Permit· Antigua· Leeward Islands
North East Marine Management Area
17° 7.5′ N · 61° 43.4′ W · approximate
NEMMA is the marine reserve covering Antigua's north-east coast from Beggar's Point to Friar's Head, more than 30 square miles of reef, mangrove and some 28 named offshore islands including Great Bird, Guiana, Long, Maiden and Green Islands. It is the refuge of the Antiguan racer and of nesting seabirds and turtles.
Practical
Pin is the centre of the OpenStreetMap NEMMA relation. Declared a Marine Reserve under the Fisheries Act in December 2005 (NEMMA plan). The 2007 to 2010 management plan proposed zoning (including yacht mooring zones in popular anchorages), fixed moorings to stop anchor damage and channel buoys north of Great Bird and Green Islands; check locally which are in place. Practical rules for visitors: anchor in sand, never on coral; take nothing from reefs; keep dogs, cats and any rats off the islands (rat-free status protects the racer and seabirds); do not disturb nesting birds; take all rubbish away. Fishing needs a licence from the Fisheries Division (separate from the cruising permit). Moorings at Green Island and Bird Island were reported corroded and unsafe in 2021 (Noonsite readers): inspect before trusting any buoy.
Best for
Understanding the rules before exploring North Sound and Nonsuch Bay