine Park, there are two marine reserves (the Northern and Southern Reserves). No fishing or anchoring is allowed in these areas in order to protect pristine coral reefs. The majority of the coral reef area around Statia is contained within the Reserves. Throughout both Reserves, dive moorings are maintained to prevent people from anchoring, while still allowing them the opportunity to enjoy the unique experience of diving on a reef. The Reserves were set up to conserve marine biodiversity, restore dwindling fish stocks, promote sustainable tourism, and safeguard the marine ecosystem.

Activities of the Marine Park

• Installation and maintenance of 42 dive, snorkel, and yacht moorings.
• Education and raising awareness about the importance of marine conservation.
• Research and monitoring including:
  - Reef Check
  - Fishery Assessments
  - Coral Watch (to monitor bleaching)
  - Turtle Conservation and Monitoring
  - Tanker Impacts
  - Recreational Use
• Patrolling and enforcement of park laws and regulations.
• Working closely with local dive operators and live-aboards.
• Diving and fishery enhancement through creation of artificial reefs.
• Advisory role to government for coastal development, tourism, and pollution.
  

Snorkelling

Snorkeling is a popular pastime for those visiting Statia. While many of the coral reefs are only accessible by diving, there are a number available to snorkelers. In Oranje Bay, you can get a snorkelers introduction to the history of Statia with a view of many cannons, anchors, submerged sea walls, crumbling warehouses, and the remains of old piers. Entry points include Oranje Bay beach, Golden Era Hotel pier, and the harbour beach.
There are also 3 snorkel sites available by boat (Blind Shoal and Twelve Guns in the Southern Reserve and Inner Jenkings Bay in the Northern Reserve). There are moorings available at these three sites. Snorkelers wishing to use the Marine Park moorings are required to purchase a dive tag: $3 for a single dive or $15 for an annual pass (proceeds go towards mooring maintenance).

Yachting

Yachts are welcome to anchor or moor in Oranje Bay. The Marine Park maintains 12 yacht moorings in the bay (yellow buoys). There is a yacht fee of $10/night or $30/week. Fees go towards regular maintenance, cleaning, and rope replacement of the moorings.

Guidelines for Yachts

• The Park Rangers collect mooring fees daily and can advise on available facilities (water, laundry, shopping, fuel, ice, and weather forecasts)
• For Customs and Immigration proceed to the Harbour Office (open Monday-Friday: 0800 – 1600, weekends: 0800 – 1100) for paperwork and registration.
• The Parks Office is open Monday-Thursday: 0800 – 1700, and Friday: 0800 – 1600.
• The Marine Park can be contacted on VHF 17/16 and the Harbour Office may be reached on VHF 14.
• Waste disposal bins are available at the City Pier.
• The international law (MARPOL) prohibits the discharge of any type of solid or liquid waste, including food, into the sea within 3 miles of land.
• Vessels with onboard holding tanks are encouraged to use them and to dispose of waste periodically offshore.
  

Mooring Your Yacht

Visiting yachts are only allowed to moor on the yellow Marine Park moorings provided in Oranjestad Bay. To moor your boat:

1. Approach the floating pick-up line of the mooring by heading into the wind or current at a very slow speed. Shift engine into neutral before reaching the mooring.
2. Pick up the eye of the pick-up line with you boat hook.
3. Thread your bowline through the eye-splice of the pick-up line twice, or thimble once, to prevent chafing. Do not tie off eye at the boat stern.
4. Bring your line back to the boat and cleat it off on the same side. DO NOT put the pick-up line eye over your boat cleat.
5. When leaving the mooring, back away with the wind after casting off the pick-up line.

* Rafting with other boats is not permitted while occupying Marine Park moorings. During heavy seas, it is recommended to use an anchor as additional support.

Anchoring Your Yacht

If moorings are not available or their use is inappropriate, please use these guidelines to anchor:

1. Shift engine into neutral and slowly head into the wind or current and be sure crew, anchor, and anchor line are ready.
2. When selecting an anchorage, observe the bottom. Make sure your anchor line is 5 times the water depth. Do not drop your anchor on coral reefs or seagrass beds. Most of Oranje Bay has a sandy bottom.
3. Once an anchorage is determined, lower the anchor over the side; never throw the anchor.
4. Slowly play out the anchor line to avoid the line from dropping into a pile on the bottom.
5. Allow time for the anchor to catch hold. Let the current or wind drift the boat back. Once the anchor is set, fasten the anchor line to the bow cleat.
6. Reverse the boat slowly, creating a steady strain on the anchor line to ensure the anchor is holding. If the anchor is moving, pull it up and try again.
7. Check for dragging by noticing vibrations on the anchor line, or by visible jerks on the line.

* Do not anchor within 30 m (100 ft) of any mooring or regulatory buoy. If in doubt where to anchor, call the Marine Park on VHF 17/16.

Diving Guidelines Download the Statia Marine Park dive map here

1. Diving within the Marine Park is allowed only through local dive operators. (There are three dive operators on the island.)
   -Dive Statia
   -Scubaqua
   -Golden Rock
2. Each diver must purchase a dive tag (sold through the dive operator).
   -annual diving pass= $15
   -single dive pass= $3
   *All fees go towards operational and maintenance costs of the Marine Park.
3. Avoid wearing gloves and touching or collecting marine life, including shells.
4. When diving near coral, be aware of trailing equipment and your fins. The slightest touch can damage or kill sensitive coral.
5. Do not feed fish. It changes their natural behavior and diet.
6. Leave historical artifacts undisturbed to allow future divers to enjoy them.
7. Report any turtle and cetacean sightings to the National Parks Office.
8. Never touch, disturb, or harass a turtle or any other encountered marine life.
   

Turtle Programme

Established in 2002, the Turtle Conservation Programme is aimed to promote the long-term survival of the endangered sea turtle populations of Statia through research and education. Three species of turtles (Hawksbill, Green, and Leatherback) are frequently seen on Statia and often use the beaches as nesting grounds. As part of the Turtle Programme, nightly patrols of the beaches are carried out throughout the nesting season (April-October) and all turtles encountered are measured and tagged.

All the turtles are protected by local and international law, so if a turtle is encountered while diving on Statia, please do not disturb or touch them. If interested in helping the turtles, volunteers are more than welcome to assist with monthly beach clean-ups or turtle patrols- ask at the National Parks Office for details.