This year is a major milestone for St. Eustatius Marine Park. It is 10 years since the Marine Park first opened its office and started operations to install the first moorings for dive sites and yachts. The initial activities were funded through a start up grant from World Wildlife Fund Netherlands and, since then, the Marine Park has gone from strength to strength in its efforts to protect the 21kmē of coral reef and sea grass beds in the waters around the entire island of St. Eustatius in the Dutch Caribbean.

To celebrate this important event, the Marine Park, supported by the St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation and all local dive centres, is planning a series of events, starting on Monday 3rd December 2007. A variety of activities is planned to appeal to both the local community and visiting divers, beginning with the official opening of the new National Park Visitor Centre. Activities will include an underwater photography course and contest, scavenger hunt for divers, evening talks, Statia Park Splash for children, snorkelling fun competition and a party to present prizes and celebrate the anniversary in style.

Join us to celebrate this important anniversary to mark 10 years of valuable protection of pristine coral reefs and diverse fish populations. A detailed calendar of events will be published in August and more information will be available on the web site of St. Eustatius National Parks (www.statiapark.org).

For more information Contact:
Nicole Esteban
Manager St. Eustatius National Parks
Gallows Bay
St Eustatius
Netherlands Antilles
Tel/ fax: (599) 318 2884
E-mail: manager@statiapark.org
stenapa@goldenrocknet.com
Web: www.statiapark.org

Glenn & Michele Faires
Owners/Operators
Golden Rock Dive Center
St Eustatius
Netherlands Antilles
Tel/fax (599) 318 2964
E-mail: grdivers@goldenrocknet.com 
Web: www.goldenrocknet.com