The upgraded laboratory facility will become the permanent home of STENAPA’s sea urchin restoration project, implemented under the Nature and Environment Policy Plan (NEPP).

A major first step has now been completed with excavation and start of construction of a series of seawater storage tanks that will form an important part of the laboratory’s water supply and filtration system. Once built, the tanks will provide a constant reserve of filtered seawater for the culture of long-spined sea urchins (Diadema antillarum).

This additional storage capacity will also allow the laboratory to remain more self-sufficient during periods of rough weather, when pumping seawater directly from the coast may be difficult or temporarily interrupted.

Once completed, the expanded laboratory will provide the specialized infrastructure needed to culture Diadema from larvae through to juveniles. The young urchins will then be returned to local reefs, where their grazing helps control algae and creates better conditions for coral growth and recovery. Coral protection and recovery is vital because coral reefs support marine life, shield coastlines from wave- and storm energy, and provide food for the community.

Keep an eye on the official Statia Government pages for further updates.