Reef Health on Bonaire

How are the reefs on Bonaire faring? That’s what a crowded room at Captain Don’s was there to find out this past Monday night as Dr. Erik Meesters of Wageningen University & Research shared the results of coral monitoring that started in 1973.

Like the rest of the Caribbean, our reefs are in trouble and have suffered significant loss since monitoring began in 1973. Coral coverage at the start of monitoring hovered around 60% and the shallows were a continuous forest of staghorn thickets.

Coral coverage is now 12% and dropping. There are very few staghorn thickets left and most were planted as part of a restoration effort by Reef Renewal Bonaire.

What’s killing our reef?

Dr. Meesters went into detail on the factors contributing to the declination of our reefs here. I don’t think you’ll be surprised by any of them.

Overfishing

Like many places, overfishing has impacted our reefs by changing the dominant fish species on the reef. Parrotfish and small reef fish now dominate. The removal of larger species through overfishing creates a negative domino effect on the complex circle of life on the reef.

Land Degradation

There are two main causes of land degradation here; overgrazing (donkeys and goats) and urbanization/coastal development. Given shear numbers, urbanization is by far the biggest contributor to the degradation. The population has grown from 5,000 to over 21,000 since the study began. A huge amount of development has taken place to house the growing full-time & tourist populations which removed vegetation allowing sediment to flow into the sea during heavy rains. This sediment goes on to smother corals on the reef. Sewage management of this population is another factor. Given the porous ground here, septic tanks means waste is absorbed into ground water and ultimately into the ocean impacting water quality which impacts reef health.

Nutrients

More nutrients flowing into the ocean degrades water quality which impacts coral health. Nutrients feed algae which competes for space on the reef with coral. Algae cover also means new coral recruits have no where to land preventing the next generation from establishing.

Diseases

There were two main diseases impacting the reef during the monitoring period: the sea urchin die off from 1980-1982 and white band disease which killed off most of the shallow staghorn.

Urchins are algae eaters and extremely important for reef health. The reef used to be thick with urchins to the point where you wouldn’t dare walk in barefoot – the population is no where near that now. So we’ve lost our algae eaters while increasing nutrients in the water resulting in more algae growth. Bad news for the reef.

From 1982-1985 white band disease killed off most of the shallow staghorn. Once the staghorn dies and there’s nothing left but sand in the shallows so even if the remaining corals spawn the recruits have no where to attach. Reef Renewal Bonaire is giving this coral a huge helping hand in recovering. Check them out!

Invasive Species

Invasive species are another factor impacting reef health. Donkeys, goats, lionfish, and the huge sargassum mats of recent years are all negatively impacting the reef.

Pollution

Another huge factor is pollution. The landfill, wastewater treatment, sewage, etc are all negative factors. This includes waste from moored yachts and the cruise ships.

Other Factors & Unexpected Events

Cyanobacteria blooms & reef slides fall into this category. Cyanobacteria blooms occur after a period of drought followed by heavy rain something that happens here as we move from the dry to the rainy season. We’ve had one such bloom for months here down at the salt pier. While a great place to watch turtles chowing down this bloom isn’t a good for the reef.

What can we do?

Dr. Meesters’ talk ended with the impacts. Now that scientists have provided the facts it’s up to the everyone to take those facts and make conscious decisions about how we move forward.

There’s nothing we can do about events in the past such as white band or the urchin die off, all we can do is help them recover. Some of the other factors are absolutely within our control, it’s just a question of priority.

The best way to fix any problem is to start with the the items causing the most impact and work our way down to those having the smallest impact. In my opinion, coastal development/urbanization and pollution are the first two that need all of our attention.

We live north of town. On my drive to work which doesn’t even reach town there are three major developments underway or in planning: the townhomes just north of the Black Durgon Inn, Little Amsterdam which hasn’t broken ground yet, and a huge project next to Den Laman. There are similar projects south in Belnam and now a new project slated for the undeveloped east side of the island which could have devastating environmental impact if not properly implemented.

Pollution is the next heavy hitter within our control. Even as the reefs are dying more cruises are being invited to dock here. Cruises are undeniable polluters. If you love the ocean and environment I urge you to never step foot on one or give them any of your hard-earned money. The very fact that they blatantly disregard regulations in favor of paying the resulting fine for violating them speaks volumes. Beyond the water pollution the ships themselves cause damage. Just go for a dive at Chachacha Beach if you don’t believe me and see the damage from the ship’s thrusters.

Cruises and coastal development have one thing in common, they both bring in a ton of money and we all know money is a great motivator. Right now it feels like Bonaire is following the money over all else. We’re building too much, too fast, and without the infrastructure needed to support it all the while claiming to be a “blue destination.”

But here’s the thing. I believe Bonaire CAN have it all. Well, maybe not the cruise ships but most everything else. I don’t think healthy oceans & cruise ships can coexist unless some major changes take place. Beyond that though. Bonaire has steady wind almost every day of the year and sunshine to spare. We can move toward completely renewable energy sources. Combine that with proper sewage treatment, mindful development projects, and a focus on maintaining our green spaces and we can be the blue destination we want to be. The island will prosper, the people will live a healthy life connected to nature, our reefs will thank us, and we’ll still make plenty of money.