section_path: Ecology/Mullet Pond
section_name: Mullet Pond
paragraph_text: Mullet Pond
  
  Mullet Pond, a section of the inland lagoon Simpson Bay Lagoon, is home to 70% of Sint Maarten's mangrove population on the Dutch side of the island. Mangroves are a nursery for many young fish and during hurricane season they provide coastal protection. The area, however, is at risk due to dredging, tourism activities, and the yacht industry on the island.
  
  Mullet Pond became the 55th Ramsar site in 2016 and is therefore protected according to the Ramsar Treaty, a global commitment to protect ecologically significant wetland areas.