The Shrinking Lagoon

One of St. Maarten's most important topographical features is Simpson Lagoon, an almost landlocked body of water, large enough to have a real sail with a yacht. The Lagoon is home to several world class marinas and also an important ecological asset to the region.

Both the Dutch and French side of the island have draw bridges, giving ocean going yachts access to the Lagoon. The bridge in Simpson Bay is large enough to let 350' boats pass through. And yet, this important attraction to the island is shrinking daily – not through the actions of mother nature, but through an endless line of dump trucks filling the shallow water with dirt. Development of the airport caused already the fill of two other, smaller bodies of water, but now the runway needs to be extended and there was only the Lagoon available.

Much of the commercial strip in Simpson Bay has been build on landfill and one wonders how far the administration of the Dutch side will allow destruction of their islands central feature.

My friend Rich gave me an interesting explanation for this glaring insensitivity: To fill in water is the Dutch way of gaining territory, as much of the Netherlands has been won from the sea. He believes that they just don't see anything wrong by 'fighting the sea'. I tend to accept his theory because the Dutch show quite a lot of responsibility and social awareness in other areas.

Good thing that most of the Lagoon is on French territory and they haven't filled in one square meter yet.

If you want to see more of the Lagoon, take a cruise on sailing catamaran Celine. Captain Neil is offering almost daily Sunset Cruises out of Turtle Pier. This affordable excursion will give you a great impression of the Caribbeans largest lagoon. From land and especially from Airport Road, the Lagoon appears as a rather commercial body of water, with a few rusty freighters anchored in plain sight. But once you are on the water, you will find a few treasures. There is an uninhabited island of just a few acres with about fifteen palm trees and a lovely beach. From the boat you can view some of the amazing residences in the Lowlands and come close to the mega yachts in the marinas.
- posted by Jan @ 7:29 PM