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In 1996 Dr. Deborah Brosnan donned mask and snorkel and slipped into the Caribbean sea off Gros Islets in St. Barthelemy. Gliding among a kaleidescope of color and movement, she knew she had found a special place. These coral reefs now form part of the new marine reserve which Dr Brosnan and SEI helped to launch on November 6th 1999 as part of a big celebration week for the island. |
| A tiny volcanic island, St Barthelemy FWI is one of the jewels of the Caribbean. Magnificent bays and offshore rocks are home to a diversity of marine life. |
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In the late 1980's Dr Don Comb and Martine Kellettt of the New England Biolabs foundation approached the Government to explore the possibilities of setting up a marine reserve. As long time visitors to the island, they had witnessed a decline in coral reefs and were anxious to help preserve the islands natural treasures. Right: Dr. Don Comb at the launching of the new reserve |
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Delighted with the offer of assistance the foundation and the St. Barth government began working together to design and develop a reserve. A reserve must be based on local support and the foundation helped with outreach to fishermen, business, and other interests in the island. There was much open discussion and debate on the merits of the Reserve, and a design was adopted. |
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The Reserve was finally decreed by the French Government. A local official administration (GRENAT) was set up to run the reserve under the directorship of M. Daniel Blanchard, former mayor of St. Barthelemy. Right: M. Daniel Blanchard president of GRENAT welcoming guests, and the Sous Prefect of Guadeloupe |
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Photoquadrat at Ile Fregat. |
In 1995 the Foundation requested SEI to develop a scientific program for the Reserve, and after meeting with Government, and local individuals we started a program looking at corals, invertebrates, and fish inside and outside the Reserve. Since 1996 SEI has carried out regular monitoring and outreach on the science and importance of marine reserves. We already see some results. At Ile Fregat elkhorn (Acropora) and other corals are up by over 20% |
| On November 6th 1999, the new reserve was officially inaugurated during a big celebratory week in St. Barth that included a Jimmy Buffett concert on the waterfront, a firework display and the 50th anniversary of "Le Select" |
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SEI was there to celebrate this big event, and Dr. Deborah Brosnan broadcast the radio segment "VOICE FROM THE REEF" using DIVELINK underwater communication technology. Thanks to Divelink for the equipment
Left: Assembling Divelink gear for the broadcast
© 2000 Sustainable Ecosystems
Institute
 comments: sei@sei.org |
