Nature

News about Bonaire Nature

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

CIEE Bonaire Announces Next Public Lecture

CIEE Bonaire will hold its next public presentation on Thursday, September 2nd, 2010 when Dr. Aileen N. C. Morse discusses, “Larval ‘Flypapers’:  Universal Tools for Coral Recruitment Projects First Developed on Bonaire.”

Dr. Morse is from the Marine Biotechnology Center at the University of California Santa Barbara.  The presentation will take place at 7:00 PM at the CIEE Research Station located at Kaya Gobernador N. Debrot #26.  Everyone is invited and admission is free.  (Source:  CIEE Bonaire)

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB) Saves the Day, Again

It was early this morning when the emergency call came into the offices of Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire.............there were hawksbill turtle hatchlings roaming around the airport’s parking lot!

STCB staff member, “Funchi” along with volunteer “Red” Berger, headed off immediately to investigate.  Together they found that a hawksbill nest located at Windsock (Donkey Beach) had hatched overnight, and some of the hatchlings were confused by the lights of the airport.  Instead of immediately heading out to sea, the hatchlings instead crossed the road and made it to the airport’s parking lot where they quickly became disoriented.

Funchi and Red immediately went to their aid, finding a total of ten hatchlings which had gone astray.  They were able to successfully return nine to the water, but unfortunately there was one fatality.  After being sure all hatchlings were safely in the water, they investigated the nest, and found about 120 eggs, so there are at least 119 new hawksbill turtles finding their way in Bonaire’s waters.

Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire does much more than just rescue, but rescue is an important function.  To learn more about how the organization rescues turtles in Bonaire’s waters, click here.  (Source:  Bonaire Insider reporter)

Monday, June 14, 2010

Leatherback Turtles Lays Nest on Klein Bonaire, Nest is Relocated to Protect Eggs

On Monday, June 7th, Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB) staff found a leatherback nest on Klein Bonaire during routine nest monitoring. Leatherback turtles are seen infrequently around Bonaire, and nesting attempts are a rare occurrence. 

A leatherback, which may have been this nesting female, was sighted on June 5th, while the turtle was swimming near Klein Bonaire. It was also spotted in front of Habitat and Buddy Dive the following day.

Klein Bonaire is not an optimal beach for leatherback nesting. Upon, investigation STCB staff found that the nest was already flooded. Using best known practices to enhance success, the staff relocated the nest of over 100 eggs to a higher and drier site of the beach. Adult female leatherbacks require sandy nesting beaches backed with vegetation and sloped sufficiently so the crawl to dry sand is not too far. The preferred beaches have proximity to deep water and generally rough seas.

The leatherback is the largest, deepest diving, and most migratory and wide-ranging of all sea turtles. The adult leatherback can reach 4 to 8 feet in length and 500 to 2000 pounds in weight. Its shell plates are covered by firm, rubbery skin with seven longitudinal ridges. Jellyfish are the main staple of its diet, but it is also known to feed on sea urchins, squid, crustaceans, tunicates, fish, blue-green algae, and floating seaweed.

The last time a leatherback nesting activity was recorded on Bonaire was in 2008, when a female leatherback intended to lay her nest at Cai. The crawl was checked but eggs were not found by STCB staff. This kind of opportunistic nesting can happen at the end of the leatherback nesting season, when these animals are returning from their nesting homes to their feeding homes and suddenly they feel the urge to lay one last nest. They look for the nearest beach and try their best to lay a nest. (Source:  Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire)

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

Dive Friends Bonaire Announces Special Coral Spawning Diving Activities and Weekly Packages

September and October are the months when coral spawning is expected each year on Bonaire. Coral spawning, or the cultivation of the corals, is something unique and a “must-see” for every diver. 

This spectacular event takes place on Bonaire when several coral species (but also other organisms) release secretions into the water column at the same time under the influence of environmental circumstances such as water temperature and a very special position of the moon.

Any diver has to be very lucky to witness this event, but there is a schedule with forecasted dates for this year’s coral spawning event (click here to view in PDF format).

Special dive packages are available for the 2010 coral spawning season with a variety of popular properties with prices and amenities to suit every budget:

• Bonaire Seaside Apartments offers packages for one and two bedroom apartments as well as three bedroom villas. Seven night packages between August 28 - October 1, 2010 begin at $565.00 per person, October 2 – December 17, 2010 begin at $628.00 per person. Both packages are based on quad occupancy in a two bedroom, two bathroom ocean view apartment including a double-cabin pickup truck, 6 days of unlimited tanks for shore diving, special guided coral spawning night dive, and all hotel and dive taxes.

• Coco Palm Garden offers a package which is $544,00 per person, double occupancy in a studio unit. This package includes 7 night’s accommodation, a rental vehicle, 6 days unlimited shore diving, a special guided coral spawning night dive, and all taxes. Please note that air-conditioning, if desired, is $12.50 per room per night additional. 

• Happy Holiday Homes offers a special package of $524.00 per person, based on double occupancy; $473.00 per person, based on quad occupancy. Package includes 7 night’s accommodations, 7 days double-cabin pickup truck, 6 days unlimited shore diving, 1 special guided coral spawning night dive, all taxes and fees. Group reservations can be arranged as well.

• Tropicana Apartments offers several packages. All packages include 7 night’s accommodations, double-cabin pickup truck, 6 days unlimited shore diving, special guided coral spawning night dive, and all taxes. Price is $484.00 per person based on quad occupancy in a two-bedroom unit, $599.00 per person double occupancy in a studio unit, or $634.00 per person double occupancy in a one-bedroom unit.

• Yachtclub Apartments is offering their coral spawning package of $659.50 per person, based on double occupancy, and the package includes 7 night’s studio accommodations, rental car, 6 days unlimited shore diving, 1 special guided coral spawning night dive, and all taxes. A group of ten persons can also be accommodated in the Yachtclub’s penthouse suite. The cost, minimum 10 persons, is $509.20 per person and includes 7 nights accommodations in the penthouse, 2 rental cars for the week, 6 days unlimited shore diving, 1 special guided coral spawning night dive, and all taxes.

For more information or to book one of these coral spawning packages, contact Dive Friends Bonaire or visit their web site at www.dive-friends-bonaire.com.

Those staying at other properties on Bonaire are welcome to join Dive Friends Bonaire for the coral spawning dives.  For any dates when coral spawning is predicted, Dive Friends Bonaire is organizing special night dives for their guests to see the phenomenon. This night dive is $49.00 per person (excluding equipment and air), plus 5% sales tax, with a minimum of four persons. Advance reservations are recommended to avoid disappointment.  For more information or to make a reservation, please contact Dive Friends.  Please note that LED night lights will be available to rent, for $12.00 per light, plus 5% sales tax. (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire)

Wednesday, June 02, 2010

Ramon de Leon, Manager of the Bonaire National Marine Park, to Speak at Next CIEE Presentation

CIEE Bonaire’s next public lecture will be held on Tuesday, June 8, 2010 at 7:00 PM, when Ramon de Leon, the manager of the Bonaire National Marine Park, will speak.

Ramon’s presentation is entitled, “Divers’ Behavioral Study--Who Dives in Bonaire and What Do They Do?” The lecture will be held at the CIEE Research Station, located at Kaya Gobernador N. Debrot #26 in Kralendijk.  All are invited and admission is free.  (Source:  CIEE Bonaire)

Monday, May 31, 2010

Coral Spawning on Bonaire Will Take Place in September and October, 2010

Each year the coral spawning season on Bonaire brings an avid group of divers down to personally witness this phenomenon.  Although some species may spawn as early as August, this year it is predicted that the majority of species will spawn in either September or October, or both months.

Thanks to the Bonaire National Marine Park and Carmabi (Curacao), we have a fairly accurate forecast for when individual species will spawn.  Spawning is always tied to the full moon, usually occurring three to nine days after the full moon in each of these two months.  Times are approximate, and it should be realized that even though divers may be in the water at the exact predicted times, these corals sometimes have a schedule of their own, so a fair amount of time in the water is necessary to witness this spectacular event.  The full prediction schedule for 2010 is available by visiting the marine park’s web site, or by clicking here (in PDF format).  (Source:  STINAPA Web Site)

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)

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

CIEE Offers Two New Presentations

CIEE has recently announced two new public lectures on coral reef ecology that will be conducted on Thursday, April 22, 2010 and also Wednesday, April 28, 2010, both beginning at 7:00 PM.

This first presentation on Thursday evening will be by John Ware, PhD, president of Sea Services, Inc., and he will speak on “Coral Reefs and Climate Change.” The Wednesday evening presentation will be by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, a marine biology PhD student at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.  She’ll speak on “Fish, Fishing, Diving, and the Management of Coral Reefs.”

As usual, everyone is invited to attend, and entry is free.  These presentations will be conducted at the CIEE Research Station Bonaire, located at Kaya Gobernador N. Debrot 26 in Kralendijk. (Source:  CIEE Bonaire)

Thursday, April 01, 2010

CIEE Bonaire Announces Next Public Presentation

Many times, visiting divers and snorkelers come upon sea turtles in the waters surrounding Bonaire.  Many do not realize that Bonaire has an active sea turtle conservation club.  Bruce Brabec, president of STCB (Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire) will be giving a presentation about Bonaire’s sea turtles at CIEE Bonaire on Thursday, April 8th, 2010.

The talk will begin at 7:00 PM promptly, and it will be held at CIEE’s Research Station located on Kaya Gobernador N. Debrot #26.  Everyone is invited and entry is free.  (Source:  CIEE Bonaire)