Location: Saba, Leeward Islands Map
Area: 5 sq mi (13 sq km)
The Saba National Marine Park encompasses the waters and the sea
that surrounds the Caribbean island of Saba, a territory of the
Kingdom of the Netherlands, from the maximum height of 200 feet (60
meters) in depth. In total, the marine park covers approximately 5
square miles (13 square kilometers). At the time of its creation in
1987, the government approved the Marine Environment Ordinance to
protect coral reefs and other marine species within the park. The
Saba Conservation Foundation manages the National Marine Park, as
well as the hyperbaric installation of the island and the natural
sites on land.
A series of regulations try to ensure that the
aquatic life of the park stays healthy. The area is divided into
zones according to acceptable uses. Commercial fishing is prohibited
in certain places to avoid overfishing. The reefs are protected from
damage by 36 buoys permanently anchored where boats can moor. Divers
are not allowed to dive by themselves. They should dive with guides
from one of Saba's three dive shops.