ISSUE 7 - 2017 Bionews Editor’S Letter Dutch Caribbean, November 2017

ISSUE 7 - 2017 BIONEwS Editor’s Letter Dutch Caribbean, November 2017

St. Maarten was hit project and plant native trees that are needed now on September 6th more than ever! by the strongest hurricane the island We are excited to present to you in this BioNews has suffered in decades. In fact, the Category issue an innovative tool that is being developed BIONEWS ISSUE 7 5+ hurricane Irma, intensified more rapidly than to help ocean users become familiar with Marine any other storm on record (Bervoets, 2017). First Protected Areas in their region. An interactive assessments by Nature Foundation St. Maarten online map, Protected Seas, provides quick access 2 Editor’s Letter (NFSXM) have revealed that the island’s nature to information about Marine Protected Areas suffered catastrophic damage, which will take including management resources and regulations. 3 Status of St. Maarten’s Reef years, if not decades, to recover from. The reefs The map of the US was completed in 2016, and did not fare well, with latest results showing a the focus this year has been the Caribbean Region, 8 St. Maarten: Impact 30% die-off, mainly corals and sponges. In this with the Dutch Caribbean completed in July 2017. Hurricane Irma on Nature edition of BioNews, we present an overview of The hope is that compliance with MPA rules and the first nature damage assessments. We also regulations will increase if users are aware of them. 11 EPIC Continues present the status of St. Maarten’s reefs prior to Restoration Project hurricane Irma as part of our series on the status The Bonaire National Marine Park has earned of coral reefs throughout the Dutch Caribbean. international recognition due to its high biodi- 13 Marine Protected Areas - Whilst we are aware that the most recent data we versity as well as its pioneering management of a new interactive online map review here may no longer be applicable in light resources. The park has been on the Netherlands of the widespread damage the island’s reefs just short list of sites for World Heritage Site nomi- 15 Bonaire World Heritage suffered, it will be invaluable when assessing the nation since 2010. We are happy to report on a Nomination Project changes in reef condition since this major hur- Nature Fund project, funded by The Netherlands’s ricane struck St. Maarten. Ministry of Economic Affairs, which is enabling the 17 Research Overview Island Territory of Bonaire, with the assistance of Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) the consulting firm Wolfs Company, to prepare the 21 Long-Term Projects Overview Foundation is giving nature a hand in it’s recovery submission of the Bonaire National Marine Park as process. Earlier this summer, EPIC began a project a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 28 Monitoring Overview to plant native trees at three different locations around St. Maarten (Cay Bay, Sentry Hill and Little 32 List of Acronyms Key) including mangroves in Little Key. Before Hurricane Irma, assessments were conducted to 33 Reports and Publications better understand what native plants need to be introduced at each site to increase biodiversity and 34 Calendar steps were made to source the plants. The passage of Hurricane Irma has delayed restoration efforts. 35 Members and Contact However, EPIC is now determined to resume the Cover photo by: © Christian König 36 References Editor’s Letter photo by: © Rostislav Stach

BioNews 7 - Content 2 3 4 5 6 ... Status of St. Maarten’s Reef

Map of St. Maarten. Image by: © DCNA

Last September, major category 5+ Hurricane Irma caused the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Saint-Martin makes up widespread damage to St. Maarten. This was a strong the larger (59 km2), northern side and is a French Overseas reminder of the urgency to preserve the natural buffers that Territory (MacRae, 2007). protect our islands from storm damage, such as coral reefs and mangroves, and increase their resilience. Coral reefs are Except for the lowlands in the west, St. Maarten is hilly. The marine biodiversity hotspots that are not only invaluable east end has a range of conical hills: Cole Bay Hill (215m), for coastal protection but also have a high economic value Sentry Hill (344m), Saint Peter’s Hill (317m) and Flagstaff through associated tourism and fishery. (386m) (Rojer, 1997). Before hurricane Irma, the island was covered with evergreen forests, deciduous and mixed ever- There is limited information on the status of St. Maarten’s green thorn woodlands, and succulent evergreen shrubland reefs over the past three decades as only a few studies have (NFSXM, 2017a). taken place. First rapid observer coral reef assessments since Hurricane Irma showed that the damage is extensive and The numerous bays and lagoons along St. Maarten’s coast significant, in the coming month qualitative coral reef re- give the island its irregular shape (Rojer, 1997). The west end search via the GCRMN method will be done to assess the reef is dominated by Simpson Bay Lagoon, one of the largest damage. Post hurricane data will be analyzed and compared lagoons in the Lesser Antilles. The lagoon, as well as RAMSAR to recent pre-hurricane GCRMN reef assessments conducted site Mullet Pond, are home to the island’s largest mangrove in August 2017 and 2016. This will provide insights in the reef forests (NFSXM, 2017a). Seagrasses are found mainly along structure and can be used to assess the changes in reef condi- the southern and south-western shores, from Great Bay to tion since this major hurricane stroke St. Maarten. Cupecoy Beach. The rest of the coastline, which measures in total 27 km2, is made up of steep rocky cliffs and white 1. Geography and Reef Structure sandy beaches. The island is surrounded by a number of small uninhabited islands such as Pelican Rock and Molly B’day. St. Maarten is a volcanic island located in the North Eastern These offshore islands are important nesting sites for migra- Caribbean, on the Anguilla Bank. It is situated in the inner tory and resident seabirds and have been listed by Birdlife arc of the Lesser Antilles, which extends from Saba in the International as Important Bird Areas (DCNA, 2017). north to Grenada in the south (Cambers, 2010). St. Maarten was formed nearly 50 million years ago as a result of volcanic St. Maarten’s reefs are primarily fringing reefs (Jackson et al., activity and is older than Saba and St. Eustatius (Rojer, 1997). 2014). Patch reefs are found in shallow waters close to shore along the eastern, western and southern coasts. Many upper St. Maarten is the largest of the Dutch Caribbean’s Windward reef slopes on the eastern part of the island have spur and Islands, with a land area of 37 km2 and a maritime area of groove formations (NFSXM, 2017b). The Dutch Caribbean’s 434 km2. St. Maarten is actually part of a larger landmass youngest protected area, the Man of War Shoal Marine Park, (96 km2) that is divided between two sovereign govern- was established in 2010. The Marine Park is located off the ments - the Dutch and the French. St. Maarten makes up the southern shore of the island and covers an area of 31 km2. smaller, southern side and is an autonomous country within St. Maarten was also declared a shark sanctuary in 2011.

BioNews 7 - Content 2 3 4 5 6 ... 2. Status of the reefs of St. Maarten Table 1: Summary of major coral status surveys conducted on St. Maarten’s coral reefs

There has only been a limited number of studies 2016). The Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network Studies Time period Survey Description # Sites Surveyed over the past twenty years that have investigated protocol for the Caribbean (GCRMN Caribbean) the health of St. Maarten’s reefs (Table 1). In the was used to establish a regional scale perspective Post hurricane (Lenny) rapid assessment of late 1999, the reefs of the windward Netherlands of coral reef health across the islands, with surveys AGRRA, Klomp, Kooistra 1999 reefs including measures on coral cover and - Antilles were assessed at 24 sites to assess the taking place in the forereef habitat at depths (2003) bleaching. damage caused by hurricane Lenny (Klomp & between 7 and 15 meters (Sandin et al., 2016). Kooistra, 2003). The Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef In addition to coral reef assessments following Underwater scooter-assisted SV II survey Assessment (AGRRA) protocol was used with the GCRMN protocol, eleven coral reef environ- Catlin Seaview Survey 2013 camera system to conduct 2 modifications to detect the hurricane impact. In ments on St. Maarten were mapped using 3D reef surveys. 1999 and 2001, a joint project between Nature imagery (Sandin et al., 2016). Photography and NFSXM and ReefKeeper Foundation S.t Maarten (NFSXM) and ReefKeeper advanced image post-processing are used to 1999 and 2001 Survey of coral species. 3 International surveyed coral species at 3 of the is- create photomosaic images of large reef areas International land’s main dive sites (Hen & Chicken, Molly Béday up to 100 square meters. These images provide and Mike’s Maze) (St. Maarten ReefMonitor a snapshot view of large-area coral reef com- Report on observations of coral Esteban, Kooistra (2005) 2005 - Update, 1999; 2001). In 2013 two dive sites in the munities and their compositions, enabling data bleaching in St Maarten’s Marine Park. Man of War Shoal Marine Park were filmed as part collection of benthic communities. The results of the Catlin Seaview Survey to assess the state of of these surveys have not yet been released but coral reefs over larger scales and in more precise footage can be seen here: https://drive.google. Abundance and biomass of key reef fish taxa, (www.globalreefrecord.org). com/drive/folders/0By3cTucxJ9GFbmdGd1lFZ3du relative cover of reef-building organisms alk [100IslandChallenge.org , Scripps Institution (corals, coralline algae) and their dominant Most recently, conservation organizations from of Oceanography at UC San Diego, in partnership competitors (macroalgae), assessment of 7 (mainly within Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten joined a with the Waitt Institute]. The goal is to repeat GCRMN Since 2016 health of reef-building corals, recruitment of the Man of War Shoal research expedition organized by the Scripps the assessment in two years so that changes in reef-building corals, abundance of key macro- Marine Protected Area) Institute of Oceanography and the WAITT reef health can be gauged. Currently NFSXM is invertebrate species (i.e. Diadema antillarum), Foundation in November 2016 to conduct a rapid making damage assessments of among others and water quality (i.e. water transparency scientific assessment of the coral reefs around the St. Maarten’s reefs after the island was hit by the (Secchi-disk). windward Caribbean islands (Sandin et al., powerful hurricanes Irma.

Scripps Institute of Coral reef assessments following the GCRMN Oceanography and the 2016 protocol and selection of 11 coral reef environ- 18 WAITT Foundation ments were mapped using 3D imagery.

Status of St. Maarten’s Reef Would you like to share a news item? Please e-mail us: [email protected]

BioNews 7 - Content 2 3 4 5 6 ... 2.1 Benthic cover dive site, 70% of all fire coral were bleached. At (NFSXM, 2017d). Latest survey results show large reported by Goreau (2006): “there are moderately Coral cover Proselyte Reef, 60% of all hard corals were affect- coral and sponge die-off, especially at the shallow high nutrient levels even in areas that are not ex- ed at a depth of 14 meters. At Fort Amsterdam, reefs and direct damage to branching corals such posed to land based sources of nutrients. This sug- In 1999, live coral cover of the reefs of the Dutch at least 75% of corals were severely affected at a as Elkhorn corals. NFSXM estimated a 30% die gests that there are high natural inputs from deep Caribbean’s Windward islands was assessed depth of 6.5 meters, including branching, mound off of the reef, mainly corals and sponges, due to cold waters, probably caused by the shallow ther- at 18%, with most hard corals made up of and brain corals, as well as various soft corals sediment cover caused by strong surge and water mocline and the activity of breaking internal waves small-sized colonies (Klomp & Kooistra, 2003). (Esteban & Kooistra, 2005). In 2006, a fairly high motion of hurricane Irma (NFSXM, 2017c). in Atlantic waters to the east of Sint Maarten. High However, the joint study between NFSXM and level of residual coral bleaching was observed, natural nutrient backgrounds offshore indicate that ReefKeeper International in 1999 found St. notably in Montastrea cavernosa and Agaricia Macroalgae even stricter control of land-based sources of nutri- Maarten’s reefs to be in good health with an agaricites colonies (Goreau, 2006). Macrolagae negatively impact corals by inhibit- ent pollution is needed to prevent explosive weedy overall hard coral bottom cover of 34% and a ing coral recruitment and survival, slowing coral algae overgrowth, or eutrophication, of coastal moderate species diversity of 13 hard coral Major category five storm Irma this September growth and making them more prone to diseases waters.” (Goreau, 2006). species (St. Maarten ReefMonitor update, 1999). caused widespread damage to the island, a (Jackson et al., 2014). Macroalgal cover was found When the study was repeated in 2001, hard strong reminder of the urgency to preserve our to be low for the reefs of the Windward islands in coral cover had dropped to 30% (St Maarten natural buffers that protect our islands from 1999 (Klomp & Kooistra, 2003). This was partly ReefMonitor update, 2001). storm damage, such as coral reefs, and increas- attributed to the high biomass of grazing her- ing their resilience. “Although in-depth coral bivorous fishes in the region (Klomp & Kooistra, In the early 2000s, St. Maarten’s reefs showed reef assessments have not yet been made, rapid 2003). However, the joint study between NFSXM signs of disturbance, notably sedimentation and observer assessments have established that there and ReefKeeper International in 1999 found a bleaching - bleaching was noted in 44% of colo- has been significant storm damage to the ‘Man much higher algal cover of 25% (St. Maarten nies (Klomp & Kooistra, 2003). The island’s reefs of War Shoal’ Marine Park. An estimated 50% of ReefMonitor Update, 1999). In 2001, have suffered from a number of severe bleaching the reef has suffered some kind of damage and all the reefs surveyed had nearly the events over the years, notably in 1998 and 2005. there is significant siltation still in the Marine Park. same percentage of algae cover Following the severe bleaching event of 2005, The Marine Park has only been in existence for six (27%) (St. Maarten ReefMonitor many coral colonies were found to be affected years and the resiliency of the area to recover from Update, 2001). The high algae (Esteban & Kooistra, 2005). At Mike’s Maze this significant weather event remains to be seen” cover by Dictyota was also

Status of St. Maarten’s Reef

Photo by: © Marion Haarsma

BioNews 7 - Content 2 3 4 5 6 ... 2.1 Fish

St. Maarten’s reefs are home to 153 species of marine park, and is markedly more abundant reef fish. The most common reef fish within the park’s Conservation Zone (Kramer & species are blue tang (Acanthurus coeruleus), Odinga, 2015). This may be the result of their pref- bluehead (Thalassoma bifasciatum), sergeant erence for reef habitats. Their distribution could major (Abudefduf saxatilis), spotted goatfish also be affected by the shark-feeding excursions (Pseudupeneus maculatus) and ocean surgeonfish that used to be organized for tourists (Kramer & (Acanthurus bahianus) (NFSXM, 2017a). The Odinga, 2015). fish communities of the island’s offshore and protected areas have recently been described 3. Local stressors on as “noticeably robust and intact” with relatively St. Maarten’s reefs common sightings of bigger fish, which highlights the success of fish management initiatives on St. While there is limited information regarding Maarten (Research group at Scripps Institution of the current status of St. Maarten’s reefs, there Oceanography UC San Diego, personal communi- are clear indications that these reefs are under cation, June 15, 2017). a number of man-made and natural pressures. In 2003, signs of disturbance such as sedimenta- The island has a healthy shark population. Since tion and increased bleaching were already 2015, Baited Remote Underwater stereo Video noticeable compared to the other Windward (stereo-BRUV) has been used to gather data on Islands (Klomp & Kooistra, 2003). It is important to St. Maarten’s shark population. Caribbean reef reduce local threats to increase the resilience sharks (Carcharhinus perezii) and nurse sharks of the reefs to the global stressors caused by (Ginglymostoma cirratum) are the most abundant climate change such as intensified bleaching shark species. Between February and August 2016, and storm events (Bender et al., 2010; Walther 477 Caribbean reef sharks were sighted, along with et al., 2002). In light of the considerable worth 70 nurse sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum) and 1 of the island’s reefs, adequate management hammerhead shark (Sphyrnidae sp.) (DCBD,2017). measures must be put in place to protect this The abundance of these species is higher in the invaluable resource. Caribbean Reef Sharks , Photo by: © Jim Abernethy

Status of St. Maarten’s Reef

Ocean Surgeonfish , Photo by:© Hans Leijnse Spotted Goatfish , Photo by:© Marion Haarsma

BioNews 7 - Content ... 6 7 8 9 10 ... The economy of St. Maarten is extremely de- and kills reef organisms (MacRae, 20007; NFSXM, chrysurus and Lutjanus campechanus), St. Maarten is located in the Atlantic hurricane pendent on marine-based activities, with the 2017b). Development for tourism has resulted in pelagic species (Acanthocybium solandri, zone, and on average is hit by a hurricane every reefs generating approximately USD $58 million further habitat destruction and degradation of Coryphaena hippurus, Thunnus sp. and Selar 4 to 5 years. These hurricanes not only limit reef through coral reef associated tourism and fishery habitats such as the lagoon and the numerous salt crumenophthalmus), and lobster (Panulirus argus) development but also cause great damage to (Bervoets, 2010). Tourism has increased greatly ponds on the island (Yokoyama, 2010). (Dilrosun, 2004). The island’s fishing grounds have island’s seabed (Klomp & Kooistra, 2003). In the over recent decades, and continues to do so. From been described as poor with few large specimens late 1990s, six hurricanes hit St. Maarten and had 2011 up to the end of 2015, the island has seen the The increase in the permanent and temporary of carnivorous fish such as groupers and snappers, profound impacts on the island’s reefs (hurricanes number of stay-over tourists grow from 424,340 population of St. Maarten has also led to an most likely the result of overfishing throughout Luis and Marilyn in 1995, hurricane Bertha in 1996, to 505,374 (Heyliger, 2017). Most visitors make increase in pollution. Pollution on St. Maarten the 1970s and 1980s (MacRae, 2007; Dilrosun, hurricane Georges in 1998 and hurricanes Jose use of the marine environment, from lounging on mainly comes from sewage, fuel and litter. These 2004). Illegal spearfishing takes place to some ex- and Lenny in 1999). For example, the heavy seas a beach to enjoying a fishing or boating excursion directly affect the health of the seabed environ- tent, and conch are taken unsustainably (MacRae, generated by Hurricane Luis shifted sand which and taking part in watersports activities such as ment. The resulting raised nutrient concentra- 2007). The creation of the Man of War Shoal smothered coral colonies, and shallow strands of snorkelling and SCUBA diving. St. Maarten is tions stimulate the growth of algae, which can Marine Park in 2010 has had a positive impact on Acropora palmata suffered breakage (Smith et al., also a major port of call for Caribbean cruise ships out compete hard corals for settlement space. commercial species. In 2013, grouper and snap- 1997). In September 2017, St. Maarten was hit by (Klomp & Kooistra, 2003), and in 2015 Port St. The seagrasses in Simpson Bay Lagoon and in per populations increased by 10-15% within the the strongest hurricanes in history in the Atlantic Maarten catered to over 1.9 million cruise passen- Oyster Pond have all but disappeared as a result Marine Park, with fishers reporting an increase in ‘Irma’ and caused severe major damage to the gers (Port St. Maarten, 2016). These passengers of pollution, anchoring and eutrophication caused catch (Bervoets, 2014). environment and infrastructure. In addition to also partake in the island’s many water-based by excessive nutrients entering coastal waters storm damage, St. Maarten’s reefs have also suf- activities. (MacRae, 2003). However, the little available Besides, St. Maarten is also dealing with invasive fered from other natural impacts. An outbreak of evidence indicates that water quality is generally species, notably lionfish that were first sighted in white band disease between 1980 and 1982 killed The rapid and continuous growth in tourist num- good within St. Maarten’s open water environ- 2010 and are reported to negatively impact native 90% of the Caribbean’s populations of Acropora bers as well as residents (from 5,000 in 1960 to ments (MacRae, 2003). coral fish populations (Albins and Hixon, 2008). In cervicornis and Acropora palmata. This was fol- 41,338 in 2017) has led to thoughtless landscaping its efforts to manage and control the infestation lowed by a mass mortality of Diadema antillarum, and building near the waters’ edge to accommo- Small-scale commercial and artisanal fishing NFSXM has been catching these fish and distrib- one of the most important grazers on Caribbean date them. Unsustainable development is one of takes place on the island’s reefs. There are seven uted lionfish collection materials to the various reefs (MacRae, 2007). the most serious threats to St. Maarten’s reefs. It active fishing vessels with an estimated 490 dive centers and fishermen. Twice a year the causes sedimentation and nutrient enrichment of kg total catch per week (Lindop et al., 2015). Nature Foundation also holds a lionfish derby. the marine environment which in turn smothers Commercial fishing targets snappers(Ocyurus

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Blackfin Snapper, Photo by:© Hans Leijnse

BioNews 7 - Content ... 6 7 8 9 10 ... St. Maarten: Impact Hurricane Irma on Nature

What started out a week prior as a low pressure system off has sent 300 hummingbird feeders to be distributed to schools the Cape Verde Islands ended up as the first ever category 5+ and homes across the island (BirdsCaribbean, 2017). The bird hurricane to hit the Caribbean’s Leeward Islands mostly due species that was greatly affected by the hurricane’s heavy winds to warming ocean temperatures. Hurricane Irma was so pow- appears to be the brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis), the erful that it devastated several islands in the north-eastern island’s national bird (NFSXMb, 2017). Initial assessments found Caribbean. The Dutch Caribbean Island of St. Maarten was not that thirty of the island’s two hundred pelicans died during or fol- spared and sustained catastrophic damage. On the morning lowing hurricane, although conservationist Binkie van Es recently of September 6th, Irma struck the island with so much power stated “I am afraid we lost half of our Brown Pelican population” that more than 90% of the buildings are damaged, many (König, 2017; BirdsCaribbean, 2017). Most of the pelicans’ rookery I am afraid we lost houses lost their roof and infrastructure is significantly dam- sites have been destroyed. Shortly after the passing of the hur- aged, resulting in much of the population becoming homeless ricanes NFSXM found that the complete breeding site at Divi half of our Brown and without basic needs. Nature Foundation St. Maarten Little Bay had been decimated and about two-dozen nests at the Pelican population (NFSXM) has assisted with water and food distributions, clean- sites were lost. Recently NFSXM was delighted to report that the ing up beaches and water bodies, and has focused on assessing majority of the breeding pairs have returned (NFSXM, 2017c). the extent of damage the 185 MPH winds, large waves and Brown Pelican, Photo by: © Miro Zumrik strong surge caused to the island’s nature. The first terrestrial St. Maarten’s wetlands and coastal areas suffered significant and marine assessments took place from September 12th to damage. Simpson Bay Lagoon, a dominant feature of the 16th, and from September 22nd to the 25th. They were carried island and one of the largest lagoons in the Lesser Antilles, out quickly to get a first overview of the damage – further, has been labelled an “environmental disaster zone” by NFSXM. more in-depth assessments are continuously going on. The Foundation estimates that Irma caused over 300 vessels to sink in the lagoon and Oyster Pond on the eastern coast. On land, the island looked nothing like itself post-hurricane. As a result, more than 750,000 liters of fuel is being discharged The usually green island was now brown, with most vegetation into these waters, and Tadzio Bervoets, manager of NFSXM, defoliated and many large trees knocked down by strong winds estimates that cleaning up all the vessels in the waters will (NFSXM, 2017a). The rains bought by the Caribbean’s second take about 10 years (König, 2017). Bervoets carried out a diving hurricane 5 of the season, hurricane Maria, helped most trees and survey of Simpson Bay Lagoon post-hurricane and reported shrubs - including tamarind, acacia, flamboyant and kapok trees - seeing a sunken boat every five meters, with the water being sprout new leaves, and some areas have already returned to their more diesel than salt (Bervoets, 2017). While this is a huge typical shade of green (NFSXM, 2017b; König, 2017). However the concern for the environment and public health, NFSXM height of vegetation have decreased significantly everywhere on has had little support for clean-up activities and urges the the island. The many broken palm trees will however take much fast-tracking of permits so that critical large scale work can longer to recover due to their slow growth. begin in Simpson Bay. “Our request for assistance has largely been unanswered and we now are dependent on commercial salvage Some Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis) have returned to the breeding St. Maarten’s avifauna did not fare well, with some species such operators to clean up the wrecks” explains Bervoets (NFSXM, site Divi Little Bay after St. Maarten was hit by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. as the barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) displaced from their usual 2017d). The Foundation has been able to monitor the removal Photo by: © NFSXM habitat (BirdsCaribbean, 2017). Hummingbirds are of specific of sunken vessels in Oyster Pond and is helping ensure that oil concern due to the lack of food. NFSXM has asked local residents spill containmentWould equipment you like is beingto share properly a news used item?to minimize to place bird feeders in schools and gardens, and BirdsCaribbean further stressPlease on the ecosystem.e-mail us: [email protected]

BioNews 7 - Content ... 6 7 8 9 10 ... Water quality is of specific concern and is being the uprooting of many mangrove strands (NFSXM, monitored by NSFXM. Wetlands and coastal areas 2017a). This is a significant issue for the island as have been polluted not just by sunken vessels many species, such as sea turtles and juvenile reef but also by the significant run-off from land that fish, depend on seagrass beds and/or mangroves A sunken Houseboat in the resulted from Irma’s torrential rains. Several areas for food and shelter. have been reported to have raw sewage entering Mullet Pond Ramsar Site. them, and there has been an important fish die-off While the impacts of hurricane Irma are much Photo by: © NFSXM at both Great Salt Pond and Fresh Pond (NFSXM, more evident on land, NFSXM has surveyed the 2017a). Nature Foundation has advised against the island’s reefs and found that the damage under consumption of any seafood as it may be con- water is just as catastrophic. The Foundation taminated. Large amounts of debris are also being conducted an initial Marine Park and Dive Site found in the island’s wetlands and coastal areas. assessment from sept 28th to Oct 6th, which The removal of this debris is a source of concern in will soon be followed by more in depth reef itself, as the Philipsburg landfill was already over monitoring. The assessment revealed that the capacity before the storm. powerful hurricane caused much direct and indirect damage to St. Maarten’s coral reefs. Mangroves and seagrasses in Simpson Bay According to NFSXM’s estimates, Irma caused Lagoon and in Oyster Pond, which have already 30% of the reef to die off - mostly corals and suffered significant losses as a result of pollution, sponges in shallow reefs – and 50% of the reef anchoring and eutrophication, were uprooted and to suffer some kind of damage such as broken torn down by hurricane Irma’s strong surge. branching coral fragments (NFSXM, 2017e). While St. Maarten’s invasive seagrass species Siltation bought by Irma’s strong surge has (Halophila stipulacea) was the most affected, prob- resulted in many corals covered in sediment and ably due to its weaker roots and smaller growth, sludge. Many reef species are believed to be native species (Thalassia testudinum, Syringodium unharmed, including reef fish, octopus, morays, filiforme) did not fare well, with two hectares of sharks and stingrays. Sea turtles did not fare so native seagrass beds gone. Most mature man- well. According to Bervoets, about half of the 80 grove trees have been destroyed, with estimates to 100 sea turtles in St. Maarten probably survived as high as 90% (NFSXM, 2017a). The biggest loss (König, 2017). Much of the turtles’ seagrass habitat Oil Spills Simpson Bay Lagoon has been recorded at Mullet Pond, a RAMSAR has been damaged, and nesting beaches are now Photo by: © NFSXM site and therefore wetland of significant severely eroded and full of debris. In fact, the 2017 international importance. Many boats tried to Sea Turtle Nesting Season Monitoring Programme secure themselves to mangrove roots, which led to has been cancelled.

St. Maarten: Impact Hurricane Irma on Nature

BioNews 7 - Content ... 6 7 8 9 10 ... NFSXM has been working hard on a number of Bervoets remains optimistic: “the nature of our marine conservation projects over the past couple Island, just like her people, are resilient and will of years, all of which have been devastated by hur- recover in due time” (NFSXM, 2017a). ricane Irma. The foundation’s coral nursery project – funded by the European Union Best 2.0 Program and aimed at restoring elkhorn and staghorn reef zones – was totally wiped out. While NFSXM staff secured the 9 coral ladder structures located at The nature of our Island, just the dive site ‘The Bridge’ and pulled them deeper like her people, are resilient to minimize damage, Irma tore down the ladders and took away all fragments growing on them. Of and will recover in due time. the 355 fragments, only two small ones have been recovered (NFSXM, 2017f). A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise the funds needed to rebuild the coral nursery (www.gofundme.com/rebuild-st- maartens-coral-nursery). Acoustic receivers placed He also stresses the importance of keeping dive to monitor shark populations have also been tourism going as St. Maarten’s economy is heav- lost. Not a single one of the 8 receivers or their ily dependent on tourism. Coral reefs contribute structures has been retrieved. The juvenile conch more than USD 50 million annually in ecosystem growth research experiment, which is determin- goods and services. The Foundation is encourag- ing whether native and invasive seagrass affected ing divers to visit the island as dive sites are still conch growth differently, also suffered significant spectacular thanks to their marine life and sur- setbacks. Not only were many seagrass beds roundings.surroundings. and juvenile conch destroyed by Irma, but all of the research project’s infrastructure and equipment is gone.

Hurricane Irma has been a strong reminder of You can donate and help the nature foundations of Saba, the urgency to preserve the natural buffers that St. Eustatius & St. Maarten to restore nature from the protect our islands from storm damage, such as devastating impacts of Hurricanes Irma & Maria. Macroalgae overgrowing St. Maarten’s reefs. coral reefs. The resiliency of the St. Maarten’s http://www.dcnanature.org/donate/ Photo by: © Melanie Meijer zu Schlochtern nature remains to be determined – it is right now impossible to know how long recovery will take.

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BioNews 7 - Content ... 6 7 8 9 10 ... EPIC Continues Restoration Project Focus on restoration of native forest, increasing biodiversity and environmental education

by Kippy Gilders

Earlier this summer, Environmental Protection Coastal mangrove wetlands in St. Maarten have in the Caribbean (EPIC) Foundation began a suffered a drastic reduction in recent decades due project to plant native trees at three different to commercial development and dredging. This locations around St. Maarten (Cay Bay, Sentry has resulted in the loss of important spawning and Hill and Little Key). Before Hurricane Irma, nursery habitat for several reef species such as assessments were conducted to better under- Schoolmasters, Great Barracuda, Gray Snapper stand what native plants need to be introduced and Foureye Butterfly and also for pelagic species at each site to increase biodiversity and steps such as parrotfish, silversides, wrasses, anchovies were made to source the plants. The passage of and herrings (Naturefoundationsxm.org, 2017). Hurricane Irma has delayed restoration efforts. EPIC aims to alleviate this by restoring mangrove However, EPIC is now determined to resume stands in Little Key, increasing mangrove depend- the project and plant native trees that are ent species and subsequently increasing biodiver- needed now more than ever! sity in the marine environment. To guarantee high plant survival, test mangroves have been planted Although the main action of the project is to following the encased planting methodology by introduce native trees, the focus is on increasing Robert W. Riley Jr. (1995). This method, which biodiversity and environmental education. The uses PVC pipes to protect young red mangrove restoration sites vary extensively from each other, propagules, is proven to prevent seedling mortal- allowing a significant increase in biodiversity ity due to wave action and other environmental after restoration. Habitat types of these areas hazards. However, EPIC was surprised to find that Before Hurricane Irma - Mangrove encasements After Hurricane Irma - Remaining mangrove are: coastal mangrove wetland found in Little 5 of 12 test encasements had not only survived planted on Little Key (August 19th, 2017) encasements planted on Little Key (September 21, 2017) Key, montane dry forest found on Sentry Hill and Hurricane Irma but had also produced leaves. Photo by: © Kippy Gilders Photo by: © Kippy Gilders coastal terrestrial scrub found at Cay Bay.

BioNews 7 - Content ... 11 12 13 14 15 ... Terrestrial forest and scrub areas in St. Maarten involvement of stakeholders to catalyze legisla- present low diversity. The plant composition in tive action and create citizen science opportuni- these areas is dominated by a few invasive and ties. Towards this goal, the project has a focus non-native species that rose to dominance after on environmental education and will work with cleared agricultural land was abandoned over 50 schools and community groups to promote the years ago. In order to increase biodiversity, EPIC is value of environmental protection, foster connec- currently working on establishing a secondary for- tions with nature, and encourage conservation est with specific native species in the two terres- actions. EPIC invites other organizations to visit trial sites. The increase of species in these areas restoration sites and share best practices through will provide a more complex and natural habitat this unique opportunity. for species dependent upon shade, leaf litter, tree bark and crevices. The diversity of trees will also This project, “Restoration of Key Biodiversity provide more varied food source for birds, bats, Areas of St. Maarten”, is supported by the BEST spiders and other insects. 2.0 Programme funded by the European Union. For more information or to get involved please EPIC advocates for conservation zoning and contact EPIC’s Project Coordinator, long-term management plans for the restored Kippy Gilders, at +1 (721) 524-4420 or sites. Another key point of this project is the [email protected].

Top Left: Damages to the EPIC Office from Hurricane Irma. Bottom Left: Dedicated volunteers help clear broken branches and hurricane debris from the restoration site at Sentry Hill. Right: Technicians working to clear the site at Sentry Hill Photo by: © Kippy Gilders, Rishi Hemrajani & Ani Luna

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BioNews 7 - Content ... 11 12 13 14 15 ... Marine Protected Areas - a new interactive online map

By Jennifer Sletten and Virgil Zetterlind

The Dutch Caribbean has a new way to access marine protected area (MPA) information focused on ease of use for boaters, fishermen, and the public. Available online at ProtectedSeas.net is an interactive online map of marine protected and managed areas for our islands and the Caribbean as a whole. The map provides one-click access to detailed MPA information such as allowed activities, regulations, management resources, and links to official publications. In July 2017, with help from DCNA, ProtectedSeas largely completed the Dutch Caribbean (see Figure 1 and Figure 2).

The team is currently wrapping up the Caribbean and moving on to Central and South America. They invite comments, feedback, or questions on their Figure 1: Map view of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. Figure 2: Map view of Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten. map and specific MPAs. Available now in English, Source: https://mpa.protectedseas.net/caribbean Source: https://mpa.protectedseas.net/caribbean ProtectedSeas plans to make MPA information available in each country’s official language soon. Volunteer help with translation is always appreciated.

BioNews 7 - Content ... 11 12 13 14 15 ...

Figure 3: View of details of Klein Bonaire. In the right panel you can find information find can you panel right the In Bonaire. Klein of details of View 3: Figure on the management organization, restrictions purpose, regulations. and governing https://mpa.protectedseas.net/caribbean Source:

Photo by: © Rudy van Gelderen 12 13 14 15 ...

11 ... team discovered marine managed areas such areas as managed marine discovered team not are which regulations, gear-specific and species- with restrictions place-based contained but MPAs, their to areas these Adding benefits. conservation of picture comprehensive more a show helps maps key includes also team The practices. management economic exclusive nation’s each for restrictions Sea. Territorial and EEZ or zone, marine U.S. of map their completed ProtectedSeas a contains and 2016 of end the at areas managed team the Afterwards, sites. 4,000 nearly of dataset high- ever first the created and seas high the tackled beyond areas managed with all marine seas map management associated with jurisdiction national Conference Oceans at released was This measures. June in City York New in Nations United the at (https://mpa.protectedseas.net/highseas). 2017 the on hard working been has team the then, Since completion. nearing is which Caribbean the regulations, federal and state U.S. scouring Would you like to share a news item? share a news to like you Would Please e-mail us: [email protected]

The ProtectedSeas Marine Managed Area Mapping Area Managed Marine ProtectedSeas The the fulfill to effort an in ago years two began project find to users ocean for resource one-stop a for need which also but located, are MPAs where only not out in- area-specific provides It restricted. are activities diving, or anchoring, fishing, where as such formation currently is ProtectedSeas 3). Figure (see allowed are indica- include to categories these expand to working which of many activities, different 25 over for tors this making By gear. fishing certain to specific are with working and online free for available information informa- MPA include to companies charting nautical ProtectedSeas maps, navigation boating on tion these of compliance and awareness improve to hopes special places so critical to health. ocean been has work ProtectedSeas States, United the In the with partnership public-private a via recognized Administration Atmospheric and Oceanic National While Center. Areas Protected Marine (NOAA) Marine Protected Areas Protected Marine BioNews 7 - Content Bonaire World Heritage Nomination Project

The Bonaire National Marine Park (BNMP) has natural areas (UNESCO World Heritage Center, received a number of international recogni- 2017). A World Heritage Site is a landmark or area tions due to the outstanding biodiversity that (natural or man-made site, area, or structure) it protects and its innovative management which has been officially recognized by the United of resources. The marine park includes all the Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural waters surrounding Bonaire and Klein Bonaire, Organization (UNESCO) as being of outstanding from the high-tide mark to 60 meters of depth, international importance. There are many ben- and encompasses Lac Bay and Lagun and the efits to an area being selected as a World Heritage

uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire. Both Lac Site. The state parties of the World Heritage Site by: © Photo Marjolijn Lopes Cardozo Bay and Klein Bonaire have been designated as Convention share a commitment to the protec- RAMSAR sites (Ramsar sites no. 199 and 201) tion of the sites, and the designation often makes World Heritage in Numbers and are therefore internationally recognized as them a magnet for financial assistance from a uniquely valuable wetlands and benefit from variety of sources, including the World Heritage 1052 Total sites special protection. The BNMP was selected as a Fund itself (UNESCO World Heritage Center, UNEP/ICRAN Demonstration site by the United 2017). Not only that, but the local management 814 Cultural sites Nations Environment Programme and the team of a chosen site is offered expert manage- International Coral Reef Action Network due ment and technical training. World Heritage Sites 203 Natural sites to its pioneering work on sustainable financing also typically attract large numbers of visitors due and private sector participation by hoteliers to the increase awareness of their presence and 49 Marine Parks and dive operators. Additionally, the coral reefs outstanding value, meaning that local economies of the marine park are included in the United typically benefit greatly (UNESCO World Heritage 35 Mixed cultural/natural Nations Environment Programme’s list of coral Center, 2017). The Netherlands currently has reefs of international significance. And now, the one natural UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Island Territory of Bonaire, with the assistance Wadden Sea which was designated in 2009. The First Healthy Marine Site on World Heritage List of the consulting firm Wolfs Company, is invest- Wadden Sea is “one of the largest unbroken sys- ing whether a submission of the BNMP as a tem of intertidal sand and mud flats in the world, Of the 203 natural sites there are 49 marine parks and only one marine UNESCO World Heritage Site is feasible. and one of last remaining large-scale, intertidal site on the list is located in the Caribbean; the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve ecosystems where natural processes continue to System, although in danger. The Bonaire National Marine Park would be There are currently 1,073 UNESCO World function largely undisturbed” (UNESCO World the first healthy Marine Site in the Caribbean on the World Heritage List. Heritage Sites in the world, of which 203 are Heritage Center, 2017).

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BioNews 7 - Content ... 11 12 13 14 15 ... Table 1: Selection criteria for World Heritage Sites (UNESCO World Heritage Center, 2017). To be included on the World Heritage List, sites must be of outstanding universal value and meet at least one out of ten selection criteria .

World Heritage Sites are nominated and designat- 2012). Thanks to the Nature Fund, the park’s (i) to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius ed by the World Heritage Convention (an organi- application process is currently being brought up zation of UNESCO). Only countries which have to date and ready for assessment of the feasibility to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on signed the World Heritage Convention (UNESCO, for submission in December 2017- ensuring that (ii) developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design 1972) and have therefore pledged to protect their the documentation for the nomination file is of natural and cultural heritage can submit nomina- the best quality possible and meets all the World to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a (iii) tion proposals for inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee’s criteria and requirements. civilization which is living or which has disappeared Heritage List (UNESCO World Heritage Center, The park is submitting its nomination based on to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illus- 2017). The Kingdom of the Netherlands ratified criterion (vii), (ix) and (x) (Table 1). The BNMP’s (iv) trates (a) significant stage(s) in human history the World Heritage convention in 1992. In 2010, flora and fauna are extremely varied and well the Netherlands selected 10 sites to be considered conserved, with more reef fish than anywhere to be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a for World Heritage nomination, one of which else in the Caribbean, and its ecosystems have (v) culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the was the BNMP (Wolfs Company, 2016), the only a major significance for the entire region, sup- impact of irreversible change natural site within the list. The BNMP’s outstand- porting endangered species such as sea turtles ing universal value stems from its well-conserved as well as being a source of coral larvae to other to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary ecosystems, notably its reefs and mangroves, islands. Potentially other marine ecosystems that (vi) works of outstanding universal significance. (The Committee considers that this criterion should preferably be used in that are exceptionally high in biodiversity. The interact with the BNMP could be included for conjunction with other criteria) park’s reefs are considered to be some of the least consideration as a transboundary World Heritage degraded in the entire Caribbean Sea with high Site, notably the marine ecosystems East of (vii) to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance coral cover and over 50 varieties of stony coral, Curacao, Klein Curacao, Los Roques and Las Aves low macro algae cover and high coral recruitment. Archipelago, but this is still in an early discus- to be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going (viii) sion phase (Wolfs Company, 2016). The BNMP geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features The Directorate of Spatial Planning and nomination process is being led by a steering Development started planning for a BNMP nomi- group represented by the Island governor, the to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and nation in 2002. In 2009 the BNMP has been placed director of the Department of Spatial Planning (ix) development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals on the tentative nomination list for the Dutch and Development of the Public Entity Bonaire, Kingdom. Preparations for the actual submis- the executive director of STINAPA, the executive to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including sion of the BNMP for consideration as a World director of Tourism Corporation Bonaire and the (x) those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation Heritage Site has however not been possible until senior policy advisor of Ministry of Economic 2014 due to a lack of funding (Van der Mortel, Affairs Caribbean Netherlands.

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BioNews 7 - Content ... 16 17 18 19 20 ... Research Overview October / November 2017

CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

CARIBSS: Fernando Simal Bats Ecology of bats CUR Royal Ontario Museum, Canada: Burton Lim CARMABI

Birds Suitability study and reforestation of exclosures facilitating the Yellow-shouldered Amazon Parrots (Amazona barbadensis) BON Echo: Lauren Schmaltz, Quirijn Coolen

WUR: Erik Meesters Surveys (based on AGRRA and GCRMN) for the assessment of fish and benthos communities including corals, algae, sponges Student: Roger Meijs, Sil Piek, Sarah Veillat, Yun Coral Reef ecosystems BON to 20 m depth Scholten STINAPA

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, U.S.A: Coral Reef ecosystems Engineering of coral settlement tiles CUR Amy Wagoner CARMABI

Naturalis: Bert Hoeksema Coral Reef ecosystems Coral-associated fauna of Curaçao CUR Leiden University CARMABI

CRFB: Francesca Virdis WUR: Erik Meesters Coral restoration Investigating potential differences in fitness of Acropora cervicornis on CRF Bonaire coral restoration sites BON VHL: Jorien Rippen Students: Valeria Pesch, Jan Koschorrek

Wolfs Company: Esther Wolfs, Boris van Zanten Economics of ecosystems The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) on Aruba AUA VU: Pieter van Beukering YABI consultancy: Francielle Laclé

SAB SCF: Kai Wulf EUX Environmental damage Environmental Damage after Hurricanes Irma and Maria STENAPA: Clarisse Buma SXM NFSXM: Tadzio Bervoets

WUR: Diana Slijkerman STINAPA: Sabine Engel Environmental impact Screening of UV filter presence from sun care products in Lac and ecological risk assessment BON WNF: Sharon Bol Jarno Ottens & Olivier Kramer (interviews)

BioNews 7 - Content ... 16 17 18 19 20 ... Research Overview October / November 2017

CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

WUR: Jesse Opdam (student), Michel Riksen, Aad Kessler Erosion Assuring the adoption of soil conservation measures: The case of a small island SAB SCF Agriculture Department of Public Entity Saba

WUR: Erwin Winter, Dolfi Debrot, Martin de Graaf, Twan Stoffers Fish Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) to study sharks BON STINAPA: Caren Eckrich HAS: Mavelly Velandia (student) WUR: Sander Delacauw (student)

CIEE: Rita Peachey, Franziska Elmer, Madeline Roth, Fish Distribution of local and regional surgeonfish disease using a novel technique - Google Images. BON Lucia Rodriguez, Sasha Giammetti, Megan Hoag

University of North Texas: Zac Kohl (PhD Candidate) Fish Identification of the parasite and hosts of the turbellarian infecting reef fish species in Bonaire BON CIEE: Franziska Elmer; Rita Peachey; Lisa Kram; Ashley Novak; Andrew Paton

KITLV, Leiden University: Stacey Mac Donald (PhD student) Fishery Mas Piska pa Boneiru BON (Funded by WWF - Netherlands & KITLV / Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies)

NFSXM: Tadzio Bervoets Invasive species Research into mitigation measures for Sargassum Seaweed SXM Government of St. Maarten

CIEE: Rita Peachey Invasive species Environmental DNA (eDNA) of lionfish in Lac Bay: A tool for detecting the invasive species in complex habitats (mangroves) BON Indiana University: Stephen Glaholt

Pilot-scale testing and evaluation of mangrove ecosystem intervention options WUR: Dolfi Debrot, Douwe Boerstra (student), Laura Mangrove ecosystems (fish fauna, epibionts on mangrove prop roots) BON Timmerman (student) *Part of Nature Funding Project: Ecological restoration Lac Bay and South coast, Bonaire STINAPA: Sabine Engel Would you like to share a news item? Please e-mail us: [email protected]

BioNews 7 - Content ... 16 17 18 19 20 ... Research Overview October / November 2017

CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

Wolfs Company: Boris van Zanten, Esther Wolfs, Sacha Nature Policy Planning Developing a nature policy plan for Bonaire BON van Duren DRO

WUR: Klaas Metselaar, Maarten van Pelt (student) Plants Habitat preference native trees BON Echo: Lauren Schmaltz, Quirijn Coolen

Echo: Quirijn Coolen Plants Exclusion of invasive herbivores: A comparison study of vegation at Roi Sango. BON WUR: Pieter Zuidema, Jessie Foest (student)

Plants Testing effective ways to grow native plants BON Echo: Quirijn Coolen, Johan van Blerk

Plants Germination of seeds of indigenous trees of Curaçao CUR CARMABI: John de Freitas

UvA: Jasper de Goeij Sponges Sponge ecology and energetics CUR CARMABI

WUR: Mischa Streekstra Sponges Iron limitation on Caribbean reefs CUR CARMABI

Other finalized research projects May-Sept 2017

University of North Carolina at Charlotte, U.S.A.: Coral Reef ecosystems Larval ecology of corals CUR Amy Ringwood CARMABI

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Germany: Hermann Coral Reef ecosystems Applied physics and nanoscience CUR E. Gaub CARMABI

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BioNews 7 - Content ... 16 17 18 19 20 ... Research Overview October / November 2017

CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

CRFB: Francesca Virdis Coral Reef ecosystems Assessing the potential of 3D modelling for coral reef structural complexity research BON Oxford University: Denise Swanborn, Alex Rogers, Grace Young

SECORE International, U.S.A.: Keoki Burton and Evan Coral Reef ecosystems Reproductive biology and rearing of Acropora CUR Cultbertson CARMABI

University of Northern Iowa, U.S.A.: Carl Thurman Crabs Ecology of fiddler crabs CUR CARMABI

RAC/REMPEITC-Caribe, U.S.A.: Benbia Zakatia Environmental damage RAC/REMPEITC-Caribe (threats to the marine environment from ships) CUR CARMABI

University of Northern Iowa, U.S.A.: Carl Thurman Invasive species Ecology of lionfish CUR CARMABI

BioNews 7 - Content ... 16 17 18 19 20 ... Long Term Projects

CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

Coral Reef Ecosystems Deep Reef Observation Project (DROP) (ARMS: Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures) CUR Smithsonian: Carole Baldwin

UvA: Valerie Chamberland (PhD candidate) Coral Reef Ecosystems Postsettlement dynamics of Caribbean corals & Reef restoration CUR CARMABI SECORE International

BON,CUR, NIOZ: Fleur van Duyl Coral Reef Ecosystems Bioersion of reefs by coral-excavating sponges SAB, EUX WUR: Erik Meesters, Didier de Bakker (PhD student)

CRF Bonaire: Augusto Montbrun, Francesca Virdis SECORE Project BON, CUR, Coral Reef Ecosystems Development of restoration methods for threatened Caribbean coral species CARMABI: Mark Vermeij SAB UvA: Valerie Chamberland (PhD candidate) SCF, Sea Saba, Samford University: Jennifer Rahn

Developing a plan to manage the waters around Curaçao sustainably, profitably, and enjoyably for this and future genera- Waitt Institute (Blue Halo Curaçao): Kathryn Coral Reef Ecosystems CUR tions Mengerink

Database Dutch Caribbean Species Catalog: Taxonomic knowledge system Dutch Caribbean (http://www.dutchcaribbeanspecies.org/) All Naturalis: Sander Pieterse & Berry van der Hoorn

Naturalis: Arjen speksnijder Interstitial biodiversity Moleculair biodiversity analysis of marine communities by metabarcoding EUX ANEMOON: Niels Schrieken

Invasive species Combatting the economic and ecological impacts of overgrazing on inhabited islands BON UsA: Michaela Roberts (PhD student)

STINAPA Sabine Engel, Caren Eckrich Marine ecosystems Taxonomy and biodiversity in Lac Bay BON Ecosub: Godfried van Moorsel CEAB: Daniel Martin

Naturalis: Bert Hoeksema Marine ecosystems Marine species discoveries in the Dutch Caribbean All CNSI CARMABI

BioNews 7 - Content ... 21 22 23 24 25 ... Long Term Projects

CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

WUR: Aad Smaal, Leo Nagelkerke, Martin de Graaf EUX, SAB, Erik Boman (PhD student) Molluscs Population dynamics and role in the food chain of the Queen Conch Lobatus gigas in the Dutch Caribbean Territories SXM SCF (SBMU): Ayumi Izioka CNSI

Naturalis: Kevin Beentjes Public Health DNA waterscan: Monitoring disease vectors in the Caribbean (mosquitoes and midges) EUX ECPHF: Teresa Leslie

Naturalis: Michael Stech, Berry van der Hoorn, Jeremy Miller Terrestrial biodiversity Baseline assessments and DNA barcoding of biodiversity of St. Eustatius EUX STENAPA CNSI

NWO Projects in the Dutch Caribbean

WUR: R.H. Wijffels Bioproducts Stand-alone production of algal products for food, feed, chemicals and fuels BON CIEE: Rita Peachey

NIOZ: Fleur van Duyl, Steven van Heuzen (PostDoc), Caribbean coral reef ecosystems: interactions of anthropogenic ocean acidification and eutrophication with bioerosion by BON, SAB, Alice Webb (PhD student) Coral Reef Ecosystems coral excavating sponges EUX STENAPA - Bioerosion and climate change CNSI

VHL: Alwin Hylkema, Marlous Heemstra WUR: Dolfi Debrot STENAPA: Jessica Berkel, Erik Houtepen SAB Coral restoration Artificial Reefs On Saba and Statia (AROSSTA) SCF: Kai Wulf, Aymi Izioka EUX CNSI: Johan Stapel Students: Callum Reid, Esmee vd Griend, Daniel Heesink

AUA, BON, VU: Jacintha Ellers, Matt Helmus, Wendy Jesse (PhD. Environmental Caribbean island biogeography meets the anthropocene CUR, EUX, Student), Jocelyn Behm (Postdoc) SXM CNSI

BioNews 7 - Content ... 21 22 23 24 25 ... Long Term Projects

CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

KITLV, Leiden University: Confronting Caribbean Challenges: Hybrid Identities and Governance in Small-scale Island Jurisdictions BON, SAB, Gert Oostindie (Project director) Environmental psychology - Behavioral differences between/within the BES islands when it comes to nature conservation and cultural heritage. EUX KITLV, Leiden University: Stacey Mac Donald (PhD student)

UU: Henk Dijkstra, NIOZ: Peter Herman, Rebecca Stability of Caribbean coastal ecosystems under future extreme sea level changes (SCENES) BON, EUX, James (PhD student) TU Delft: Julie Pietrzak Geosciences - The effects of climate change on calcifying algae SXM STENAPA CNSI

UU: Wim Spakman 4D crust-mantle modelling of the eastern Caribbean region: toward coupling deep driving processes to surface evolution NIOZ: Lennart de Nooijer Geomorphological EUX - Reconstructing past climate change Alfred Wegener Institute Germany CNSI

(1) UU: Jetske Vaas (PhD student), Peter Driessen, Exotic plant species in the Caribbean: foreign foes or alien allies? Frank van Laerhoven and Mendel Giezen (2) UU: BON, SAB, Invasive species (1) Socio-economic impacts of invasive plant species (2) Ecological impacts of invasive plant species-Utrecht University Elizabeth Haber (PhD student), Martin Wassen, Max EUX Rietkerk,Maarten Eppinga. CNSI

RuG: Per Palsbøll, Jurjan van der Zee (PhD student) RU: Marjolijn Christianen, AUA, BON, WUR: Lisa Becking Reptiles Ecology and conservation of green and hawksbill turtles in the Dutch Caribbean CUR, SAB, STCB: Mabel Nava EUX, SXM CARMABI STENAPA CNSI

Tourism and sustainable Vulnerability is dynamic: Enhancing adaptive governance to climate change for Caribbean tourism through interactive WUR: Jillian Student, Machiel Lamers CUR development modelling UOC: Filomeno A. Marchena

BO-projects in the Dutch Caribbean (Min EZ)

Coral Reef Ecosystems BO-11-019.02-038– Analysis photomaterial coral reefs BON, CUR WUR: Erik Meesters

BioNews 7 - Content ... 21 22 23 24 25 ... Long Term Projects

CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

BO-11-019.02-022 –Inventory corals Coral Reef Ecosystems BON, CUR WUR: Erik Meesters Includes monitoring and research of the longest coral reef time-series in the world (since 1973)

BON, SAB, WUR: Dolfi Debrot, Rene Henkens, Peter Verweij Conservation BO-11-019.02-060 – Status of nature conservation of the Caribbean Netherlands (for new nature policy plan) EUX EZ: Paul Hoetjes, Yoeri de Vries (eds.)

AUA, BON, DCBD BO-11-019.02-002 - Expansion knowledge system Dutch Caribbean CUR, SAB, WUR (Alterra): Peter Verweij EUX, SXM

WUR: Dolfi Debrot Thomas Brunel, Martin de Graaf Fisheries BO-11-019.02-055 – Fisheries Dutch Caribbean SAB, EUX SCF (SBMU): Ayumi Izioka NIOZ: Kimani Kitson-Walters Students: Fedor den Elzen, Ivo Damen

WUR: Erik Meesters (benthic communities), Dolfi Marine biodiversity BO-11-019.02-008 – Saba Bank – Marine biodiversity SAB Debrot, Thomas Brunel, Leo Nagelkerke (fish stocks)

WUR: Dolfi Debrot, Dick de Haan, Meike Scheidat, Marine mammals & sharks BO-11-019.02-054 – Marine mammal sanctuary SAB, EUX Ayumi Izioka SCF (SBMU): Ayumi Izioka

BON, SAB, Marine mammals BO-11-019.02-005 – Marine mammals in the Dutch Caribbean WUR: Dolfi Debrot EUX

WUR: Dolfi Debrot Wolfs Co.: Esther Wolfs UNESCO: Josephine Langley World Heritage nomination BO-11-019.02-050 – World Heritage nomination Bonaire National Marine Park BON DRO: Frank v Slobbe CARMABI: Mark Vermeij, John de Freitas Curacao Footprint Foundation: Leon Pors

BioNews 7 - Content ... 21 22 23 24 25 ...

Long Term Projects

CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

“Nature Funding” Projects in the Dutch Caribbean (Min EZ)

STINAPA: Sabine Engel Coastal ecosystems (Lac Bay: Ecological restoration Lac Bay and South coast, Bonaire WUR: Klaas Metselaar BON Mangroves and seagrass beds) STCB: Mabel Nava DRO: Frank van Slobbe

Bonaire Agri & Aqua Business BV: Sherwin Pourier Sustainable Agriculture The sustainable agriculture and rural development program (POP Bonaire) BON Wayaká Advies BV: Jan Jaap van Almenkerk DRO: Frank van Slobbe

Echo: Julianka Clarenda Invasive species Feral Pig Control BON DRO: Frank van Slobbe

Echo: Lauren Schmaltz, Quirijn Coolen Reforestation Reforestation Project BON DRO: Frank van Slobbe

STINAPA Invasive species Goat eradication and control in Washington Slagbaai National Park BON DRO: Frank van Slobbe

CRF Bonaire: Augusto Montbrun Coral ecosystems Coral Restoration BON DRO: Frank van Slobbe

Wolfs Company: Esther Wolfs, Boris van Zanten, World Heritage nomination World Heritage Nomination Bonaire Marine Park and/or other interconnected sites BON Amilcar Guzman, Viviana Lujan DRO: Frank van Slobbe

Bonaire Agri & Aqua Business BV: Sherwin Pourier Terrestrial ecosystems Erosion control and nature restoration BON Wayaká Advies BV: Jan Jaap van Almenkerk DRO: Frank van Slobbe

DRO: Frank van Slobbe Terrestrial ecosystems Cave and karst nature reserve BON CARIBSS: Fernando Simal

BioNews 7 - Content ... 21 22 23 24 25 ...

Long Term Projects

CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

Nature communication Campaign environment and nature on Bonaire BON DRO: Frank van Slobbe, Peter Montanus

Agriculture Horicultural Project SAB Government of Saba: Randall Johnson

Recreation Hiking trails SAB Government of Saba: Robert Zagers

Pollution Tent Reef Protection SAB Government of Saba: Robert Zagers

Invasive species Goat buy-back program SAB Government of Saba: Randall Johnson

Government of Saba Yacht mooring project SAB SCF: Kai Wulf

Government of Saba Saba national park SAB SCF: Kai Wulf SABARC: Ryan Espersen

Government of Saba: Robert Zagers Crispeen trail project SAB SCF: Kai Wulf

Government of St Eustatius Nature Awareness project Community outreach EUX STENAPA: Clarisse Buma CNSI: Johan Stapel, Hannah Madden

Government of St Eustatius Nature management Strengthening management of nature EUX STENAPA: Clarisse Buma

Government of St Eustatius Invasive species Rodent assessment and control EUX CNSI: Johan Stapel, Hannah Madden ECPHF: Teresa Leslie

Government of St Eustatius Coral ecosystems Coral restoration EUX STENAPA: Jessica Berkel CNSI: Johan Stapel

BioNews 7 - Content ... 26 27 28 29 30 ...

Long Term Projects

CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

Government of St Eustatius Erosion Erosion control EUX CNSI: Johan Stapel

EU-BEST funded Projects in the Dutch Caribbean

Directie Natuur en Milieu: Gisbert Boekhoudt Marine ecosystems Marine Park Aruba AUA TNO: Kris Kats

WUR: Erik Meesters SCF SAB, EUX, STENAPA Coral Reef Ecosystems Restoration Ecosystem Services and Coral Reef Quality (Project RESCQ) SXM NFSXM Turks & Caicos Reef Fund

Conservation Watershed & Biodiversity Conservation of Roi Sangu valley BON Echo: Lauren Schmaltz, Quirijn Coolen

EPIC (Project lead): Kippy Gilders Subcontractors: Les Fruits des Mer: Mark Yokoyama (reptile, amphib- Terrestrial habitat restoration Restoration of Key Biodiversity Areas of St. Maarten SXM ian, and invertebrate assessment) The Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve, Bahamas: Ethan Freid (plant assessment)

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Monitoring Overview October / November 2017

CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

DRO: Frank van Slobbe Birds Flamingo Abundance BON Cargill STINAPA: Paulo Bertuol

Birds Monitoring vulnerable parrot nests (remote camera sensing work) BON Echo: Laura Schmaltz, Sam Williams

Echo: Lauren Schmaltz Birds Yellow-shouldered Amazon parrot roost counts BON DRO: Peter Montanus STINAPA: Paulo Bertuol

FPNA AUA DLVV: Tatiana Becker Birds Bird Monitoring (Caribbean Waterbird Census) BON STINAPA: Paulo Bertuol SXM EPIC: Adam Brown

STINAPA: Paulo Bertuol Cargill Birds Tern monitoring(artificial nesting islands) BON DRO WUR: Dolfi Debrot

Echo: Lauren Schmaltz Birds Terrestrial Bird Monitoring Program for Bonaire BON STINAPA

SAB STENAPA Birds Red-billed Tropicbird monitoring EUX SCF: Kai Wulf

Birds Pelican monitoring SXM NFSXM: Melanie Meijer zu Schlochtern

STINAPA: Caren Eckrich BON CARMABI: Mark Vermeij CUR SCF (SBMU): Ayumi Izioka Coral reef ecosystems Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network SAB STENAPA: Jessica Berkel EUX NFSXM: Tadzio Bervoets SXM CNSI: Johan Stapel

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Monitoring Overview October / November 2017

CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

Corals reef ecosystems Doobies Crack reef damage recovery survey EUX STENAPA: Erik Houtepen

Corals reef ecosystems Staghorn coral field monitoring survey EUX STENAPA: Jessica Berkel

Monitoring and research of the longest coral reef time-series in the world (since 1973) BON WUR: Erik Meesters, Didier de Bakker (PhD student) Coral reef ecosystems (Part of BO-11-019.02-022 –Inventory corals) CUR NIOZ: Fleur van Duyl, Rolf Bak

Coral reef ecosystems Coral reef monitoring (Since 2007 using AGRRA methods and filming of permanent transects) BON CIEE: Rita Pearchey

NFSXM: Tadzio Bervoets Environmental Water quality testing SXM EPIC: Natalia Collier

Environmental Nutrient (phosphate, ammonium, nitrate and nitrite) monitoring of St Eustatius’ coastal waters EUX CNSI: Johan Stapel

WUR: Erwin Winter, Dolfi Debrot, Martin de Graaf BON STINAPA: Caren Eckrich Shark monitoring: CUR CARMABI: Mark Vermeij Fish -Shark sightings SAB SCF(SBMU): Ayumi Izioka - Shark Abundance, distribution and movements (tagging, acoustic telemetry) SXM STENAPA: Jessica Berkel EUX NFSXM: Tadzio Bervoets

Fish Spawning monitoring: Red hind surveys on Moonfish Bank SAB SCF (SBMU): Ayumi Izioka

Insects Bee tracking BON Echo: Lauren Schmaltz

Goat and/or donkey removal: STINAPA: Paulo Bertuol -Washington Slagbaai National Park BON WUR: Dolfi Debrot Invasive species - Lac Bay area (exclusion plots) EUX DRO: Frank van Slobbe - Quill National Park (exclusion plots) STENAPA

BON STINAPA: Paulo Bertuol (50 meter traps) CUR CARMABI: Mark Vermeij Invasive species Lionfish abundance and control SXM NFSXM: Tadzio Bervoets SAB SCF (SBMU): Ayumi Izioka EUX STENAPA: Jessica Berkel

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CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

Invasive species Monkey Monitoring: abundance and distribution SXM NFSXM: Tadzio Bervoets

Invasive species Feral pig population assessment (trapping) BON Echo: Nathan Schmaltz, Sam Williams

AUA FPNA Mammals Bat monitoring BON WildConscience: Fernando Simal, Linda Garcia

Mammals Dolphin monitoring (since 1999) BON Ron Sewell

NOAA: Heather Heenehan, Sofie Van Parijs, Peter Corkeron, Fred Wenzel Caribbean Humpback Acoustic Monitoring Programme (CHAMP) Mammals BON, AUA STINAPA: Wijnand de Wolf AMMF: Angiolina Henriquez RCN: Paul Hoetjes

WUR: Dick de Haan, Dolfi Debrot Mammals Marine Mammal Monitoring (noise loggers Saba Bank) SAB SCF (SBMU): Ayumi Izioka

SAB WUR: Martin de Graaf, Erik Boman (PhD student) Molluscs Conch (Strombus gigas) on St. Eustatius, Saba Bank, Anguilla EUX SCF (SBMU): Ayumi Izioka

SCF (SBMU): Ayumi Izioka Gem City Consulting: Erik Boman Fishery monitoring (including lionfish, shark bycatch and marine mammal sightings) SAB Natural resource use LVV: Kiman Kitson-Walters (* Part of BO-11-019.02-055 – Fisheries Dutch Caribbean) EUX WUR: Dolfi Debrot, Fedor den Elzen (student), Ivo (student) Damen

Plants Phenology of bats in cacti landscapes of Aruba AUA WildConscience: Linda Garcia, FPNA

Plants Monitoring of tree growth and survivorship in reforestation areas BON Echo: Quirijn Coolen, Nicholas Verhey

Plants Terrestrial Habitat Monitoring Program for Bonaire BON Echo: Lauren Schmaltz

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CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

STENAPA Reptiles Lesser Antillean Iguana: Monitoring population density & removing invasive Green Iguana and hybrids EUX RAVON: Tim van Wagensveld EcoPro: Hannah Madden

Reptiles Boa and Cascabel Monitoring AUA FPNA, Toledo Zoological Society: Andrew Odum

Reptiles Behavior of the endemic Aruban Whiptail lizard AUA FPNA, Auburn University: Jeff Goessling (PhD candidate)

Seagrass and mangrove Seagrass and mangrove monitoring BON STINAPA: Sabine Engel, Caren Eckrich ecosystems (BON: also conch and benthic fauna) SXM WUR: Klaas Metselaar NFSXM: Tadzio Bervoets

Seagrass and mangrove Seagrass restoration BESE elements BON RU: Marjolijn Christianen ecosystems STINAPA : Sabine Engel

TurtugAruba Foundation Sea turtle monitoring: STCB: Mabel Nava -Satellite tracking AUA, BON, CARMABI (STCC): Sabine Berendse Reptiles -Nest monitoring CUR, SAB, STENAPA: Jessica Berkel -In water surveys (BON, CUR, SXM) EUX, SXM SCF: Kai Wulf -Fibropapillomatosis presence (BON) NFSXM: Tadzio Bervoets

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AUA Aruba NFSXM Nature Foundation St. Maarten BON Bonaire Naturalis Naturalis Biodiversity Center, The Netherlands CUR Curaçao NIOZ NIOZ Royal Institute for Sea Research, the Netherlands SAB Saba NWO NWO Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research EUX St. Eustatius

SXM St. Maarten RAVON Reptielen Amfibieën Vissen Onderzoek Nederland

ANEMOON Analyse Educatie en Marien Oecologisch Onderzoek RuG University of Groningen, the Netherlands

ASDF Aruba Sustainable Development Foundation RU Radboud University Nijmegen, the Netherlands BEST Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Territories of European overseas SBMU Saba Bank Management Unit BO project Policy Supporting Research project SCF Saba Conservation Foundation CARIBSS Caribbean Speleological Society Smithsonian Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History CARMABI Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity Foundation Photos by: © Henkjan Kievit, taken in St. Maarten STCB Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire CEAB The Blanes Centre for Advanced Studies, Spain CIEE Council of International Educational Exchange, Bonaire STCC Sea Turtle Conservation Curacao

CRF Coral Reef Foundation STENAPA St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation DCNA Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance STINAPA National Parks Foundation Bonaire DCBD Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database UsA University of St. Andrews, Scotland DRO Directorate of Spatial Planning and Development, Bonaire UU University of Utrecht, the Netherlands DLVV Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fishery and Farmers market (Santa Rosa) (Santa Rosa), Aruba UvA University of Amsterdam, the Netherland

EcoPro Ecological Professionals Foundation VHL University of Applied Sciences VHL, the Netherlands

ECPHF Eastern Caribbean Public Health Foundation VU VU University Amsterdam, the Netherlands

EPIC Environmental Protection in the Caribbean Wildconscience Wildlife Conservation, Science and Education

FPNA Fundacion Parke Nacional Arikok, Aruba WNF World Wide Fund for Nature

HAS HAS University of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands WUR Wageningen Universitwy and Research Centre, the Netherlands

LVV Department of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Fisheries, St. Eustatius WUR (Alterra) Wageningen Environmental Research, the Netherlands

BioNews 7 - Content ... 31 32 33 34 35 ... These reports and publications can be found in the Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Reports and Publications Overview Database (DCBD) (http://www.dcbd.nl). The DCBD is a central online storage facility for all biodiversity and conservation related information in the Dutch Caribbean.

If you have research and monitoring data, the DCNA secretariat can help you to get it housed in Below you will find an overview of the reports and publications on biodiversity related subjects in the DCBD. Please e-mail us: [email protected] the Dutch Caribbean that have recently been published.

“Rixhon, G., May, S.M., Engel, M., Mechernich, S., Schroeder-Ritzrau, A. et al. (2017) Multiple dating approach (14C, 230Th/U and 36Cl) of tsunami-transported reef-top boulders on Bonaire (Leeward Antilles) – Current achievements and challenges, Marine Geology, in press.”

“de Graaf, M., Brunel, T., Nagelkerke, L., Debrot, A.O. (2017) Status and trends Saba Bank fisheries: 2015.; Wageningen, Wageningen Marine Research (University & Research centre), Wageningen Marine Research report C077/17. 124 pp.”

Student Reports Photo by: © Rostislav Stach , “Craats, D. van de (Msc thesis WUR) (2016) Relating flamingo counts in Lac Goto, Bonaire, to the water balance by coupling this balance to salinity and food availability”

“Wiltink, M. (Msc thesis UvA) (2016) Changing benthic communities on Saba Bank. Is Saba Bank becoming a ‘Sponge reef’?” taken in St. Maarten

BioNews 7 - Content ... 31 32 33 34 35 ... Calendar

November December

6-10 Meeting 70th Meeting of GCFI, Merida, Mexico. 1 Symposium 2nd AcroporaNet Symposium, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Second workshop NICO expedition organized by 14 Workshop NIOZ and NWO-Science, the Netherlands 4 Celebration 20 years managing the marine park, STENAPA, St. Eustatius

16-17 Conference Green Aruba, sustainability in motion, Aruba. 6-7 Conference 6th Statia Sustainability Conference (SSC6), St. Eustatius. 2nd Meeting of the Advisory Committee and 2nd Workshop of the 20-24 Meeting Conservation Working Group of the Sharks MoU, Habitat, Bonaire. 7-9 Meeting ICRI General meeting, Nairobi.

24-26 Event Culture & Nature fair, Aruba 11-12 Meeting DCNA board meeting, Curaçao.

25 Event Fundraising Auction (STCB) El Encanto Boutique Hotel, Bonaire. 13 Symposium European Coral Reef Symposium, Oxford, UK.

26-01 Dec Meeting 69th meeting of the CITES Standing Committee, CICG, Geneva, Switzerland. January

January - July 18 Expedition NICO expedition organized by NIOZ and NWO-Science

2018 declared International Year of the Reef by the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI)

More events to add to this calendar? Please e-mail us: [email protected]

BioNews 7 - Content ... 31 32 33 34 35 ... Members of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance DCNA Contact information

Address: Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance Kaya Finlandia 10A Kralendijk, Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean Aruba St. Eustasius Fundacion Parke Nacional STENAPA Contact us: Arikok +599 318 28 84 +599 717 5010 +297 585 1234 www.statiapark.org [email protected] www.arubanationalpark.org www.DCNAnature.org

Social Media facebook.com/DutchCaribbeanNatureAlliance Bonaire St. Maarten twitter.com/DCNA STINAPA Bonaire Nature Foundation +599 717 84 44 +721 544 4267 www.stinapa.org www.naturefoundationsxm.org

Credits Photography: Courtesy of SHAPE Photography or Brenda S. & R. Kirkby unless otherwise Credited. Curaçao Curaçao Concept and Design: Deviate Design. www.Deviate.Design CARMABI Stiching uniek Curaçao +599 9 462 4242 +599 9 462 8989 www.carmabi.org www.uniekcuracao.org