Protecting Saint Martin

SAINT Martin has undoubtedly added beauty to tourism in Bangladesh. It has also brought variety in our environmental balance. Corals and coral reefs are its chief attraction.
Presently, Saint Martin is losing its beauty and has almost become environmentally vulnerable. The coral reef of the island is facing many man-made threats. Sometimes, humans cause serious damage to the corals and the coral reefs without realising. After Sundarbans, Saint Martin is our main attraction, and it needs to be protected soon.
Coral reefs can only thrive in a congenial environment. They need ample sunlight, narrow range of the temperature of the water, and the salinity of the water should be around 34-37 parts per thousand. Shallow waters are the areas where we see the reefs thriving, as the algae need sunlight for photosynthesis. This is definitely not possible in deeper waters.
Man plays the major role in the destruction of the coral reefs. Nature also has her own part to play. Sometimes, hurricanes and such storms destroy major portions of the reef. A lot of marine animals, such as the starfish, even eat into the corals.
The prime destruction of the coral reef at Saint Martin has been due to mankind. Global warming and the increase in pollution levels have caused a lot of damage to the reef.
The increase in the pollution levels is also of prime concern to scientists all over the world. Pollution affects the reefs of Saint Martin in more ways than one can ever imagine. For example, oil spills pollute the water, which in turn enters the reefs through the corals. Once the polyps are affected, the entire reef faces damage.
The dumping of waste products into the sea has contaminated the oceans. This can sometimes result in the over-growth of algae, and an excess of algae covering the reef causes less intake of oxygen. The increase in the levels of carbon dioxide in the water has made the coral structures weaker. This makes the reef more vulnerable.
The coral reefs are home to many marine animals. They are also a major source of food. We need to understand, while purchasing coral souvenirs, that this is also a major cause of the damage to the coral reef. Tourism has had a devastating effect on the coral reefs, as they are being stripped of their natural cover to satisfy the increasing greed of the human race.
Global warming has now resulted in rising temperatures of the ocean waters. Corals need lower temperatures for food processing. Any change in the climate causes loss of the algae covering the reefs.
When the algae are unable to produce food by photosynthesis, the reefs have to face "coral bleaching." The coral bleaching is evident when the major areas of the reefs turn white.
We can easily make a difference to the environment with every step we take. The coral reefs and Mother Bangladesh would benefit largely if we follow the simple steps listed below:

• When we operate a boat, we have to avoid oil and gas spills, and also to navigate the boat carefully to prevent any damage to the reef.
• When we go to our favourite restaurant for sumptuous seafood delights, we have to avoid those items that are caught through illegal practices and the use of illegal equipment.
• To use the public transport available, or to find other alternatives (carpool) that would help in reducing the levels of pollution.
• To be aware of the use of water. Water is precious, so use every drop with care. This is very important, as less usage of water will reduce the amount of wastewater being dumped into our oceans.
• When we feel the need to snorkel or scuba dive, we have to ensure the authenticity of the operators. We have to know if they are aware of, and care for, the coral reefs, and the measures they undertake to preserve them. Most operators are out to make a quick buck, so we have to support only those people who are aware of their responsibilities towards the sea.
• To plant trees to reduce the rising temperatures caused by global warming.
• As tourists, we must be completely avoid giving encouragement to those outlets that sell illegal souvenirs. There is only one way to put an end to this practice -- let's stop buying such souvenirs.
• We, too, can help in the clean-up of the coastal area. Let's avoid littering the beaches, and support local groups that are actively involved in these causes.

No argument, Saint Martin is one of the main natural resources of Bangladesh. We had been proud of Sundarbans, but Sidr has killed its beauty and safeguard to the environment. So, to protect the corals and coral reefs at Saint Martin is now our prime duty to defend against cyclones in future, so to say, facing the upshots of climate change.

Mohammad Shahidul Islam is a freelance travel writer.