Bahamas Maritime Authority Enforces New Restrictions on Saba Bank

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  • Saba Bank Designated as Particularly Sensitive Sea Area to Protect Coral Reefs.
  • New Shipping Regulations to Safeguard the Healthiest Coral Reefs in the Caribbean.
  • Saba Bank Now an Area To Be Avoided for Ships of 300 Gross Tonnage and Above.

Effective 17 June 2017, the Saba Bank has been designated as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) and an Area To Be Avoided (ATBA) for ships of 300 gross tonnage and above, including private yachts. This restriction prohibits these vessels from navigating or anchoring within the specified area, reinforcing efforts to protect the fragile ecosystem, reports Safety4Sea.

Unique and Pristine Coral Reef Ecosystem

The coral reefs of Saba Bank are among the healthiest in the Caribbean, with some areas recording up to 70% coral cover. The Saba Bank is ranked within the top four healthiest reefs in the region by the Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA), using variables such as coral cover, fish populations, disease presence, algae levels, and the ratio of living to dead coral.

Self-sustaining and Highly Productive Ecosystem

The Saba Bank is far removed from human-induced influences on land; hence, it has experienced minimal sedimentation, nutrient pollution, and other kinds of stressors. Coral reefs in the Saba Bank support a variety of marine life, including important commercial species such as conch (Strombus gigas) and lobster (Panulirus argus). The Saba Bank also acts as an important nursery and feeding ground for migrants and supports larval recruitment throughout the wider Caribbean region.

Navigational Guidance for Mariners

To avoid pollution and mechanical destruction of this fragile environment, mariners should steer clear of the defined area boundaries of the Saba Bank PSSA. Geographical coordinates define the limits of the area; there is a no-anchoring rule for all vessels.

Geographical Boundaries

The area bounded by the following coordinates is off-limits for vessels of 300 gross tonnage and above:

  1. 17° 27′.06 N, 063° 56′.14 W
  2. 17° 29′.00 N, 063° 55′.09 W
  3. 17° 27′.94 N, 063° 43′.32 W
  4. 17° 38′.03 N, 063° 27′.41 W
  5. 17° 43′.35 N, 063° 32′.74 W
  6. 17° 45′.98 N, 063° 29′.98 W
  7. 17° 40′.34 N, 063° 21′.10 W
  8. 17° 30′.88 N, 063° 10′.92 W
  9. 17° 23′.80 N, 063° 11′.25 W
  10. 17° 16′.27 N, 063° 15′.85 W
  11. 17° 13′.44 N, 063° 26′.89 W
  12. 17° 10′.55 N, 063° 41′.81 W
  13. 17° 20′.85 N, 063° 49′.89 W

Strict Enforcement and Penalties

The Bahamas Maritime Authority has emphasized that fines for violations of these restrictions are substantial. Owners, masters, and operators of Bahamian ships must ensure compliance to avoid legal and financial repercussions. “Owners, Masters and Companies operating Bahamian ships are advised that they can no longer cross the Saba Bank and the fines associated are high,” the Bahamas Maritime Authority said.

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Source: Safety4Sea