St. Maarten Nature Foundation have been researching the on-going drought conditions the island has been experiencing

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — We have been researching the effects of the on-going drought conditions the island has been experiencing for the past few months and have been researching water level, the amount and state of animals and the level of pollution recorded in specifically wetlands affected by the dry weather.

We recorded a drop of about 40 centimetres in certain sections of the Belair and Fresh Ponds and a 60-centimeter drop in the Great Salt Pond.

Numerous birds, fish and turtle carcasses were also observed in sections of the Great Salt Pond.

Although seasonal fluctuations are normal, with certain times of year being dryer than others, the recent dry-spell has been causing some concern.

We have seen an increase in rain recently and hopefully in the coming days with the approach of a tropical system we can get some much needed relief.