Scuba Diving

News about diving

Friday, February 19, 2010

Bonaire Continues Proactive Efforts in Fight Against Invasive Lionfish

The Pacific lionfish appeared in Bonaire’s waters last fall, and Bonaire’s marine park and tourism sector are continuing the proactive fight to contain the lionfish population.

Lionfish are particularly destructive to Atlantic reef systems, because they are voracious predators, feeding upon the normal juvenile population of shrimp and fish, thus not allowing these species to grow to maturity and reproduce.  Further, the lionfish are prolific reproducers themselves, with a female capable of producing 30,000 eggs, of which 90% are pre-destined also to be female.  Unfortunately, there are no natural predators of this fish in the Caribbean, so their numbers will not be kept in check via natural predation.

The third lionfish captured on Bonaire reefs (late October, 2009) was only 4.6 cm in length.  However, the fish are becoming much larger and one recently captured was measured to be 18.5 cm in length (see image above comparing these two fish). Lionfish can grow up to about 56 cm.  This fast growth means the lionfish are dining well on Bonaire reefs, and, in fact, the stomach contents of all lionfish removed from Bonaire waters are checked--these lionfish are actively feeding upon Bonaire juvenile fish and shrimp populations.  Lionfish hunt 100% of their time.  They do not stop when full, in fact, studies indicate they never are full and will just keep feeding as long as there is a readily available food supply.  Lionfish can begin reproduction when females are only 13 cm, so the population on Bonaire is already at the point of reproducing, and, in fact, reports of juvenile lionfish are beginning to come in again, proving that we now have a second generation of the fish.

But there is good news to share:  The Bonaire National Marine Park rangers are conducting multiple lionfish workshops for those marine park volunteers who are interested in helping to remove the fish.  These workshops focus upon how to safely catch, remove, and store the fish until it can be processed at CIEE, and then tissue samples are sent to REEF.  The lionfish do have venomous spines, covered by a sheath of skin, which can cause excruciating pain, and therefore, the training is mandatory for anyone who wishes to assist with the fish removal.  It should be noted that no one (tourist or resident) has been stung on Bonaire to date, so captures are proceeding safely due to the excellent training by the marine park.  Once volunteers have been trained, they receive regular updates via a web-based database (updated daily) indicating all the reported lionfish so they can either choose a specific target or see which fish have already been removed.  This posse of lionfishers is made up of Bonaire marine park staff, certain volunteers, and those who have attended a training workshop.

Additionally, the marine park has organized several “lionfish roundups.” This weekend, February 20th and 21st, will be “spreadsheet cleanup roundup” to check old reports, unmarked reports, or to collect, mark, or unmark sites in order to have a better overview of the situation.  It’s important to have a trustworthy database, so the lionfishers can go to the correct sites.  During this roundup, eleven regions along Bonaire’s leeward coast have been targeted for checking and, if possible, removal.

Next weekend, February 27th and 28th, the roundup will concentrate on Washington Slagbaai National Park dive sites.  Those participating will go by boat for two or three dives to remove lionfish in that area.  Saturday, March 6th, the roundup will be conducted in the Karpata Reserve and the Playa Frans Reserve areas.  Lastly, the weekend of March 13th and/or 14th, it will be Klein Bonaire’s turn to host the roundup.

The tourism sector is also jumping in to support the marine park’s efforts.  All dive shops on Bonaire are providing information to their visiting divers, along with markers so divers can mark lionfish locations.  These same dive facilities are also providing free tanks to the posse of lionfishers to help the cause.  Captain Don’s Habitat has taken it one step further:  From March 6th through 13th, Habitat will be hosting the “Lionfish Wrangler Week” with credits for each lionfish found and marked and that ultimately is removed from the environment.  The first credit received ($120.00) can be used on any diving fees during the Lionfish Wrangler Week.  Additional credits after the first ($60.00 each) can be used on future Bonaire trips.  During this week, there will be lionfishers on every boat dive to assist with immediate removal of those lionfish found.  Throughout the week, there will be workshops and lectures on behavior and the potential threat the fish poses to Bonaire and the entire Caribbean.

Noted environmentalist, Dee Scarr, is also lending a helping hand by organizing a meeting for those involved with the fish removal in order to talk, exchange ideas, and brainstorm.  The more people who can be actively involved in this endeavor, the more successful it will be.

Those visitors who will spend an extended time on Bonaire, and who wish to help, are welcome to receive training and join the posse.  Contact the Bonaire Marine Park (717-8444) for information on the next workshop.  Many other visitors who only are on Bonaire for a short time want to know what they can do to help.  First and foremost, please do not try to remove the fish yourself.  It can be dangerous!  Further, once a lionfish is spotted, please limit your activity in the immediate area, this also includes limiting photography.  The reason this is important is these fish learn very quickly that divers (and divers’ bubbles, noise, etc.) mean they might be caught, and they will hide very quickly at the first sign of a human.  It has taken up to six dives in one location to remove one fish which had become sensitized to humans.  When marking a lionfish, place the marker in the sand in the general area, but do not place it right on top of the fish.  Keep your movements slow and unthreatening to avoid sensitizing the fish.

Visitors can be sure to always have a marker in their BCD pocket, and to immediately report any sitings to their dive shop or the marine park.  Those who wish to take it a step further can bring down supplies of wine corks (used in making the markers) and deliver them to the marine park or your dive shop (both plastic corks and real corks work just as well).

In keeping with the community spirit that Bonaire has always exhibited, it’s hoped that the potential negative effects of the Pacific lionfish can be contained by a well coordinated effort by the marine park, Bonaire’s tourism sector, and visiting divers. (Source:  Bonaire Insider Reporter)

Note Update February 22, 2010: On the first roundup last Saturday, ten additional lionfish were removed. (Source:  Bonaire National Marine Park)

Note Update March 1, 2010: On the second roundup on February 27, an additional 11 lionfish were removed from the waters around Washington Slagbaai National Park, bringing the total number of lionfish removed since October to 130. (Source:  Bonaire National Marine Park)

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Dive Friends Bonaire Announces Next Instructor Development Course (IDC)

Dive Friends Bonaire is pleased to announce their next Instructor Development Course (IDC) will begin on June 7th and continue through June 15th, 2010 for those looking to become a professional diver with teaching capabilities. The Instructor Exam conducted by PADI will immediately follow on June 16th and 17th.

Dive Friends will be offering the new E-Learning option for this IDC, which allows candidates to save time and travel expenses by taking advantage of home-study methods.  They then may report to the IDC on the third day (June 9th, 2010), for completion of the program with Dive Friend’s course director.  E-Learning is easy; all candidates must do is login to PADI’s web site at www.padi.com and click on E-Learning.  Enter the dive center’s number, and follow instructions. PADI’s cost for E-Learning is $320.00 per candidate.  Once all candidates are on Bonaire and in sessions together, the new IDC format will focus upon workshops and interaction, while utilizing the new PADI Guide to Teaching.

Concurrent with the IDC course, Dive Friends Bonaire will also offer Emergency First Response (EFR) Instructor, Staff Instructor, and an option for Staff Instructor with an internship at the dive facility.  Costs for these courses are:

· Full IDC (no E-Learning), $1299.00

· E-Learning IDC, $999.00

· Emergency First Response Instructor, $199.00

· Staff Instructor, $599.00

· Staff Instructor with one year’s internship, no charge.

Additionally, for those who would like to attain the professional rating of Instructor, but do not yet have a Divemaster rating, Dive Friends Bonaire offers a Divemaster Internship for $999.00, which can be done prior to the IDC.  All rates are in U.S. Dollars; books and PADI’s fees are additional.

Dive Friends Bonaire can assist with on-island arrangements, such as accommodations or vehicle rental, for those coming to the island for the IDC/IE.  Those interested in participating in the IDC may visit http://www.dive-friends-bonaire.com/idc.html for additional information, or contact Dive Friends Bonaire directly by email by clicking here for pricing and eligibility requirements.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Dive Friends Bonaire Announces New Management for Dive Facilities

Dive Friends Bonaire is pleased to announce the appointment of a new manager for their dive operations department.

Effective immediately, Pascal de Meyer will begin as Manager of Dive Operations.  Mr. de Meyer has many years of experience in diving operations around the world and on Bonaire, where he has been working within the local dive industry for nearly twenty years.  He joined Dive Friends Bonaire after Yellow Submarine and Photo Tours Divers, of which he was an owner, merged in 2005, and he has been actively working as Retail Manager since that time.

Dive Friends Bonaire has every confidence that Mr. de Meyer will continue the company’s mission to provide Bonaire’s friendliest dive operation while maintaining the highest of standards. 

Dive Friends Bonaire is one of Bonaire’s premier diving facilities offering full diving and snorkeling services while still providing personal attention.  Two retail stores are available in Kralendijk, in addition to four diving facilities.  For additional information about all their services, visit their web site at www.dive-friends-bonaire.com, or e-mail: info@dive-friends-bonaire.com. (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire)

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Buddy Dive Resort Receives New Boat, Now Offers Three-Tank Washington Park Safari Dives

Late last month, a new motor catamaran snugged up to Buddy Dive’s dock--with a welcoming committee which had eagerly watched the boat make its way from the horizon, past Klein Bonaire, to Buddy Dive.  This motor catamaran has lots of space, enough for up to 24 divers on a three-tank dive.

Equipped with everything on board that a diver needs, such as rinse buckets, a camera table, a sun-deck, a shaded area, and an entry platform for both easy entries and exits.  After or in-between dives, one can enjoy the sun and stunning views from a comfortable seat on the flying bridge.

Because of the spaciousness of the boat, Buddy Dive is now offering three-tank Washington Park Safari Dives, with possibility of dives made at Boca Bartol, Playa Bengi, Playa Funchi, Bise Morto, Wayaca, or Boca Slagbaai.  The price for the trip is only $120 per person and includes a lunch.  The boat will go with a minimum of just 6 divers, and the maximum is 24.  Those who wish to tag along, but not dive, are welcome subject to space availability.

Those wishing to check schedules or sign up in advance of their arrival on Bonaire may contact Buddy Dive’s reservations department by emailing reservations@buddydive.com or phone 717-5080. (Source:  Buddy Dive Resort)

Friday, January 08, 2010

The Readers of Scuba Diving Magazine Choose Bonaire, Again and Again!

Each year, the readers of Scuba Diving Magazine give their opinions about the best diving destinations around the world, and Bonaire has once again been awarded high honors with seven #1 ratings, including the #1 Top Overall Diving Destination in the Caribbean and Atlantic, for the eighth consecutive year.

Readers also chose Bonaire as the #1 destination for six additional Caribbean/Atlantic categories, including Top Marine Life, Top Macro Life, Top Snorkeling, Top Shore Diving, Top Underwater Photography, and Top Value, proving once again that Bonaire offers the most to Caribbean-bound divers.  Additionally, the island was honored with #2 spots in Top Visibility, Top Health of Marine Environment, and Top Overall Destination, and a #3 spot was won in Top Advanced Diving.

To generate the Readers’ Choice Awards, many subscribers of the print magazine, along with web users, rated their dive experiences on a scale of one to five. Results of the 2010 Awards are featured in the January/February 2010 issue of Scuba Diving Magazine. (Source:  Scuba Diving Magazine)

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

Bill Goodwin, Frequent Bonaire Visitor, Wins National Geographic Photographic Competition

Bill Goodwin, along with his wife, Donna, is a frequent visitor to Bonaire and the island’s reefs.  Both enjoy underwater photography, but Bill has recently just won a major photographic competition sponsored by National Geographic.

His shot of a peppermint shrimp in a sponge taken at Margate Bay in approximately 75 feet of water was first entered into the National Geographic competition.  There were 208,000 entries from 28 countries in 20 different language editions of the magazine. Bill placed first place in the Nature category (one of three categories: People, Places, Nature) in the English language National Geographic contest, but his image then went on to win first place in the worldwide competition.

Often a photographer will work with a subject for some time, taking multiple images.  Bill, however, took only this one shot of the shrimp.  His camera was a Sony DSC WX-1 and, unbelievably, the camera was just set on “auto.” The camera took the image at f/2.4, ISO 160, with a shutter speed of 1/100. He did not employ a filter, he had a finger over the internal strobe to avoid double flashing, and the lighting was provided by Underwater Kinetics Light Cannon (HID) handheld on an arm outside the sponge.

Donna Goodwin is also a photographer, and the two will work together many times.  When Bill is shooting, Donna may hold a light for him, or be on the lookout for other creatures that might make excellent subjects.  When Donna is shooting, Bill then will work as the assistant and lookout.  It’s obviously great teamwork which produces results, as evidenced by Bill’s excellent image.

Bill has been winning or placing in competitions since 2007, including the Our World Underwater 2008 Photo Contest and the 2009 Underwater Images Photo/Video Competition.  Last year at the 11th International Coral Reef Symposium in Ft. Lauderdale, which is held every four years there was a big photo competition with large prizes for the best work from the last four years by scientists, fisheries people, marine park managers and others who are lucky to have unlimited photographic opportunities.  This competition was judged by noted photographers Paul Humann, Stephen Frink, and a staff photographer from National Geographic in six categories. Bill was honored with a second place in Reefs at Risk (also with a shot taken from Bonaire), a first in Marco (with an image from Bonaire), a first in Reef Inhabitants (also with an image from Bonaire), and the Best in Show (from Cayman Brac)! The Best in Show photo (and a story about the grouper in the picture) was featured in the Cayman newspapers the week before a vote in the parliament on banning all spearfishing for grouper in Caymanian waters, and the ban was enacted, partially as a result of that image and story.  Bill and Donna are certainly making good use of their photography to help conservation efforts. 

Bill and Donna have been visiting Bonaire since 2004.  Since that time, they ensure they visit for two weeks at least once a year, and sometimes twice, having their sons and daughters or friends accompany them.  Before their first visit, they’d heard that Bonaire was too good to be true--and Bill says they had to come and check it out themselves and found it to be true! 

Bill hails from San Diego, and Donna is from Louisiana.  They currently reside in Birmingham, Alabama where they work at their physical therapy clinic.  They’ve definitely given back to Bonaire, too, as they organized a fundraiser with a local dive shop in Birmingham to help fund the water quality monitor program executed by STINAPA, and they are currently working with STINAPA to produce an Underwater Image Bank for students of all ages, so as to help teach many of the local children about the treasures that inhabit the waters around Bonaire.  This image bank will be useful to students and teachers in biology, information sciences, tourism industry studies, art and more.

For more information about the National Geographic competition, click here.  Congratulations, Bill!  (Source:  National Geographic web site, Bonaire Insider Reporter)

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

Bonaire’s Living Legend, Captain Don Stewart, Presents and Signs His Newest Book, “Reef Windows”

Captain Don Stewart will present his latest book, Reef Windows, at two book signings in the coming week.  He promises to take readers back to the exciting, early days of Bonaire diving, telling the tales of the true stories behind the naming of Bonaire’s dive sites.

The book will launch this Saturday, December 12, 2009 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Books & Toys, located at Kaya Grandi #36 in Kralendijk.  Don will be available for book-autographing at that time, but also at the Meet the Captain Night at Captain Don’s Habitat on Monday, December 14, 2009 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.  The book will be available for purchase at most book stores and shops around Bonaire, and the book comes with Captain Don’s famous “red ribbon depth gauge” as a handy bookmark.  All are welcome to join Captain Don in celebrating the premiere of this latest book.  (Source:  Captain Don Stewart)

Friday, December 04, 2009

Dive Friends Bonaire Upgrades Retail Equipment Facilities with SCUBAPRO and Mares

Diving is an equipment-intensive and dynamic sport, with new evolving technology which continually makes it safer while increasing the fun and enjoyment of diving.  In order to provide the best to its customers, Dive Friends Bonaire has recently upgraded two of its facilities with a full line of equipment from either SCUBAPRO or Mares.  All are invited to stop in to see the latest offerings from these manufacturers, and the knowledgeable dive crew at either Dive Friends facility can assist with making important decisions about equipment. 

SCUBAPRO Dealership at Dive Friends @ Yellow Submarine: Dive Friends @ Yellow Submarine is pleased to announce that this facility is now an official SCUBAPRO dealer.  The interior of the dive facility has been remodeled to highlight the full range of SCUBAPRO equipment, which is now available for sale on Bonaire.

At this location, customers will be able to choose from the popular Vu, Solera, and Orbit masks with Laguna, Escape, and Eclipse snorkels.  Both the men’s Knight Hawk and the women’s Lady Hawk BCDs will be available with the MK2 regulator line and R295 octopus.  There’s also a choice in exposure protection with Profile wetsuits as well as the Caribbean shorty.  UWATEC/Aladin instruments and computers are offered.

SCUBAPRO UWATEC is one of the industry’s premier manufacturers of scuba diving equipment, and, by utilizing their equipment in the rental department at Dive Friends @ Yellow Submarine, visitors who require rental equipment are assured of having the best available to them. 

MARES at Dive Friends @ Dive Inn:  In order to provide even more choice, Dive Friends Bonaire will be revamping their Dive Inn location into a retail center for Mares products.  For nearly 60 years, Mares has been recognized around the world as a leading manufacturer of technologically advanced diving products.

At the Dive Friends @ Dive Inn facility, customers may choose between Liquid Skin masks and goggles, the extremely easy swimming Avanti fins, as well as a wide assortment of Mares regulators and BDCs.

Both SCUBAPRO UWATEC and MARES products also will be available at Dive Friend’s two retail stores in Kralendijk—Dive Friends @ Dive Retail Outlet and Dive Friends @ Divers Discount—both located on Kaya Grandi.  In addition to these two new lines, the retail stores will continue to stock the best equipment from Sherword, Cressi, and Tusa.  For additional information, click here to visit their web site.  (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire)

Saturday, November 07, 2009

The Council of Underwater Resort Operators (CURO) Elects a New Board

CURO is the official Bonairean dive operator association, recognized by the Island Government.  The association has recently elected a new board.

Serving on the board are:

President, Bart Snelder representing Wannadive Bonaire,
Vice President, Bruce Bowker representing Carib Inn,
Treasurer, Menno de Bree representing Deep Blue View,
Secretary, Edwin Wuyts representing EW Boat charters,
Board member, Augusto Montbrun representing Buddy Dive Resort,
Board member, Gerri Fokke representing Dive Friends Bonaire,
Board member, Serge de Groote representing Divi Dive Bonaire,
Board member, Karen Chalk representing Captain Don’s Habitat.

CURO strives to enhance cooperation and support within its membership, enhance cooperation with the government and other non-governmental organizations, improve the quality of diving on Bonaire in the broadest sense of the word, and support efforts to protect the environment.  Congratulations and best wishes to the new board. (Source:  CURO)

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

Bonaire’s Divers Asked to Assist in Flamingo Tongue Study

In recent weeks it’s been noticed that the normal population of flamingo tongues has blossomed.  CIEE is interested in data on the numbers and locations of these mollusks in Bonaire’s waters.  If you are interested in spending a few minutes at the end of your dive recording data on the number of flamingo tongues, CIEE has created data sheets for you to use. 

The goal is to learn more about the types of soft corals the flamingo tongues are eating and how many mollusks are on each soft coral that you see.  Those interested in helping out may stop by the research station at Kaya Gobernador N. Debrot #26 to pick up a waterproof data sheet (open Monday through Friday between 9 AM and 5 PM).  When diving, please record data in pencil, and when back from the dive, simply copy or scan the data sheet, then drop it off or email it to CIEE.  You can reuse the sheets by erasing the data with a normal eraser. 

Here’s how the research should be done:  During the last ten minutes of your dive, swim from 30’ (10m) toward the shallow water, in a zig zag pattern, recording information on each soft coral that you see.  There are diagrams on the data sheet that you can use to determine the type.  Then you will categorize the number of flamingo tongue mollusks you see on each soft coral and put a tick/check mark on the data sheet that describes both the type of coral and number of mollusks.  Each soft coral should be recorded, even if there are no mollusks present.  There are four types of soft coral and give groups of mollusks by number (click here to view an example in PDF format). (Source:  CIEE Bonaire)