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Ecological imbalance cited as reason for midge infestation
by The Daily Herald
Posted: Jan 17, 2006 14:36 UTC
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PHILIPSBURG - An imbalance in the ecological system of Great Salt Pond and its environs is being cited as one of the factors resulting in the rapid breeding of midges, the mosquito-like insects that have infested sections of Philipsburg and reportedly other areas on the island over the last two months.
The Daily Herald understands an ecological imbalance is one of the reasons identified by Curaçao-based entomologist Gisette Seferina for the rapid breeding of the midges. However, Seferina declined to comment when asked Monday whether this was one of the factors.
She described this assessment as a “fair guess,” noting that she had been instructed not to give details of her findings, proposed solutions or causes of the infestation to the press, but that she would include all her observations in a report she was scheduled to submit to Head of the Veterinary and Hygiene Department Tony Boyrard late Monday.
This newspaper understands that the water in the pond is heavily polluted and provided the conditions favourable to breeding of the midges. The pollution reportedly had a negative impact on the fauna in the pond that would have eaten the larvae of the midges under normal circumstances.
“The contamination of the water got to the level that it became feasible for these midges to develop. The water in the pond was also at such a low level that the contamination became more pronounced,” this newspaper was told.
Seferina said her recommendations to curb the infestation would be a “multi-step plan. We are counting on the cooperation of the public so that the plan can be successful and be as short-lived as possible. As to the details, it would be more prudent to have it all on paper and more equitably distributed,” she said.
Seferina arrived in St. Maarten last Thursday to conduct an assessment of the infestation and propose recommendations on combating the problem. “We’ve been going around potential breeding places and making general assessments. From these assessments we will be drawing conclusions that will be in the plan of action.”
She said the midge infestation was not uncommon. “I understand that this is the first time this is happening in St. Maarten. But these midges are a problem from time to time and especially in subtropical areas it can be a problem.”
Seferina left the island on Monday.
In the meantime, Boyrard confirmed that a chemical had been used in the vicinity of Air Lekkerbek late Friday to kill some of the midges. “When we checked back on Saturday (the midges) were under control and on Sunday when Seferina went she noticed there were more midges.”
He said too that the midges were breeding in abundance in and around the pond and at another location on Cannegieter Street. Boyrard said whatever was done to combat the infestation should not result in bigger consequences in the future.
“We don’t want to put chemicals in the pond to get rid of them immediately and in the next few days we have birds and fishes dying.” He is still convinced that increasing the saline level in tshe pond could help resolve the problem.
The Government Information Service (GIS) has promised to release to the media details of what it described as a “rapid response plan” to deal with the situation.
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