Sunday, August 12, 2007

A Leatherback Turtle was Rescued off BOPEC Oil Terminal by the Crew of the Indusbank

On Wednesday, August 8, 2007, at approximately 5:00 pm, Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB) Manager, Mabel Nava, received an emergency call from the Bonaire National Marine Park (BNMP) that there was a sea turtle entangled in a home-made longline with floats and hooks up by the BOPEC oil terminal. 

The tugboat Indusbank was on duty off the oil terminal when it spotted a leatherback turtle. Recognizing that it was in distress and needed immediate assistance, Captain Willy Meye and his crew were able to get a rope around the turtle. Working from a platform from the side of the tugboat, the crew cut off much of the line and a number of floats that encircled the turtle. Realizing that additional assistance was need, oil terminal supervisor, Jan Emerenciana was contacted and he, in turn, called Din Domacasse, Chief Ranger of the BNMP.

With time being an issue and sunset not all that far off, Mabel, working with Duvan Rios, BNMP Ranger, quickly responded to the call. With support from Ramon de Leon, the marine park’s manager and Carlos Rodriguez, the operations manager at Harbor Village Marina, a marine park boat was rapidly fueled and equipped . Accompanied by Andy Uhr, acting STCB President, Mabel and Duvan were on the water and headed north at 5:45 pm.

When the team reached the Indusbank, the rope securing the turtle was quickly passed to the marine park boat. In spite of the Indusbank’s work, the turtle still had significant amounts of twisted nylon line wrapped around her, with the line having cut deeply into and around each of her front flippers and the back of her neck.

Efforts to remove the remaining line while working from the marine park boat proved to be less than successful. Mabel, donning a mask and fins, went over the side to work in the water. With two sets of hands from the boat steadying the leatherback, Mabel removed the remainder of the line and floats. Sea turtles are tough and resilient animals and attempting to bring them in for veterinary treatment presents a greater potential for harming the animal so the leatherback was released. While seriously injured she swam away into the deep blue using a steady and strong stroke, giving the team encouragement that she would survive her ordeal.

This rescue was made possible by the quick and positive actions of Captain Willy Meye and the crew of the Indusbank, Francis Verginie, Leopoldo Clarenda and Florenso Thode. STCB extends its thanks to them and everyone else involved in the effort.

The leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the biggest of all living turtles, reaching a length of over 2.7 m (8.8 ft) and weight of 900 kg (2,000 lb) and is listed by international authorities as critically endangered. The leatherback is found worldwide in all oceans. Our leatherback was quite small, measuring an estimated 1 m (3 ft) across the carapace and weighting over 100 kg (220 lb). Leatherbacks are occasional visitors to Bonaire and are usually seen passing through on their way to destinations unknown.

Longline fishing is illegal on Bonaire and to our knowledge not practiced here. But the practice is common along the coast of South America and it is thought that is where the leatherback became entangled. This the second such incident this year. In April, the remains of a hawksbill turtle ensnared by a similar fishing rig were recovered from a dive site at the southern end of the island.

Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire exists to ensure the protection and recovery of Bonaire’s sea turtle populations throughout their range. Founded in 1992, the STCB is a Bonaire-based, non-governmental and non-profit organization, part of the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network.  (Source:  STCB)

Saturday, August 11, 2007

The Wounded Warriors Arrive Amid Fanfare at Bonaire’s Flamingo Airport

The Wounded Warriors (see previous story) landed this afternoon about 3:00 PM on Air Jamaica to begin their whirl-wind week of diving certifications, dining, and touring Bonaire.

After disembarking the airplane, the group donned their event t-shirts right on the tarmac and begin to model for media photographs.  After checking in through Immigration and getting their luggage, the group walked out into the waiting area to find a hardy group of American expatriots, living on the island, who had come to welcome them to Bonaire and to salute them for their sacrifices.  Handing them water, soda, or a beer, the Warriors and their families and instructors then boarded their bus, which was escorted by a cavalcade by the Bonaire Bikers.  Their destination?  Captain Don’s Habitat, which has kindly offered to host the group on a complimentary basis for their lodging and diving.

Tomorrow starts a busy week with dive certification training.  The Bonaire Insider will continue to follow the Warriors throughout their visit to Bonaire, and will report in.

Many thanks go to other major on-island sponsors such as The Bonaire Talk Community, RE/MAX Paradise Homes, Patagonia Restaurant, Papaya Moon Restaurant, Bencho CarRental, Jewel of Bonaire, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Bonaire Tours, and of course, DEMA, The Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled Sports USA and HSA International.  (Source:  Bonaire Insider Reporter)

Friday, August 10, 2007

Review on Mangrove Info Center’s New Guided Lac Bay Reef Snorkel

The Mangrove Info Center, known for its kayak and solar boat tours of the mangroves at Lac Bay, has just recently announced a new item to their menu of services--reef snorkeling at Lac Bay.  I had the opportunity to join in on one of the first excursions, and thought it was a great, new experience for divers and snorkelers to try on their next Bonaire vacation.

Meeting first at the Mangrove Info Center, we all joined together while our guide, owner/manager Elly Albers, trailered the brand new boat a short distance to the Cai area of Lac Bay.  After an easy launching from the sandy beach there, we were aboard and heading out the short distance to the reef at the mouth of Lac.

After the boat was secured, we hopped in the shallow water and headed out a short distance to the reef.  The water was gin-clear and dappled with the sunlight.  As we approached the reef area, coral heads grew close to the surface and healthy populations of fish swirled around us.  A turtle made its way past us, as we headed to the area just short of the drop off.

This area provides virgin corals, so care must be taken not to touch or stand on the corals, as some uninformed snorkelers were doing when we arrived.  There can be a fair amount of surge in this area, so this excursion is recommended only for strong snorkelers and those who are very comfortable in the water.  With a maximum of ten snorkelers, everyone can be assured that they can learn as much as possible.

We spent just over an hour exploring the area and encountered black durgon, barracuda, snapper, parrotfish, and even a healthy colony of sea urchins.  Fire coral is prominent in this area, so take care not to touch.  Our guide, Elly, mentioned that she frequently encounters a variety of rays or conch, and turtles are a common site.  Images from our experience can be seen on the Bonaire Insider Photo Gallery by clicking here.

The cost for this new excursion is $42.50 per person, plus sales tax.  Reservations are highly recommended, and can be made by emailing info@mangrovecenter.com.  Information about their other excursions is available on their web site by clicking here.  (Source:  Bonaire Insider Reporter)

Dive Friends Bonaire Announces Specially Guided Coral Spawning Night Dives

The season for coral spawning is nearly upon us with the spawning action of different species taking place several days after the full moon in August, September, and October.  To assist divers with experiencing this unique phenomenon, Dive Friends Bonaire has announced special guided night dives when spawning is expected to take place.

Different species will spawn depending upon the month, but an expected forecast of when spawning may take place is available on the Dive Friends Bonaire web site by clicking here (in PDF format).

For additional information about their guided dives during the spawning months, click here.  (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire)

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

Plaza Resort Bonaire Offers “Blue Skies and Golden Eye” Boat Diving Package to Celebrate New Boat

Recently Toucan Diving, located at the Plaza Resort Bonaire, launched their new dive boat, Golden Eye, it’s fifth boat servicing the company’s visiting divers.  To celebrate, the Plaza Resort has premiered a new boat diving package effective from September 1, 2007 through September 30, 2007.

The dive package, titled Blue Skies and Golden Eye, starts at $1060.00 per diver, double occupancy, and features five days of three-3-tank boat dives, free nitrox, complimentary dive gear storage, along with seven nights standard suite accommodations (2 queen beds, AC, mini-fridge), free buffet breakfast, welcome cocktail upon arrival, round-trip airport transfers, $6.50pp/nt government tax, sales tax, and $7.50 per day energy surcharge (if you still have the energy, shore diving can be purchased on an a la carte basis).

Bonaire Marine Park fees or departure tax are not included in the package. The marine park requires that all divers must do an equipment/buoyancy check out dive upon arrival. No refund on unused portions. Valid on all new reservations made for travel between September 1-30, 2007. (Source:  Plaza Resort Bonaire)

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Bonaire to Welcome “Wounded Warriors” for Second Year In-a-Row This August

From August 11 to 18, 2007 the Tourism Corporation Bonaire (TCB) along with Captain Don’s Habitat, the Home of Diving Freedom, will welcome an exceptional group of people to the island of Bonaire.  These remarkable and courageous people are U.S. Soldiers and Marines severely injured in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families on a once-in-a-lifetime scuba diving trip during which they will become certified scuba divers.

Their journey to become certified scuba divers began for some at the No Barriers Festival in Lake Tahoe, California and at the Adaptive Water Sports Festival in Breezy Point, New York for others.  Part of the Disabled Sports USA Wounded Warrior Project, these Festivals provided the opportunity for injured service men and women to experience adaptive sports like bicycling, water skiing and, for the second year-in-a-row, scuba diving.  With the help of DEMA’s Scuba Tour and specially trained volunteers from Disabled Sports USA and the Handicapped Scuba Association (HSA), injured service people, many with single and multiple amputations, along with their family members were introduced to adaptive scuba diving in the comfort of the Scuba Tour’s pool.  TCB is a sponsor of DEMA’s Scuba Tour.

After trying scuba diving for the first time, six of the “Warriors” decided to pursue their dive certification with the hope of completing their open water dives in a beautiful, warm water destination.  This August, Bonaire will host this group of “Wounded Warriors” to complete their open water dive certification.

Also joining the six service men and women on their trip to Bonaire will be their spouse or companion; the Scuba Tour’s Big Wave Dave; DEMA Executive Director Tom Ingram; Scott Taylor, a certified handicapped scuba instructor and military veteran; Kathy Celo from Disabled Sports USA; and representatives from the Handicapped Scuba Association.  The group will stay and dive with Captain Don’s Habitat.

“We are pleased to welcome back the Wounded Warriors for the second year in a row to our island, which provides the ideal atmosphere for disabled divers with easily accessible reefs, shore diving, calm waters and disability experienced dive centers,” said Ronella Croes Director of the Tourism Corporation Bonaire.

Jack Chalk, Manager of Captain Don’s Habitat added “we look forward to hosting this extraordinary group again and feel honored to be able to give back to these people who gave so much.”

In addition to Captain Don’s Habitat providing accommodations and diving, the following organizations have made generous donations to support the wounded warrior’s trip to Bonaire: Re/Max Paradise Homes, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Papaya Moon Cantina, Bonaire Talk, Patagonia Argentinean Restaurant, Bikers Bonaire Motorcycle Club, Rum Runners, Bonaire Tours, Jewel of Bonaire and Tourism Corporation Bonaire.

The Wounded Warriors Disabled Sports Project enables injured service members and their families to experience everything life has to offer through sports and recreation and achieve success in sports thereby providing the foundation for an active and positive life.  The Wounded Warriors Disabled Sports Project is a partnership between Disabled Sports USA, its chapters and the Wounded Warrior Project (both are 501 C3 not for profit groups).  To find out more about the Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org or call 212-629-8881.

For more information on Captain Don’s Habitat visit www.HabitatBonaire.com.  (Source:  TCB Release)

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Bonaire’s 40th Annual International Sailing Regatta to Take Place October 7-14, 2007

Bonaire’s annual Regatta event is the longest running regatta in the Caribbean and this year marks the 40th anniversary of Bonaire’s first event:  a race between two Bonairean-made fishing boats:  Captain Don Stewart’s fishing sloop, “Sislin” and Hubert Domacasse’s “Velia”, for a prize of 27 cases of beer, back in 1968.

Bonaire’s 40th Annual International Sailing Regatta welcomes boats in 25 different categories to participate in this island tradition that attracts sailors from all of the surrounding islands as well as Venezuela, Holland, and the U.S.  Approximately 180 different boats from catamarans and yachts to sunfish, windsurfs, and fishing boats are expected to participate this year in Bonaire’s largest and the Caribbean’s most unique sailing races.  And with the boats clearly visible from just about any spot on shore, the Regatta is fun for spectators and participants alike.

In addition to the sailing races, other festivities will include a bicycle tour, walking and running races, softball tournament, swimming and kayaking to Klein Bonaire, the All Nations Parade, participants’ BBQ party, evening festivals with music, local food and dancing, a concert by George McCrae (who’s number one hit “Rock Your Baby” sold over 52 million copies worldwide), and the closing Regatta awards ceremony featuring the distribution of the plaques and trophies.

For more information about Bonaire’s 40th Annual International Sailing Regatta including the schedule of events, registration information and hotel packages, visit www.bonaireregatta.org. (Source:  TCB Release)

Upcoming Appearances for Bonaire’s Flamingo Rockers

The Flaming Rockers will be playing at two upcoming events.  This Sunday, August 5th, the fourth Rock ‘n’ Roll party will happen at Sunrise Restaurant, and on Thursday, August 16th, there will be an “Elvis Retirement” Party at Lee’s Place.

This Sunday’s event will be the fourth Rock ‘n’ Roll party at the Sunrise Restaurant. The Flamingo Rockers host this party the first Sunday of every month, which begins at 4:00 PM and goes on until 7:30 PM. The Rockers invite local musicians to perform and jam. It is a really special afternoon where the family can kick back and the kids can enjoy the pool. Drink, specials, and snacks are available.

The “Elvis Retirement” party on August 16th commemorates the anniversary of his death, and will be held at Lee’s Place at 10:00 PM. The Flamingo Rockers are known for their great rock ‘n’ roll repertoire, as well as reggae, calypso, country, and soul standards. Lee’s also has extensive Elvis performance footage that will be shown throughout the night. Maybe Lee himself will get up and sing a few Elvis songs. There will also be drink specials throughout the night. Lee’s is located at the site of the former Swiss Chalet restaurant at the Super corner. Call 700-3188 for more info.  (Source:  Flamingo Rockers)