Thursday, August 14, 2008

Deputy Nicolaas Inspects Bonaire’s Reefs

Deputy Anthony Nicolaas, in charge of the environment for the island of Bonaire, recently went on a dive at the dive site 18th Palm with Bonaire National Marine Park manager, Ramon de Leon, to personally inspect and assess the health of the island’s reef system.

The image shows Deputy Nicolaas (right) together with Ramon de
Leon, (left) manager of the Bonaire National Marine Park, as they
prepare to begin their reef inspection at the 18th Palm dive site.

This dive was arranged after a meeting with Deputy Nicolaas, STINAPA, and the Island Government’s DROB (Department of the Environment and Nature) where he was updated on the STINAPA / DROB investigation in relation to the quantity of nutrients entering the ocean and how they may possibly effect the condition of Bonaire’s reefs.

During the dive, the marine park manager pointed out areas of the reef which have been stressed by bacteria or nutrients.  He also pointed out different areas of the reef vulnerable to coral bleaching, normally a deleterious effect of high sea water temperatures.  Deputy Nicolaas will continue to dive around Bonaire to inspect the health of the island’s reef system.  Together with DROB and STINAPA, a continued vigilance will be kept to ensure the health of the reefs surrounding Bonaire and Klein Bonaire.  (Source:  Island Government)