Saba National Marine Park

A number of different plant species live on the reef and sandy habitats, the most common being Encrusting fan-leaf algae (Lobophora variegata), and Dictyota sp. Other species found include calcareous algae (with calcium in their structure) such as Pink Coralline algae and Leaf Algae (Halamida sp.). Mats of Red Algae grow in some areas. Seaweeds such as Sargassum and Green Feather Algae (Caulerpa sertulanoides) provide habitat and food for other animals.

All four Caribbean species of turtle can be found in Saba National Marine Parks water: Hawksbills (Eretmochelys imbricate), Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas), Leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea) and Loggerheads (Caretta caretta) are a very occasional visitor. A number of Cetaceans are regular visitors both to the reefs and the waters around Saba, including; Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), , Spinner Dolphins (Stenella longirostris), Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncates) (Attachment 13). Caribbean Reef Sharks, Nurse Sharks and Black Tip Sharks are the most common shark specied in Saba National Marine Park, with occasional sightings of Hammerhead Sharks, Bull Sharks and Tiger Sharks. Manta Rays and Whale Sharks are also seen on occasion (Attachment 14).

The coral reefs are home to many fish species including Fairy baslets (Gramma loreto), Angel fish (Holocanthus sp. and many others) Groupers, Triggerfish, Scorpion fish, Moray eels (e.g. Gymnothorax moringa), Wrasse and Chromis, Parrot fish and roaming shoals of Blue Tangs (Acanthurus coeruleus). In sandy areas Garden eels (Heteroconger halis), Peacock Flounder (Bothus lunatus), Stingrays (Dasyatis Americana) and  Flying Gurnard (Dactylopterus volitans) can all be seen. Near to the reefs in the blue water, Crevalle Jacks (Caranx hippos), Bar jacks (Caranx rubber), Shoals of Barracuda (Sphyraena sp.)  Horse-eye jacks (Caranx latus) and Wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri) meander looking to feed off the smaller reef fish.

Eleven coral species are common around Saba; Agaricia spp., Colpophyllia spp., Diploria labyrinthiformis, Diploria strigosa, Madracis decactis, Millepora spp., Montastraea annularis, Montastraea cavernosa, Porites astreoides, Porites porites, and Stephanocoenia michelinii. Of these, Montastraea annularis was most dominant overall, followed by Agaricia spp., Millepora spp. and Diploria strigosa.

In deeper areas, the coral communities are dominated by plate corals (Agaricia sp.), soft corals such as seafans and Wire Corals (Ellisella sp.). The main hard corals on shallower reefs include Mustard Hill Coral (Porites astreoides), Brain coral (Diploria sp.), various forms of Star coral (Montastreasp.), Flower Coral (Eusmilia fastiagata), Maze Coral (Meandrina meandrites), Pillar Coral(Dendrogyra cylindrica) and the blade form of Fire Coral (Millepora complanata). Other coral species often found include Seafans, Seaplumes, gorgonians and Black coral (Antipathes sp.) at depths in excess of 20m, particularly at the drop off.

Aside from corals and fish, many other creatures inhabit the reef and other underwater habitats. These include a variety of sponges such as Giant Barrel Sponges (Xestospongia muta), Stove-pipe sponges (Aplysina archeri), Azure Vase Sponges (Callyspongia plicifera), Ball Sponges (Cinachyra sp.) and Elephant Ear Sponges (Agelas clathrodes). Countless other invertebrates inhabits the reefs such as Conch, Brittle stars, Magnificent Sea Urchin (Astropyga magnifica), Zooanthids, Crinoids,  Brittle stars, Cork Screw Anemones (Bartholomea annulata), Giant anemones (Condylactis gigantea), Spiny Lobsters (Panulirus argus), Pederson shrimp, Arrow Crab (Stenorhynchus seticornis), Decorator Crabs (Microphrys bicomuta) and nudibranchs such as the Lettuce Sea Slug (Tridachia crispate).

Saba's shore line is an important home to endangered bird species and the Saba National Marine Park is an important feeding ground. For more details see attachment 12 and 17).