Community Service

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Dive Friends Bonaire Starts the New Year with a Gigantic Clean Up Dive at Karel’s Pier

On Saturday, January 21, 2012, volunteers gathered at Dive Friends Bonaire at Yellow Submarine to participate in the first quarterly Clean Up Dive of the year.  The weather was perfect and the turnout was fantastic.  A large number of resident divers attended, as well as guests of Dive Friends Bonaire and a surprising amount of customers from other dive centers on the island.  The dive community of Bonaire proved once again how much they care about their marine environment.

Asko Zuidam of Dive Friends Bonaire addressed the group of 102 divers and explained what trash should be recovered and what should be left behind, as well as how to keep from damaging any marine animals. Sue Willis from the Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB) program gave an explanation of how to safely remove fishing line and announced the launch of a new project to help Bonaire’s sea turtles. The Fishing Line Project is running with sponsorship from the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and aims to reduce the amount of fishing line, hooks, nets and other debris found on Bonaire’s reefs; items which pose a great threat to our endangered sea turtle population. 

After the briefing, the divers headed over to Karel’s Pier, entered the water, descended, and began to fill their bags with trash. When filled, the bags were brought to the surface to those working as shore support. There, Dive Friends crew and volunteers checked once again to be sure no marine creatures had been inadvertently included, counted, and tallied the trash for statistics, and then disposed of it responsibly.

Karel’s Pier is home to a lively bar and restaurant, and unfortunately the underwater terrain can accumulate more bottles and cups than is normal on the reef.  The statistics of the rubbish collected once again confirmed this to be true.  Items collected include:  1,085 glass bottles, 38 plastic bottles, 102 fishing lines, 238 plastic cups, 148 pieces of random plastic, 133 beverage cans, 39 firework remains, 2 cell phones and much more.  The total number of items collected was 2,104!

That evening, all participants and their families were welcomed back for a Pot Luck BBQ and raffle—Dive Friends Bonaire (with help from our sponsors) provided drinks and main courses, while participants supplied side dishes.  After dinner, the guests were treated to a cruise on board the Good Return.  Sponsors for the event include:  Selibon, At Sea Restaurant, Van Den Tweel, Ouray Sportswear, Reef Clothing, Deep Blue Gear, Dive Shades, Body Glove, the Bonaire Marine Park, Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire, East Coast Diving, Tusa, and Suunto.

The next quarterly Dive Friends Bonaire underwater cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, April 21st, 2012. (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire)

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Bad News and Good News on Today’s Underwater Cleanup

Dive Friends Bonaire regretfully informs us that today’s underwater cleanup must be canceled due to unsafe sea conditions in Kralendijk Bay, due to a wind reversal and other weather conditions.

The good news, though, is that the potluck BBQ is still happening, and they hope to see everyone at Dive Friends @ Yellow Submarine at 5:30 for all the usual fun!

Due to the late nature of this cancellation, please spread the word if you know of anyone who was planning on attending.  (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire)

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Next Underwater Cleanup is Saturday, October 22, 2011

The underwater cleanups have become very popular activities, with over 100 participants joining in together on each event to keep Bonaire beautiful.  As such, there is another cleanup scheduled to take place at Karel’s Beach Bar Pier on Saturday, October 22, 2011.

Everyone is welcome to participate--divers, snorkelers, and those who wish to lend a hand with shore support.  Anyone interested in participating should check in at Dive Friends @ Yellow Submarine at 12:30 PM, and the dive briefing will begin at 1:00 PM.  All participants are welcome to return at 5:00 PM for the event’s customary BBQ at Dive Friends @ Yellow Submarine; drinks and main courses will be provided by Dive Friends, but participants are asked to bring a side dish to share.  Those planning on attending should advise Dive Friends Bonaire by sending an email to cleanup@dive-friends-bonaire.com or calling 717-2929 to make a reservation.  For additional information about the cleanups, click here. (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire)

Monday, July 25, 2011

Massive Clean Up Dive Effort Under Kralendijk’s Town Pier

On Sunday morning, July 11, 2011, visitor and resident divers gathered at Dive Friends @ Yellow Submarine to volunteer their time for a good cause.  The dive center was soon filled to overflowing and the volunteers kept on arriving.  Over 102 people came to help the marine ecosystem of Bonaire and enjoy a world-famous dive at the same time.

Asko Zuidam of Dive Friends Bonaire addressed the group to explain what trash should be recovered and what should be left behind, as well as how to keep from damaging any marine animals.  Eco-friendly, reusable grocery bags donated by Cultimara were handed out to all volunteers.  Shortly afterward, the divers relocated to the Town Pier for the dive.  They entered the water between the Town Pier and Karel’s Beach Bar, descended, and began to fill their bags with trash. When filled, the bags were brought to the surface to those working as shore support. There, Dive Friends crew and volunteers checked once again to be sure no marine creatures had been inadvertently included, counted, and tallied the trash for statistics, and then disposed of it in the dumpster that was donated by Selibon.

The Town Pier is a working pier, and thus the underwater terrain can accumulate more trash than is normal on the reef.  The statistics of the rubbish collected once again confirmed this to be true.  Items collected include:  901 glass bottles, 1 grocery bag, 19 trash bags, 81 plastic bottles, 49 cups, 1 diaper, 4 fishnets, 26 plates, 6 batteries, 132 beverage cans, 12 shoes, 3 car parts, 14 tires, 8 ropes, 3 books, 11 items of clothing, over 25 lengths of fishing line and much more.  A total of 1,530 items were removed.  That only one grocery bag was recovered shows that the reusable bags being used on Bonaire are having a positive impact on the environment.

In the later afternoon, all volunteers, their families and friends were welcomed back for a Pot Luck BBQ, with food and beverages hosted by Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech.  Prior to enjoying a great dinner, all participants were eligible for a variety of raffle prizes, consisting of Reef t-shirts, Ouray caps, Deep Blue Gear dive accessories and a grand prize gift certificate for dinner for two at Capriccio Ristorante.  After dinner, everybody was treated to a cruise aboard the Good Return.

The entire program was videoed above and below water by BonPhoto and can be viewed by clicking here.

The next quarterly Dive Friends Bonaire underwater cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, September 17, 2011. All are welcome to join in. Additional information about the cleanups is available by clicking here.  (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech)

Note Update August 8, 2011: Due to a scheduling conflict, the next underwater cleanup will be Saturday, October 22, 2011, and NOT September 17, 2011 as noted above.  (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire)

Monday, July 11, 2011

The Next Generation of Bonaire’s Parrots and Parakeets Need Help

On Friday, July 1st, after receiving a confidential tip, STINAPA seized a group of 112 parrots and parakeets from an illegal trader, along with a variety of other illegal animals. These birds are native to Bonaire and were believed to be bound for Curacao where they would be sold into the pet trade.  To help with the birds, STINAPA asked Echo--a World Parrot Trust FlyFree partner--to assist with the recovery and care of the birds.

Many were close to perishing, and one had already died. The foundation began immediate care of the parrots and parakeets--yellow-shouldered Amazons and brown-throated Conures, and their staff worked through the night by lantern to try to save them. The birds were in a terrible state, and desperately needed feeding after being kept in appalling conditions and without food for several days. Out of the 112 birds about 90 babies now require one-on-one care.

The immediate need for these youngsters is hand-feeding formula. The team will attempt to foster some of the parrots into wild nests, but many of the chicks are very young and may have months to go before they are able to eat on their own.  Intensive care is needed right now to help these birds survive.  After the first week, there are now 82 unweaned chicks which are now being hand fed twice each day.  Although Echo has received emergency financial aid from the World Parrot Trust, which covers the immediate needs of these parrots, there is a need for both financial donations as well as volunteer workers.  It’s hoped that all these birds can be released back into the wild, once they are able to fend for themselves.

If you are interested in assisting financially, donations can be made via the Echo web site by clicking here.  Those who are on Bonaire now or in the coming weeks, can help with feeding.  Please contact Sam Williams at Echo Bonaire be calling 795-1188.  (Source:  Echo)

Thursday, July 07, 2011

All Are Welcome to Join the Underwater Cleanup on Sunday, July 10, 2011

The next underwater cleanup will take place at Bonaire’s Town Pier on Sunday, July 10, 2011.  Check in at Dive Friends @ Yellow Submarine at 9:30 AM, and the dive briefing will begin at 10:00 AM. 

Everyone is welcome, and those not diving can also help, since shore support is always needed.  All participants are welcome to return at 5:00 PM for the event’s customary BBQ at Dive Friends @ Yellow Submarine; drinks and main courses will be provided by Dive Friends and NetTech, but participants are asked to bring a side dish to share.

Those planning on attending should advise Dive Friends Bonaire by sending an email to cleanup@dive-friends-bonaire.com or calling 717-2929 to make a reservation.

For additional information about the cleanups, click here. (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech, N.V.)

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Bonaire Celebrates Blue Water Week with a Clean Up Dive Under Kralendijk’s South Pier

On Saturday, June 4, 2011, volunteers gathered at Dive Friends @ Dive Inn to participate in a special Blue Water Project clean up dive.  The Blue Water Project is a global initiative by the Royal Bank of Canada/Royal Bank of Trinidad & Tobago to foster a culture of water stewardship.  The group of divers echoed that sentiment perfectly as the group consisted of predominantly local residents with an international mix of tourists, all dedicating their morning to keeping Bonaire blue and beautiful.

Asko Zuidam of Dive Friends Bonaire addressed the group of 66 divers and explained what trash should be recovered and what should be left behind, as well as how to keep from damaging any marine animals. Shortly afterward, the divers entered the water, descended, and began to fill their bags with trash. When filled, the bags were brought to the surface to those working as shore support. There, Dive Friends crew and volunteers checked once again to be sure no marine creatures had been inadvertently included, counted, and tallied the trash for statistics, and then disposed of it responsibly.

The South Pier is a working pier, and thus the underwater terrain can accumulate more trash than is normal on the reef.  The statistics of the rubbish collected once again confirmed this to be true.  Items collected include:  259 glass bottles, 38 plastic bottles, 35 fishing lines, 6 dress hangers, 4 shoes, 2 clothing items, 3 tires, 1 garden hose, 2 tubes of toothpaste, 1 camera, 32 different pieces of unidentifiable cloth, 39 pieces of random plastic, 1 flower pot, and much more.

After the dive, all participants and their families were welcomed back for a Pot Luck BBQ—Dive Friends Bonaire and RBC/RBTT, the sponsors of the Blue Water cleanup, provided drinks and main courses, while participants supplied side dishes. All participants were rewarded with log book page certificates of participation.

The next quarterly Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech underwater cleanup is scheduled for Sunday, July 10, 2011. Additional information about the cleanups is available by clicking here.  All are welcome to join in.  (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire)

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Over 100 Volunteers Contribute to the Third Consecutive Record-Setting Underwater Cleanup of Bonaire

Over 100 volunteers, made up of visitors and island residents alike, combined their efforts on Saturday, April 9, 2011 in the third consecutive record-setting underwater cleanup of Kralendijk Bay in the area of It Rains Fishes Restaurant.  Their efforts proved that one individual can make a difference, when working together with others for a common good.  Images from this cleanup are available on-line at the Bonaire Insider Photo Gallery by clicking here.

Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech N.V. are the event sponsors for these quarterly underwater cleanups, as they have been since 1998, but many others assisted to make the event a success.  After registration was complete, a complete briefing was given, providing an explanation of how to recover the trash, as well as what should be recovered and what should be left behind, as it is always of utmost importance that all participants refrain from harming any marine organisms. 

With volunteers on shore ready to check, sort, and count the trash, the divers and snorkelers entered the water and began their search for debris and trash.  With their bags bursting at the seams, those in the water reported back to the shore team, where the trash was processed and then disposed of properly in a large bin which Bonaire’s waste management company, Selibon, had donated for the day. 

The dock area that was scoured in this cleanup is popular with visiting yachts and others using the shallow water area for transport to shore, and, due to this, it can accumulate more trash than other areas of the reef, as trash can be easily blown over the side of vessels.  The following was removed during this cleanup of Kralendijk Bay:

491 Beverage Bottles (glass)
172 Cups, Plates Forks, Knives, Spoons
112 Building Materials
88 Beverage Cans
24 Fishing Lines
17 Beverage Bottles (plastic)
16 Food Wrappers/Containers
15 Ropes
11 Appliances
9 Clothing, Shoes
9 Strapping Bands
8 Fishing Nets
8 Plastic Sheeting/Tarps
7 Straws, Stirrers
6 Bleach/Cleaner Bottles
5 Plastic bags
3 Caps or Lids
3 Bait Containers/packaging
3 Oil/Lube Bottles
3 Tires
2 Fishing Lures/Lights Sticks
2 Cars/Car Parts
1 Paper bags
1 Pull Tabs
1 6-pack Holders
1 Toys
1 Crates
1 Light Bulbs/Tubes
1 Batteries
1 Floor mat for a car

In the later afternoon, all participants and their families and friends were welcomed back for a Pot Luck BBQ, with food and beverages hosted by Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech and where quite a party ensued.  Before enjoying a great dinner, all participants were eligible for a variety of raffle prizes, consisting of t-shirts and caps and dive accessories. Volunteers were also given special dive log pages for their personal logs.

Live video of the event can be viewed by clicking here.  Thanks go to the day sponsors:  Bonaire National Marine Park, Deep Blue, Dive Shades, It Rains Fishes Restaurant, Mondrian, Obersi Group, Ouray Sportswear, Reef, Selibon, and the Water Taxi Kontika di Amor.

The next quarterly underwater cleanup is scheduled for Sunday, July 10th, 2011.  Registration begins at 9:30 AM at Dive Friends @ Yellow Submarine, with the cleanup at the Town Pier beginning at 10:00 AM.  Those interested in participating should make a reservation by e-mailing cleanups@dive-friends-bonaire.com.  Additional information about the cleanups is available by clicking here.  All are welcome to join in.  (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech, N.V.)

Monday, April 04, 2011

All Are Welcome to Join the Underwater Cleanup on Saturday, April 9, 2011

The next underwater cleanup will take place at the dock in front of It Rains Fishes.  Check in at Dive Friends @ Yellow Submarine at 12:30 PM, and the dive briefing will begin at 1:00 PM.

Everyone is welcome, and those not diving can also help, since shore support is always needed.  All participants are welcome to return at 5:00 PM for the event’s customary BBQ at Dive Friends @ Yellow Sub; drinks and main courses will be provided by Dive Friends and NetTech, but participants are asked to bring a side dish to share.

Those planning on attending should advise Dive Friends Bonaire by sending an email to cleanup@dive-friends-bonaire.com or calling 717-2929 to make a reservation.

For additional information about the cleanups, click here. (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech, N.V.)

Thursday, February 17, 2011

The Ninth Special Olympics Walk-a-Thon to Be Held Sunday April 3, 2011

The always popular Walk-a-Thon will be held this year on Sunday April 3, 2011. It is a 30 kilometer event (18.6 miles) and follows the historical route from the slave huts to Rincon. Proceeds from the event go to the local chapter of Special Olympics.

The event starts at 5:00 AM with stops for water and snacks scheduled every five kilometers (3 miles). The final stop is at Karpata, which is being sponsored by the Bonaire Bikers Club. Food and drinks will be available at the finish line for all participants and a lunch will be served at Pasdia Karino Rincon from 9:00 AM through 12:30 PM. Participants may walk, run, bicycle or roller blade the route, and they may choose to do the entire route or just a portion. EHBO will provide a van for bikes of any participants who are unable to complete the ride.

The entry fee is $15 per person which includes an event t-shirt along with water and snacks along the route. Registration cards are available in advance at TCB, Chat ‘n Browse, Lovers Ice Cream or a Board Member of the Special Olympics.

Participants may pick up their t-shirt at City Cafe on Friday April 1st from 5:00 to 7:00 PM or Saturday April 2nd from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

All are invited to join the event. More information is available by calling Arlene Engelhart at 525-8496. (Source: Special Olympics Bonaire)