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<DIV><FONT size=2>Hello coral-listers. I'm looking for some advice about a
proposed artificial reef for the Statia Marine Park. The local oil
terminal was recently tasked to clean up "the farm" which is basically a dump
for their old heavy equipment. The terminal approached me about turning
some of these items into an artificial reef on the bay side of the island.
We already have two artificial reefs there, but in deeper water than where the
terminal proposed placing this equipment. I toured "the farm" this morning
to look at the possible future artificial reef materials which include large
steel pipes, cranes, containers, iron walkways and (cringe) SPM hoses which
terminal personnel assure me can be cleaned of any oil residue.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Specifically I need to know what materials are safe and
guidelines for preparation of these materials. If we decide to allow the
placement of this material, I need to instruct terminal personnel to separate
materials into "no," maybe," and "okay" piles by mid-December in order for the
terminal to meet the clean-up deadline. At that point they can start
preparation of the materials fit to go in the water.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>The Statia Marine Park surrounds the island of Statia and
harbors two no-take reserves comprised primarily of surprisingly healthy coral.
One concern is that fish may move from these natural and protected areas to
these artificial ones where fishing is allowed. There is about a 2 mile
buffer between the proposed site and the northern reserve, and about a 3 mile
buffer between the site and the southern reserve.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>I am not completely sold on the idea of artificial reefs
(nothing can come close to matching natural ones), although they do enhance
fishing and diving opportunities which are both important factors for the
economy on this island. Any opinions/advice on this issue???</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Thanks,</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Kay Lynn</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Kay Lynn Plummer<BR>Marine and National Parks Manager<BR>St.
Eustatius National Parks Foundation<BR>Gallows Bay<BR>St. Eustatius, Netherlands
Antilles<BR>Tel: 599-3182884<BR>Fax: 599-3182913<BR>email: <A
href="mailto:semp@goldenrock.net">semp@goldenrock.net</A><BR></FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>