Page 516 - The Dutch Caribbean Isles
P. 516
aba is blessed with an abundance of Divers, Flying Gurnards and Garden Eels at sites east of the harbor.
predominate.
S fish in the Marine Park. This is the result S aba now boasts three land-based dive
T rue reefs are only found at a few shops and is visited year-round by one
of restrictions on fishing, anchorage and locations within the Marine Park. The live-aboard and seasonally by another.
extensive diver education as to the rules vast majority of coral structures can be This year, the Saba Conservation Founda-
and regulations. One dramatic indication of categorized as “coral encrusted boulders”. tion, with grant funding from the Dutch
this is the large number of Nassau Grouper These boulders are volcanic in origin and government, is producing seven brochures
(Graysbys, Hinds, Coneys) that can be seen generally originate from the hillsides to assist visitors. From the history of the
on every dive. Ecological surveys have along the coast. Both hard and soft corals park, guidelines for visiting yachts, to hik-
recorded over 150 species, all with healthy and sponges cover the boulders to such a ing maps, these informative brochures are
populations. Some of the most common degree that the rock is often not visible. available at the Saba Tourist Office, the Trail
pelagic fish include Horse-eye Jacks, Great The Pinnacles are coral encrusted volcanic Shop or the new Visitor’s Center for the
Barracuda, Wahoo, Tarpon and 5 species of structures rising out of the sea floor 100m Saba Marine Park at the Fort Bay Harbor.
shark. Schooling fish include Wrasses, Blue (330ft) below. Gorgonians, Sea Fans and
Tangs, Chromis and Surgeonfish. On almost Barrel and Chimney Sponges are abundant
every dive, Parrotfish, Triggerfish, Angel- everywhere. Elkhorn colonies can be found
fish, Snapper and Grunts can be seen in
abundance. In sandy areas, Lizardfish, Sand
