Rangers and interns of St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation STENAPA engaged in beach mapping at Zeelandia.
- EUSTATIUS--A team of St. Eustatius National Parks STENAPA rangers and interns ventured to Zeelandia to conduct a beach-mapping exercise during the past week.
STENAPA stated that the amount of sand on the beach can fluctuate over time, but cliff falls, sand-mining and storm swells all work in sync to degrade Zeelandia beach.
The exercise’s data were collected using methods in a crosscutting manner where the instrument was pointed towards the sea from a beginning yardstick. A considerable range of the coast was surveyed using these tools.
The exercise enabled STENAPA to obtain a better view of the area’s topography.
Activities such as sand-mining and driving on the beach, but also storm swells have a negative impact on turtle nesting sites. Sea turtles are critically endangered and the foundation has taken several measures to protect seas turtles that venture onto Statia’s beaches to nest, with Zeelandia beach being one of their prime locations.
Some large boulders were previously placed at Zeelandia beach to decrease the possibility of vehicles driving on the beach for fun or sand-removal, and signs were erected.
Year-round sea turtles on the island were given protective status, which status also applies to all the Dutch territories. A stiff penalty was also introduced for anyone harming or capturing a sea turtle.
The beaches are deemed very essential to Statia’s marine life and to the island’s tourism sector. Therefore, all efforts are being taken to protect Statia’s beaches, STENAPA said.
