Environment: alert on the death of fish in the ravines and ponds of Savane

The Saint-Martin Collectivité informs the population of the presence of dead fish in the ravines and ponds of the La Savane area.

Initial observations indicate that these are mainly Tilapias, Oreochromis spp., an invasive alien species (IAS) introduced to the island, disrupting the ecological balance and destroying local nursery biotopes.

This situation is the result of human action, more precisely the irresponsible release of Tilapias into the wild. This kind of negligence has serious consequences for our ecosystems and must absolutely stop.

Consequences :

• Competition with local species for resources.
• Disruption of aquatic ecosystems and threat to biodiversity.

Causes of mortality:

• Hypereutrophication of water due to excess organic matter and nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus).
• Lack of dissolved oxygen in water, often caused by falling water levels, stagnant water and excessive decomposition of organic matter, making the environment toxic to aquatic wildlife.

Call for vigilance:

• Check the maintenance of your septic tanks, as wastewater flows into ponds.
• Avoid releasing pollutants or untreated substances into nature.

PRESERVING OUR PONDS: A COLLECTIVE CHALLENGE!

A new wastewater network will soon be made available. Connection to this network is imperative and urgent to avoid discharges of untreated water and protect our environment.

In the immediate future, the Collectivité strongly insists on the need to have the condition of your non-collective installation checked by a professional and to take all necessary measures to guarantee its proper functioning.

It is essential that each installation complies with current standards to avoid any pollution of aquatic ecosystems.

The Collectivité of Saint-Martin calls on everyone to be responsible and vigilant. Preserving our wetlands means protecting our island and our future.