Current view: Text account
Site description (2006 baseline):
Site location and context
Fresh Pond is an oblong pond approximately 2.5 kilometers long and 1 kilometer across. It is located within the capital city of Phillipsburg. Due to the low salinity (2-3 parts per thousand), this pond supports species which are less common in other parts of St. Maarten and the Lesser Antilles.
The Near Threatened Caribbean Coot nests at this site. Two nests have been recorded while a maximum of 53 individuals have been observed. A maximum of 29 Snowy Egrets nests have been recorded in the mangrove trees on the little islets, while 183 individuals have been observed. Five pairs of Pied-billed Grebes have been recorded nesting at Fresh Pond. Two Common Moorhen pairs have been recorded nesting. Great Egret
Casmerodius albus, White-cheeked Pintail
Anas bahamensis, and Ruddy Duck
Oxyura jamaicensis nest at this site as well.
Other regionally limited species found at this site include Green-throated Carib
Eulampis holosericeus, Antillean Crested Hummingbird
Orthorhyncus cristatus, Pearly-eyed Thrasher
Margarops fuscatus, and Lesser Antillean Bullfinch
Loxigilla noctis.
Non-bird biodiversity: Not applicable
Fresh Pond is bordered by water grasses and white mangrove trees. Human-made islands at each end of the pond, vegetated with mangroves and coconut trees, are popular nesting sites. Human disturbance is an issue at this urban location. A busy bridge bisects the pond and heavy traffic and development encircle the area.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
The presence of a sewage treatment plant on the shore of Fresh Pond causes concern regarding contamination. The water is high in nutrients from sewage outflow from surrounding areas, sometimes resulting in fish die-offs due to eutrophication. Trash is prevalent among the shoreline vegetation. Pollution runoff from adjacent roads is problematic. Predators such as cats, dogs, rats, and mongoose frequent the area.
Conservation responses/actions for key biodiversity
Weekly or monthly population counts have been conducted every winter since 2001 by Environmental Protection In the Caribbean (EPIC). In 2004, a census was conducted during the spring and summer months as well. The Nature Foundation of St. Maarten planted mangrove trees at the site, which have thrived in the low salinity, high nutrient waters. EPIC and the Nature Foundation, with funding from Royal Caribbean, constructed a bird observation tower and educational signage.
Fresh Pond itself, like almost all ponds, is protected as public space and cannot be privately owned. Government may use the pond as it sees best. The area surrounding the pond is developed.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Fresh Pond, Sint Maarten (Sint Maarten (to Netherlands)). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/fresh-pond-sint-maarten-iba-sint-maarten-(to-netherlands) on 23/12/2024.
