In this summer period which coincides with the peak of the sea turtle nesting season, the Management Association of the Nature reserve of Saint-Martin (AGRNSM) calls for vigilance on the island's protected beaches. Every year, officers find wild fires, particularly on theTintamarre Islet and a dangerous behavior, both for local wildlife and for the people themselves.
Fires lit without authorization or outside the designated areas can disorient turtles coming to lay their eggs., damage or destroy their nests, and pollute the sand. However, sea turtles, their eggs, their spawning sites as well as the surrounding vegetation are strictly protected by law. Added to this is the fire hazard : in these remote areas, a poorly controlled fire could have irreversible consequences on the ecosystem and represent a danger for visitors.
To allow users to enjoy the site without jeopardizing its biodiversity, three traffic lights have recently been installed at White Bay, away from sensitive areas. These arrangements make it possible to regulate uses, provided that everyone respects the instructions: use only Charcoal, do not leave fires unattended, and clean the area when leaving.
The offenders are exposed to heavy sanctions which could lead to up to three years of imprisonment and a fine of €150.000, doubled if the acts are committed in a Nature Reserve. For the bivouacs, a prior authorization remains necessary. _Vx
Info: https://reservenaturelle-saint-martin.com/
https://faxinfo.fr/en/environnement-feux-sauvages-une-menace-directe-pour-les-tortues-marines/
