Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Man of War Shoal Marine Park in Supporting Shark and Reef Fish Biodiversity

The SXM Divers team is proud to have supported a groundbreaking research project on shark and reef fish biodiversity in St. Maarten, published in Environmental Biology of Fishes. Led by Nathan Perisic, then a master’s student, the study assessed how well the Man of War Shoal Marine Park supports marine life, focusing on key species like Caribbean reef sharks (Carcharhinus perezi) and commercially important reef fish.

We assisted in deploying Baited Remote Underwater Video systems (BRUVs) to survey fish populations and shark activity, working alongside Delhon Hewitt from the Nature Foundation Sint Maarten. The BRUVs recorded over 1,000 individual fish, representing more than 50 species, revealing valuable patterns in species distribution. Combined with existing acoustic telemetry data, the study highlighted how habitat complexity influences predator-prey interactions and the presence of endangered species. Notably, Carcharhinus perezi showed a strong preference for structurally diverse areas, reinforcing the importance of marine protected areas in maintaining biodiversity.

This research also underscored ongoing conservation challenges, such as habitat degradation and illegal fishing, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and protection. By contributing to this study, SXM Divers helped advance the scientific understanding of St. Maarten’s marine ecosystems, demonstrating the critical role of local collaboration in preserving our oceans.