Because of the development of tourism and the increase in the resident population, environmental protection has progressively edged its way to priority status in St. Barths. Concrete steps have been taken not only to keep the island clean, notably, the installation of an effective waste treatment system, but also to improve the condition of the coastline and the ocean floor immediately surrounding the island. In the past, it was Subprotect, a volunteer group, that periodically scheduled clean-up days. The success of these outings depended on the fact that the island's most-environmentally conscious were active and dedicated enough in their quest to preserve the island's greatest natural resource- an unpolluted ocean- to pick up the garbage tossed mindlessly at sea by environmental Cromagnons. Aside from these community-generated projects, island leaders thought it wise to take an official stand on the matter and to create a marine reserve around St. Barthélemy in order to safeguard the island's underwater flora and fauna.
In 1988, American scientists on an underwater observation mission in St. Barths undertook a series of dives in different parts of the island. The results of those dives brought two vital bits of information to the fore: that the underwater biosystem was as fragile as it was varied, and that remedial steps needed to be taken quickly to prevent the further degeneration of the island's underwater flora and fauna. Though several factors were responsible for the deteriorated marine condition, the most consequential had mostly to do with sheer numbers; there were more and more people now using’ the ocean to dive, to fish, or boat, whether for pleasure or commercial gain. As for overfishing, the island's commercial and amateur fishermen shared the blame. The coral reefs were taking a severe beating from careless or inexperienced scuba divers and anchors that would rake against the underwater pastures or coral reefs until they landed. It became evident that some kind of control was needed.
On an island that has lived for years without rules and where residents have had the habit of fishing where and what they pleased, the creation of the marine reserve was not an easy sell. It took nearly 8 years of meetings, discussions, counter-discussions, and sometimes-violent opposition for the concept to come to fruition. One of the greatest challenges was striking the elusive balance between the no-rules position of the past and the for-our-own-good rules that would protect the environment without damaging tourism or depriving the island's fishermen of practicing their livelihood. On October 10, 1996, the first formal step was taken when the prefect of Guadeloupe signed the ordinance officially recognizing the marine reserve. It would be a full three years more, on November 6 1999, before the reserve officially went into operation.
Since that day, a limited number of zones stretching out over 1200 hectares, are under reserve protection ( Fourchue, Colombier ,Fregate and Toc de Vert, Pain de Sucre and Gros Islet, La Tortue, Marigot and Cul-de-Sac). Activities that are permitted or prohibited are defined for each zone. For example, all marine-based activities (fishing, anchoring, diving, jetskiing, etc,) are strictly prohibited around the island of Tortue. Cul de Sac, Marigot and Petite Anse in Flamands have been classified as underwater nurseries, and as such, fishing in those areas is limited to only a certain number of specifically designated species. The rules are more relaxed and scuba-diving, burgot and conch fishing are permitted in the areas that have a high tourist draw (Fourchue, Colombier ,Fregate and Toc de Vert, Pain de Sucre and Gros Islet).
Even if it is still too early to draw scientific conclusions, the results of the protection program seem to be paying off already. Certain species are reappearing. Turtles, protected by the Washington Convention, have made a comeback and once again inhabit the island's bays. Fish can once again be seen in Colombier and Fourchue and the coral reef is, in places, rebuilding. Local thinking has also progressed, in large part as a result of the environmental awareness campaign that the reserve's managers have doggedly pursued. Marine reserve staff members pay regular visits to the island's schools, an educational measure that is indispensable for ensuring the preservation of one of St. Barth's most vital, and most essential treasures.
Yves Bourel
Beyonce and Jay-Z have taken their daughter on her first vacation. The couple, who celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary last week, have been enjoying the sunshine on the Caribbean island of St. Barts with three-month-old Blue Ivy over the weekend, and took the tot for a day trip on a yacht.
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Kick-off Les Voiles de Saint Barth 2012 Caribbean regatta in the magical French West Indies sailing paradise!
Today the prestigious and top-class Caribbean sailing regatta Les Voiles de St. Barth 2012 with Gaastra Sportswear as the official partner starts: At the third edition run...
Inside the Bucket.
This video features the 2012 St Barths Bucket Regatta and music by the Evan Goodrow Band. Special thanks to the entire crew of the Rebecca, Baz Bar, St Barths Online and the guys from the Evan Goodrow Band for putting on a fantastic show. The song from the Evan Goodrow Band is c...
On board with Rebecca.
The best event in St Barths took place on March 24 - 27, 2012. This video features the beautiful 141 ft sailing yacht, The Rebecca.
produced by Real Media Travel for St. Barths Online and Baz Bar St Barth.
The age old saying of "I need a holiday to get over my holiday" actually seems applicable if you happen to be Paul McCartney.
The Beatle took wife Nancy Shevell on a romantic break to the Caribbean island of St Barts, just days after the pair visited Paris.
Last week, the lovebirds showed support ...
On the day their pregnancy news was announced, Thor star Chris Hemsworth, 28, and Elsa Pataky, 35, were seen in sunny St. Barts, France on Wednesday (January 18). The Fast Five actress looked lovely in blue, sporting her beautiful baby bump.
Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky
Chris and Elsa - w...
She might be 44, but Tamara Mellon still boasts a figure that women half her age would be proud of.
The Jimmy Choo co-founder showed off her toned figure in a sexy animal-print bikini as she hit the beach with her daughter in St Barts yesterday.
The skimpy string two-piece highlighted Tamara's env...
With almost every other celebrity couple enjoying the New Year in exotic locations, Gary and Danielle Lineker weren't going to be any different.
The married couple were spotted enjoying a romantic walk along a beach in St Barts today - and looked very much in love.
Gary, 51 and his wife, 32, had o...
Which beaches to choose?
The glamorous island of St Barts is one of the Caribbean's top beach destinations. Ringing the island are immaculate strips of sand and ethereal turquoise waters. The shallow reefs that encircle the island help to protect these renowned beaches, and they also provide excell...
St. Barts, Why Not?
Since the wealthy and celebrated frequently visit St. Barts for a tropical vacation, you will find that many plush St. Barts Resorts can be found on this stunning island. For those taking St. Barts holidays, it is simple to find hotels with each luxury available. Frequently thes...
Vacation With the Rich and Famous at St. Barts.
Want to bump into celebrities and be seen hanging out where the rich and famous play? Then the Caribbean island of St. Barts is the place to be.
While warm sand and blue waters do make an ideal vacation location, this destination has that and a whol...
Where to go for one day in Caribbean?
St. Maarten / St. Martin
The half-Dutch, half-French island of St. Maarten/St. Martin, with its many restaurants and hotels, makes a great base for an island-hopping adventure. Graced by the nickname Unspoiled Queen, tiny little Saba is not the kind of Caribbe...
Villa La Plage in St Barts.
The posh French resort isle of St. Barth's was already a prize destination when Roman Abramovich purchased an estate there for $89 million in 2009; since the oligarch arrived it has become even more so.
Now Christie's International Real Estate has listed another impres...
Baywatch in St Barts.
Making it official after five years of engagement, Brooke Burke and beau David Charvet have reportedly tied the knot while yachting in St. Barts.
According to Life & Style, the "Dancing with the Stars" host and the former "Baywatch" hunk, who have been vacationing in the...
St. Barth Summer Sessions Aug. 5-15, 2011
St Barth Summer Sessions 2011 this year will have a focus on artists from Brazil. The festival will take place at a variety of different venues all over the island, and in the end of the festival there will be a big common concert in the Harbor of Gustavia ...
The Eclipse, no ordinary yacht.
It probably hasn't escaped your attention that, with modern methods of transport, measuring and telecommunication, no "terra incognita" is safe from the crazed enthusiasm of certain explorers of scientists. Everything has already been discovered and minutely placed o...
Ashley Rodriguez Trio
Ashley Rodriguez, one of the famous finalist from the American Idol 2010 is back in St Barth between May 5-15. Ashley was participating last summer for the St Barth Summer Session in august 2010 at La Plage and she will now come with her 'All Girls Band', Liz on the guitar ...
The La Plage restaurant introduce :
ST BARTH SUMMER SESSIONS
« 5 to 15 august 2010, 10 days of crazy music ! »
Festival program
La Plage St Jean Tel: 0590 52 81 33 Email: tombeach@wanadoo.fr Site: www.stbarthsummersessions.com
THE GREAT FISH DEBATE There seems to be a bone of contention among a few of my friends. Fine folks who love some of the finer things in life, such as Dover Sole That flat fish floating in butter and capers. Known in French as Sole Meunière, it is made from what is called in European fisherman ver...
