Saint Martin’s Island Shuts Down Early to Protect Its Ecosystem

For the first time in recent memory, Saint Martin’s Island has fallen silent weeks before the usual end of the tourist season. After the last boat left Teknaf jetty on a warm Friday afternoon, only the sound of waves filled the island. The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change has imposed a strict nine-month suspension of vessel services, keeping tourists away until November.

Tourism Season Cut Short

Normally, the island thrives from October to March, drawing travellers eager to escape the city dust and winter dullness. This year, the government acted two months early. The decision came with twelve new rules designed to protect Saint Martin’s coral beds, biodiversity, and delicate ecosystem.

Over the years, unregulated tourism, heavy boat traffic, and plastic pollution have taken a toll. The government hopes these strict measures will slow the damage and preserve the island for future generations.

New Rules and Restrictions

Under the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, no boat may visit Saint Martin’s without ministry approval. When the island reopens, tourists must book tickets through the Bangladesh Tourism Board’s official portal, each with a QR-coded pass. Visitor numbers will be capped at 2,000 per day—a sharp drop from previous peak-season crowds.

Officials argue these measures are essential to prevent irreversible ecological damage, even if they seem radical.

Mixed Reactions from Visitors

Travellers have shared differing reactions to the changes. JH Raju, who visited just before the ban, felt disappointed. “Trips that once cost 4–5 thousand taka now run 10–12 thousand per person, and the authorities have declared many areas like Chera Dwip off-limits,” he said, expressing frustration over the rising costs and new restrictions.

Conversely, Fayaz Ahmed saw the benefits of reduced tourism. “The environment feels cleaner, and the beaches are calmer. These restrictions are necessary to protect the island,” he said, noting that overcrowding had previously diminished its natural beauty.

Fayaz also highlighted the struggles of island residents dependent on tourism. Hotels, boat operators, coconut vendors, and young seasonal workers face uncertainty during the prolonged closure. “The government could introduce measures to support locals and create awareness among tourists,” he suggested.

Environmental Challenges

Saint Martin’s coral colonies are fragile, turtle nesting is disturbed by artificial lights, and plastic waste clogs shallow waters. Environmentalists have warned that without time to recover, the island risks losing the very features that make it special.

The current pause may allow Saint Martin’s to regain some balance, protecting it for generations to come.

Balancing Tourism and Conservation

The island’s residents now face a quiet season, adjusting to life without daily tourist activity. Though fishing continues, the absence of visitors is deeply felt. Officials hope that controlled tourism will eventually benefit both the environment and the local economy.

Travellers, meanwhile, are divided: some miss easy access and affordability, while others appreciate the ecological safeguards. This pause presents an opportunity to rethink how Saint Martin’s should welcome visitors, balancing enjoyment with sustainability.

The Path Ahead

Saint Martin’s stands at a crossroads. Its survival depends on patient governance, responsible tourism, and local cooperation. Cleaner beaches, quieter nights, and restored coral beds may await those who return.

The waves break softly on the empty beaches, a reminder that protecting the island requires not only rules and enforcement but also respect and care from every visitor.