Community Service

Friday, July 30, 2010

Bonaire’s Summer Underwater Cleanup a Resounding Success with Fifty Participants

On Saturday, July 10, 2010, fifty divers and snorkelers descended upon Kralendijk Bay for the Dive Friends Bonaire/NetTech summer underwater cleanup.  This cleanup focused upon the yacht anchorage south and north of the Dive Friends @ Yellow Submarine dive facility.  Images from this cleanup are available online at the Bonaire Insider Photo Gallery by clicking here.

Susan Davis of NetTech addressed the group and explained what trash should be recovered and what should be left behind, as well as how to keep from damaging any marine animals.  After the briefing, the divers were transported both north and south of the dive facility, where they entered the water, descended, and began to fill their bags with trash.  They then worked their way back to the Dive Friends @ Yellow Submarine, where the filled bags were brought to the surface to those working as shore support.  There, 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.

It had been a year since this stretch of shallows was last cleaned, and the group was able to process an impressive amount of trash that had accumulated during this time:  7 paper bags, 4 plastic bags, 48 beverage bottles (2 liters or less), 65 glass beverage bottles, 16 beverage cans, 12 pieces of clothing or shoes, 6 pieces of cutlery, 9 food wrappers, 20 pieces of fishing line, 7 light sticks, 11 pieces of rope, 12 pieces of tubing, 23 pieces of metal or plastic, 42 pieces of building materials, 7 automotive tires, 72 pieces of glass, along with sundry car parts and other trash.

Among the dive volunteers, there were several official lionfish hunters, and in addition to the trash, a large lionfish was also removed from the reef.

After the dive, all participants and their families and friends were welcomed back for a Pot Luck BBQ—Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech, the sponsors of the Bonaire cleanups, provided drinks and main courses, while participants supplied side dishes.  All participants were rewarded with certificates of participation.

The next quarterly underwater cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, September 18, 2010 when the area surrounding Karel’s Beach Bar will be cleaned.  Additional information about the cleanups is available at: http://www.dive-friends-bonaire.com/clean_up_dives.html.  All are welcome to join in.  (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech)

Monday, July 05, 2010

Everyone Is Welcome to Join the Underwater Cleanup This Saturday, July 10, 2010

The next underwater cleanup will take place at Bonaire’s boat anchorage on Saturday, July 10, 2010.  All interested participants should meet at Dive Friends @ Yellow Submarine at 1:00 PM. 

Everyone is welcome, and those not diving can also help, since shore support is always needed.  It’s been a full year since this area was cleaned, so there will probably be a fair amount of trash to remove from the shallows.

All participants are welcome to return at 5:00 PM to Dive Friends @ Yellow Submarine for the event’s customary BBQ; 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, May 19, 2010

Bonaire’s Sea Turtle Club Hosts Underwater Cleanup at Lac Cai

As previously reported, this Saturday, May 22, 2010, will be a day of activities at Lac Cai in celebration of the world Day of Biodiversity.  Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB) will also host an underwater cleanup of Lac Cai to help Bonaire’s turtle population.

In the past four months, STCB has received reports of four dead turtles in Bonaire’s waters.  With two of these turtles, it was easily seen that the cause of death was drowning, due to entanglement in fishing lines and nets.  Another live turtle was found with a fishing hook embedded in its mouth; the hook was removed, and the turtle was tagged and released, as otherwise it was healthy.

These high numbers of turtles found alive or dead with entanglements in nets, lines, or with hooks creates a valid concern.  Since the Lac habitat is feeding ground for some of Bonaire’s turtles, it’s an area which needs to be kept clean of these dangers and this will be the focus on Saturday’s cleanup efforts. Those interested should meet at the first pile of conch shells at Lac Cai at 9:00 AM this Saturday for the briefing.  The cleanup can be conducted by either diving or by snorkeling, but it is recommended that divers be experienced, as the channel can have difficult currents.  Those participating will be asked to concentrate on removing fishing lines or nets, or other obstructions underwater.  There will be complimentary tanks for the first fifteen divers who check in, courtesy of Dive Friends Bonaire.

All are welcome to come and clean this area for the betterment of Bonaire’s turtles! (Source:  STCB)

Monday, May 17, 2010

Bonaire Celebrates the Day of Biodiversity This Saturday, May 22, 2010

The United Nations designated 2010 as the international year of biodiversity and May 22nd, 2010 is the Day of Biodiversity.  Bonaire will celebrate this international day of biodiversity with family activities and events at the island’s Lac Cai location. 

This location was chosen as it is considered to be the area with the highest biodiversity on the island. The area is a protected area of the Bonaire National Marine Park and home to two threatened species, the green turtle and the queen conch. Furthermore, it is an area where fish and other animals build their nests and where juvenile animals can live protected by the roots of Bonaire’s mangroves, hiding from predators until they can mature. Lac is home to oysters, crabs, sea-stars, insects, and many other animals that together make up the immense biodiversity of Lac.

The ecosystem of an island is more vulnerable than that of a continent, and the species are more limited, thus making it obligatory for them to adapt to their environment.  In doing so, they actually become endemic and separate species. Because many of Bonaire’s fauna are endemic, there is even a greater degree of importance to protect them, as well as to create an awareness among everyone to help protect these plants and animals. It is this reason that STINAPA and Tourism Corporation Bonaire have joined together to host this Day of Biodiversity.  May 22nd, 2010 will be a day of activities and celebration from as early as 9 AM through to 4 PM. Family events will be the main focus, including guided tours, kayaking, boat tours, snorkeling tours, a kids’ painting area, a kids’ play area, and more.  There will be booths selling local foods, beverages, and local music will accompany the day’s festivities.

CIEE also will be on hand starting at 11:00 AM to launch their “Adopt a Rock” program. Since Bonaire’s mangroves do face several threats--coastal development. the input of pollutants, the impact of invasive species, damage from changes in environmental conditions, as well as increased vehicular and foot traffic--CIEE and STINAPA wish to diminish the threat of anthropogenic disturbance in the protected area of the mangrove forests of Lac Cai by coordinating volunteers to place yellow stones, symbolic of the Bonaire National Marine Park, which would advise visitors to stay clear.  Accordingly, this Saturday, everyone is invited to adopt a rock (these rocks have already been washed and painted with 2 coats of yellow paint by CIEE volunteers).  Then write “NO ENTRY” on the rock in Papiamentu, Dutch, or English, along with your name, initials, or a positive message on the back of the rock (if desired).  Then place the rock in the designated area, with the NO ENTRY facing the road.  Tables with the rocks will be set up, paints and brushes will be provided as well as refreshments.

(Source:  TCB-NY and CIEE Bonaire)

Monday, April 19, 2010

Bonaire’s Underwater Cleanup Removes Much Trash from Kralendijk’s Yacht Anchorage

On Saturday, April 10, 2010, Bonaire experienced some cloudy skies, but that did not keep an enthusiastic group of divers and snorkelers from cleaning up the shallows of Bonaire’s Cha-Cha-Cha Beach.  All worked together as a team to remove trash from this area.  Images from this cleanup are available on-line at the Bonaire Insider Photo Gallery by clicking here.

Jake Richter of NetTech addressed the group 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.

It had been a year since this stretch of shallows was last cleaned, and the group was able to process an impressive amount of trash that had accumulated during this time:  25 beverage cans, bottles, 9 cup lids, 2 pieces of clothing, 15 pieces of mono-filament fishing line, 5 eating utensils, 8 pieces of plastic and rope, 2 automotive tires, as well as miscellaneous building materials, boat parts, and chemical light sticks.

After the dive, all participants and their families were welcomed back for a Pot Luck BBQ—Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech, the sponsors of the Bonaire cleanups, provided drinks and main courses, while participants supplied side dishes.  All participants were rewarded with certificates of participation.

The next quarterly underwater cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, July 10, 2010.  Additional information about the cleanups is available by clicking here.  All are welcome to join in.  (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech)

Wednesday, April 07, 2010

Everyone Is Welcome to Join the Underwater Cleanup This Saturday, April 10, 2010

The next underwater cleanup will take place at Bonaire’s boat anchorage on Saturday, April 10, 2010.  All interested participants should meet at Dive Friends @ Dive Inn 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 at Dive Friends @ Yellow Submarine for the event’s customary BBQ; drinks and main courses will be provided by Dive Friends and NetTech, but participants are asked to bring a side dish to share.

This will be the first underwater cleanup of the year, so it’s a great time for both residents and tourists alike to pitch in and help keep Bonaire clean--underwater, as well as above the water!

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

Monday, March 29, 2010

Cactus Blue Bar and Restaurant Plans Fund Raising Dinner for Haitian Orphans

This Wednesday, March 31st, 2010, Cactus Blue Bar and Restaurant will host a fund-raising dinner to aid some of the orphans in Haiti, currently being house at a missionary in the Dominican Republic.

To raise funds for these children, Cactus Blue’s Chef Hagen will serve a three-course Caribbean-style dinner for only FL 40.00 per person this Wednesday, March 31st, 2010.  Chef Hagen will leave to visit the children in the Dominican Republic himself on Thursday and deliver the funds raised at this dinner.

For additional information, visit Cactus Blue’s Facebook page by clicking here. (Source:  Cactus Blue Bar & Restaurant)

Friday, March 05, 2010

Eighth Annual Special Olympics Walk-A-Thon Will Be Held Sunday, March 7th, 2010

The Special Olympics Bonaire will hold it’s eighth annual Walk-A-Thon to raise funds for their programs for the island’s participants in Special Olympics.

Those interested in participating should plan on checking in at the Slave Huts at 5:00 AM this coming Sunday.  Everybody is welcome, and the route may be walked, run, or cycled.  The entire route is 30 kilometers, but participants can finish whenever they are tired or ready.  Entry fee is FL 25.00 (about USD $14.00) and includes a t-shirt, water and snacks en route, and lunch at the finish.  Tickets are available at TCB, Chat ‘n’ Browse, or from the board members or coaches of the Special Olympics Bonaire.

The water and snack stations will be set up every five kilometers (about every 3 miles) and will include only healthy snacks.  Lunch at the completion of the route will be served from 10:00 AM through 1:00 PM at Pasadia Karino Rincon.  T-shirts can be picked up at Hotel Rochaline either tonight from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, or Saturday, March 6th, from 10:00 AM through 4:00 PM.

Come out for some great exercise and help a worthy cause!  (Source:  Special Olympics Bonaire)

Monday, October 12, 2009

A Klein Bonaire Beach Clean-up Will be Held on October 25, 2009

Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB) and STINAPA are once again joining forces to organize a beach clean-up at Klein Bonaire on October 25, 2009 and volunteers are needed.  It’s important to keep the beaches at Klein Bonaire clean and free from trash, which can harm or be ingested by Bonaire’s sea turtle population.

Anyone who is interested is invited to join in.  Participants should meet at 7:00 AM on October 25, 2009 at the Harbour Village Marina.  Be sure to bring a hat, water, and sunscreen.  For additional information, call either STCB at 717-2225 or STINAPA at 717-8444.  (Source:  STINAPA)

Monday, July 13, 2009

Bonaire’s Underwater Cleanup Removes Much Trash from Yacht Anchorage

On Saturday, July 11, 2009, 35 individuals made up of tourists and residents met together under a perfect Bonaire sky to pitch in and help to keep Bonaire’s reefs beautiful.  Divers, snorkelers, and those who assisted on land worked seamlessly together to process a large amount of trash removed from the island’s yacht anchorage.  Images from this cleanup are available on-line at the Bonaire Insider Photo Gallery by clicking here.

During a complete briefing by Susan Davis of NetTech, it was 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.

It was only nine months since this area was last cleaned, but still a large amount of trash was extracted and properly disposed:  3 plastic bags, 93 beverage cans, 23 pieces of clothing or shoes, 4 tin cans, 3 bait containers, 8 fishing lures, 15 light sticks, 3 tools, 1 can of paint, 23 pieces of dinnerware, 11 pieces of tissue or newspaper, 1 straw, 2 toys, and 4 pieces of metal.  Additionally, 2 fishing nets, 7 pieces of rope, 10 pieces of fiberglass, 1 strapping band, 1 spark plug, 5 pieces of building materials, 1 small tire, 3 towels, 9 pieces of wood, 25 pieces of plastic, 3 wires, 18 glass pieces, and 3 pieces of linoleum were also tallied.

The group was able to retrieve even more trash, which was more than could be processed and counted on Saturday.  These piles of trash are in the shallows and will be removed, checked for marine animals, and tallied next weekend by Dive Friends staff.

After the dive, all participants and their families were welcomed back for a Pot Luck BBQ—Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech, the sponsors of the Bonaire cleanups, provided drinks and main courses, while participants supplied side dishes.

The next quarterly underwater cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, April 10, 2010.  Additional information about the cleanups is available by clicking here.  All are welcome to join in. (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech)