BIONEwS ISSUE 9 - 2017

1 Editor’s Letter 8 Saba: Horticultural Project 23 List of Acronyms

2 Green Sea Turtles Suffer from 9 Research Overview 24 Calendar Warming Seas: warmer oceans drive declining growth rates 11 Long-Term Projects 25 Members and Contact Overview 4 Saba: Goat Buy Back Project 26 References 18 Monitoring Overview 6 Hurricane Impacts on Bridled Quail-doves in St. Eustatius 22 Reports and Publications

Editor’s Letter Dutch Carribean, November 2017

Climate change is arguably the most serious chal- collaboration are absolutely critical to ensure these lenge to conservation efforts within the Caribbean ancient creatures remain in our warming oceans. region, with future projections of sea level rise, in- Goats first made their way into Saba during colo- creasing air and sea surface temperatures, and more nization by the Dutch in the 1700s, and have since frequent and extreme weather events as well as the become the island’s main livestock. Nowadays, the pervasive threat of ocean acidification. In previous number of goats on Saba is very high, with many BioNews issues articles were published on the status roaming freely. The goats cause extensive damage of our coral reefs in the Dutch Caribbean which to Saba’s vegetation with loss of habitat and food for showed the devastating impact of global climate many terrestrial species. Saba’s overgrazed nature change on our reefs and the urgent need to increase has resulted in increase erosion and run-off, which their resilience so that they are better able to recover in turn threatens the health of the island’s coral from disturbances such as bleaching events. reefs. Thanks to generous funding support from The Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs “Nature Climate change is not only having a significant Fund”, the government of Saba has initiated a 3-year impact at the ecosystem level it is also threaten- project to cull most of Saba’s goat population and ing the survival of many species, including sea offer goat-owners a viable economic alternative in turtles. Sea turtles populations are effected by return. anthropogenic pressures from coastal development which destroys vital foraging and nesting grounds, Before Hurricanes Irma and Maria struck St Eustatius pollution from land-based and marine sources, and in September 2017, the islands had recorded the incidental as well as targeted capture of sea turtles. highest known density of Bridled Quail-doves Nesting beaches are under threat due to the impact in the region. However, a post-hurricane study, of sea level rise and issues related to the feminiza- made possible thanks to the generous support tion of turtle populations as a result of elevated nest of BirdsCaribbean’s fundraising appeal, found a temperatures. In this BioNews issue we report on a decrease in the population size and highlighted recent study by Bjorndal et al. (2017) who compiled concerns that the population may decline further the longest, most-wide spread data set for sea due to lack of food, predation and loss of habitat. turtles in the Western Atlantic. This includes data from Bonaire collected by Sea Turtle Conservation The Island Government of Saba, again thanks to Bonaire. The data provides strong evidence that, in funding support from The Netherlands Ministry of addition to other anthropogenic pressures, warmer Economic Affairs “Nature Fund”, is implementing oceans are driving declining growth rates of sea tur- a project which aims to stimulate and improve the tles. The human induced stressors on sea turtles has island’s local organic fruit and vegetable produc- been so severe that six of the known seven species of tion. This project will not only contribute to Saba’s sea turtle are at risk of extinction, with three catego- pro- environment image and provide locally grown rized as critically endangered by the IUCN Red List produce, but will also give the island new tourism of Threatened Species. Increasing their resilience opportunities through site tours or taste events. by controlling local threats as well as regional-wide

1 Bad News For Green Sea Turtles In An Age Of Warming Seas: warmer oceans drive declining growth rates

To say that sea turtles are resilient is an un- are ectotherms, meaning that the regulation of derstatement. They have swum in our oceans their body temperature is dependent on exter- for close to 150 million years and survived the nal sources. This makes them very sensitive to extinction of dinosaurs as well as five major ice fluctuating environmental conditions. A recent ages. However, since the 1950s, a sharp in- study by Bjorndal et al. (2017) has looked into crease in human population growth, consump- the long-term effects of a changing climate on tion and technological advance has profoundly the physiology of individual green sea turtles, harmed nature. Our oceans have been used specifically their growth rate. Green turtles are as dumping grounds and have suffered from “long-lived, highly migratory, primarily herbivorous overfishing and coastal development, amongst mega-consumers that may migrate over hundreds many other pressures. As a result of this unprec- to thousands of kilometers” among neritic habitats edented anthropogenic impact, many changes and foraging grounds during their immature in ecosystem function, species distribution, and period (Bjorndal et al., 2017; Musick & Limpus, species abundance have taken place (Bjorndal 1997). Large, highly migratory ectotherms are et al., 2017). The impact on sea turtles has been particularly useful as bio-indicators of environ- so severe that six of the known seven species mental change at regional scales as their growth is of sea turtle are at risk of extinction, with three strongly influenced by environmental conditions categorized as critically endangered by the (Bjorndal et al., 2017). IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Coastal development has destroyed vital foraging and Bjorndal et al. (2017) gathered growth rate data nesting grounds, pollution from land-based of green turtles throughout the Western Atlantic. and marine sources has directly impacted the The data set collected is the longest (1973 to health of turtles, and incidental capture as well 2015), most widespread (30 sites from Bermuda to as targeted capture has drastically reduced the Uruguay, including Bonaire with data collected by number of sea turtles in our oceans. Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB)) and larg- est (9690 growth increments from 3958 individual Ocean warming is now emerging as a substantial turtles) dataset ever compiled for sea turtles threat to the survival of sea turtles. While sea in the Western Atlantic. Turtles were captured turtles have survived many fluctuations in climate through a variety of methods in mixed stock throughout their evolution, climate is now chang- foraging aggregations and tagged. Capture date, ing so rapidly that we cannot predict how they location, carapace length and primary diet at will adapt to these new conditions. This past each site were recorded. The Multivariate El Niño September, Category 5 Hurricane Irma came at Southern Oscillation Index (MEI) was selected to St. Maarten with so much strength that it devas- represent the intensity of an El Niño/Southern tated the island. According to Tadzio Bervoets, Oscillation (ENSO) event, which is the most manager of Nature Foundation St. Maarten, important coupled ocean-atmosphere phenom- about half of the island’s sea turtle population enon to cause global climate variability over time might have survived this storm (König, 2017). (NOAA, 2017). MEI is currently considered the With hurricanes gaining strength more rapidly most representative index for monitoring ENSO than ever before in the Caribbean Region due to as it combines the study of six meteorological and warming oceans, this is of great concern. oceanographic components: sea surface tem- perature (SST), surface air temperature, sea-level A number of studies have investigated the effect pressure, two components of surface winds, and of climate change on sea turtles, such as the loss total cloudiness of the sky (Mazzarella et al., of nesting beaches from sea level rise (Fish et 2013). Two strong thermal processes are believed al, 2008), the negative impact of warmer ocean to be the drivers behind the significant ecological temperatures on coral reefs (Hoegh-Guldberg, regime shift (ERS) that took place in 1997/1998: et al., 2007; Carpenter et al, 2008) and the femi- the abrupt warming from the strongest El Niño nization of turtle populations due to elevated Southern Oscillation (ENSO) event on record nest temperatures (Laloë et al, 2017). Sea turtles and the unprecedented warming rate over the

2 last two to three decades (Martinson et al., 2008; gathered standardized data from 52 seagrass Reid & Beaugrand, 2012; IPCC, 2014; Beaugrand sampling sites across the Wider Caribbean from et al., 2015; Wijffels et al., 2016). This resulted in 1993 to 2014, and 43% of sites had clear trends sudden ecological changes such as the extreme indicating environmental deterioration caused by global bleaching of reefs and changes in migration increased terrestrial run-off of fertilizers, sewage and reproduction timing of echinoderms, fish and sediments (van Tussenbroek et al., 2014; and seabirds, amongst others (Hoegh-Guldberg, Linton & Fisher, 2004). The substantial increase 2007; Martinson et al., 2008; Luczak et al., 2011; in inhabitants of coastal areas in the Caribbean Beaugrand et al., 2013, 2015; Ortega et al., 2013). Region since the 1990s coincides with the de- cline in sea turtle growth rates and substantial The study found a strong correlation between loss of seagrass beds (van Tussenbroek et al., MEI and green turtle growth rates. Green turtle 2014, Waycott et al., 2009; Mcleod et al., 2011). growth rates decreased when SST were above Hawksbills and loggerheads have also seen their a threshold between 25.9 and 26.0 °C (Bjorndal foraging grounds decline, with coral reefs as well et al., 2017). Below this threshold, growth rates as soft and hard bottom habitats suffering much increased with increasing SST. The decline in degradation since the 1990s. The findings of this growth rates also coincides with the ecological study, which correlates warmer ocean tempera- regime shift (ERS) that took place in the Atlantic tures with lower sea turtle production, “is not good in 1997/1998: rates increased from 1974 to 1999 news in an age of warming seas” (Bjorndal et al., but then declined by 26% to 2015 (Bjorndal et al., 2017). Whether sea turtles can adapt to climate 2017). Results were compared with earlier studies change will depend a lot on their ability to adapt of somatic growth dynamics in two carnivorous to changing conditions. Increasing their resilience sea turtle species, the West Atlantic hawksbill by diminishing local threats is absolutely critical. (Eretmochelys imbricata) (Bjorndal et al., 2016) and The study by Bjorndal et al. (2017) found that the the North Atlantic loggerhead (Caretta caretta) decline in sea turtle growth is being exacerbated (Bjorndal et al., 2013). Both studies used similar by the many additional anthropogenic pressures capture-mark-recapture data and modeling on sea turtle habitats (Bjorndal et al., 2017). Sea approach. The growth pattern of hawksbills and turtle conservation has long been a priority for loggerheads follows the same pattern as green the islands of the Dutch Caribbean. At its incep- turtles, with high growth rates up to 1997 fol- tion DCNA invested substantially in supporting lowed by a significant decline. The parallel decline turtle tracking work on the islands both to gain in growth of all three species “provides strong scientific knowledge about turtle range states as evidence that an ecological regime shift (ERS) in the well as a basis for public outreach and education. Atlantic is driving growth dynamics” (Bjorndal et Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB), whose al., 2017) and that growth rates of all three species mission is to ensure that Bonaire’s sea turtles are strongly related to climate drivers. have a secure future, and to connect people to sea turtle conservation in ways that inspire caring for Diet was also identified as a significant factor nature, has been a key partner in these efforts. in the growth rate of green sea turtles. Green STCB uses best practices in science and con- turtles with a seagrass diet (typically Thalassia servation to build knowledge and protection of testudinum) grew more rapidly (63% growth Bonaire’s sea turtles. They share their knowledge increments) that green turtles on mixed seagrass/ to raise awareness, affect policy and build support algae, algae, and omnivorous diets (22% growth for biodiversity protection. Also TurtugAruba, increments) (Bjorndal et al., 2017). This is of CARMABI (Sea turtle Conservation Curaçao) great concern in light of the global destruction STENAPA, SCF and NFSXM are working hard in of seagrass beds. When seagrasses are no longer the Dutch Caribbean to protect sea turtles and available, green sea turtles will switch to a diet of their environment. They are all proud members algae and invertebrates which supports slower of the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation growth rates (Bjorndal et al., 2017). The majority Network (WIDECAST). Region-wide collaboration of seagrass loss has been attributed to anthro- is an absolute necessity in helping these incredible pogenic activities such as coastal development, ancient creatures remain in our oceans for many boat damage as well as agricultural and industrial millions of years to come. run-off. The CARICOMP monitoring network

3 A solid ecological understanding is needed upon seagrass species. In the beginning of 2018 Dr. which to base a management strategy for green Marjolijn Christianen will continue this valuable and hawksbill turtles in the Dutch Caribbean. work with an additional grant from NWO to Therefore Dr. Marjolijn Christianen, Dr. Lisa investigate how green sea turtles, as large graz- Becking, Dr. Per Palsbøll and Msc. Jurjan van der ers, and invasive seagrass interactively affect Zee (PhD student) working closely together with seagrass ecosystem services. A tool to use green local partners on our islands on the NWO funded turtle foraging patterns for global monitoring of project “Ecology and conservation of green and (invasive) seagrass biomass will be developed. hawksbill turtles in the Dutch Caribbean” that started in 2015. During this project they aim to provide knowledge on the migration routes, population demographics and habitat use by Would you like to share a news item? sea turtles and habitat changes by an invasive Please e-mail us: [email protected]

Goat Buy Back Project

The 2013-2017 Nature Policy for the Caribbean preventing the natural regeneration of plant Netherlands flagged the threat of invasive species. On Curaçao, Debrot and de Freitas (1993) species as a high priority, with recent invento- found that goats also alter plant communities. ries documenting no less than 211 exotic alien Vegetation that was inaccessible to livestock had species in the Dutch Caribbean (MinEZ 2013; a completely different species composition and di- Smith et al, 2014). Invasive species are regarded versity (high densities of bromeliads and orchids) as one of the most significant ecological threats than those grazed by livestock (principally cacti to islands worldwide as they can decimate the and Acacia) (Debrot and de Freitas, 1993). A loss in islands’ native flora and fauna (Smith et al, vegetation cover also means a loss of habitat and 2014; Debrot, 2016). Roaming livestock intro- food for many terrestrial species. Saba’s endemic duced to the region in the 1700s has become and endangered red-bellied racer snake has less one of the most significant ecological challeng- than 10% of its original habitat remaining, due in es for the islands of the Caribbean Netherlands part to goat overgrazing. Free-roaming goats also (Buurt & Debrot, 2012; Debrot, 2016). Saba is threaten breeding seabird populations because home to a wide range of forest habitats such as overgrazing degrades breeding habitat (Lowrie et cloud forest and succulent evergreen shrubland al, 2009). that are rich in rare and endangered plant and animal species and these habitats are threat- The goats’ insatiable appetite for Saba’s vegeta- ened by overgrazing caused by free-roaming tion has resulted in an increase in erosion and goats. Thanks to generous funding from The run-off, which threatens the health of the island’s Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs coral reefs. The bare soil left behind by goats has through the Nature Fund, the government of less water retention and is therefore more suscep- Saba has led a 3-year project to cull most of tible to wind and water erosion. Goats tend to pre- Saba’s goat population and offer goat-owners a fer steep terrain and cliffs, which are more prone viable economic alternative in return. to erosion, exacerbating the problem. Goats have also become a nuisance to local residents because Goats (Capra hircus) were introduced onto Saba they consume agricultural produce and cause by the Dutch in the 1700s, and have since become rolling rocks on the island’s main livestock (Buurt & Debrot, 2012). the roads. Nowadays, the number of goats on Saba is very high, with many roaming freely. The impact Goat control measures have taken place in other of these goats on Saba’s vegetation has been Dutch Caribbean islands with various degrees of significant. Goats cause extensive damage to success. On Curaçao, goats have been caught the vegetation because of their preference for and removed from Christoffelpark since 1993 young seedlings, twigs and germinating plants, using various forms of trapping and systematic

4 shooting. This removal of goats has been very Windwardside and Zion’s Hill has been drastically successful: goat densities average 0.1 goat reduced and goat owners will continue to hunt per hectare and there has been a large-scale goats on their own and sell the meat to buyers improvement in vegetation densities as well as on St. Maarten. The island government had to recovery of rare plants (Buurt et Debrot, 2012). designate goat hunters to cull goats in the village On Bonaire, a goat-catching project was started The Bottom as too few goats had been killed by in the Washington Slagbaai National Park in 2015, goat owners during the allocated time period but an assessment of the methodology showed and the population of roaming goats was still too it had little success. The number of caught goats high. The goat population in The Bottom has since averaged to about 25% of the population caught decreased. The selected hunters can now hunt in yearly and this was found to be insufficient to any village on the island with permission from the reduce goat density in the long-term (Geurts, Governor or Island Secretary. 2015). The remaining goat population on Saba is be- The eradication of goats from Saba is difficult ing controlled through better enforcement of because when threatened, goats are able to hide legislation, particularly the “Identification and in inaccessible gullies and cliffs. The goal of the Registration of Livestock and Domestic Animals Government of Saba is therefore to decrease Ordinance (AB2004)”. This ordinance sets free roaming populations of goats by 70 to 80% regulations controlling the keeping and import- by shooting or otherwise slaughtering the goats ing of livestock and domestic animals and the and selling or exporting the meat. Goat owners registration of free roaming animals. Goat owners are offered a compensation of $5 per pound when must ensure their goats are tagged and kept in they deliver the meat of their slaughtered goat(s) fenced areas. The island Government and Police to the Department of Agriculture. The meat is Department are cooperating to ensure continued then frozen and stored, inspected and sold on enforcement of the ordinance beyond the project to the local and export (St Maarten) market. end-date. This is essential to control number Between November 2014 and March 2016, a total of roaming goats, which will otherwise rapidly of 21391,10 pounds of goat meat was delivered to increase again to unsustainable levels. the Department of Agriculture, which represents approximately 1426 goats. As a result, the number of free-roaming goats in the villages of St. Johns,

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5 Hurricane Impacts on Bridled Quail-doves in St. Eustatius

by Hannah Madden

On September 6, 2017, Hurricane Irma, a Work was lead by Dr. Frank Rivera-Milan (US category 5 hurricane, pummeled the northern Fish & Wildlife Service), Hannah Madden (CNSI) Lesser Antilles. While St. Eustatius was spared and Kevin Verdel (student from the University of extensive dame to infrastructure and power Utrecht). A total of 56 x 100m transect surveys was restored to most homes within just a few were conducted, and repeated them 2-4 times. days, forest cover in the Quill National Park did This was less than the original 70 x 100m tran- not fare quite so well. Immediately after the sects conducted in May 2017 due to decreased storm, defoliation of the vegetation was clearly accessibility of trails. Playback of the Key West visible across the dormant volcano, which rises Quail Dove’s call was used in an attempt to elicit to a maximum height of 600 meters and suf- a response from any Bridled Quail-Doves in the fered the brunt of hurricane force winds of up to survey area. Unfortunately the quail-doves did 150 mph. not respond to the playback, and therefore all detections during November 2017 surveys were Initial exploration of the Quill on September 9 by sight only. The perpendicular distance of the revealed a shocking sight from the crater rim quail-dove from the transect was measured, and viewpoint at 400 meters. Areas that were once the data collected were analyzed to estimate the covered in lush evergreen vegetation were barely total population size. recognizable. Gone were the majestic Silk Cotton trees that once dominated the canopy; instead we The November 2017 surveys indicated that there were confronted with an almost bare crater wall had been a decrease in the Bridled Quail-Dove covered in once-towering trees that looked like mean population size estimate of around 230 they had been snapped by an invisible giant. individuals (May 2017 = 1,030; November 2017 = Two weeks later, Hurricane Maria passed to the 803; SE = 208, 95% CI = 451-1,229). This corre- south of St. Eustatius and brought over 100mm sponds to a population drop of around 22% (SE = of rain but less severe winds. This rainfall helped 8.2%). Statistical tests indicate that this decrease stimulate vegetation regrowth in the Quill. in the population is not statistically significant (Z However much of the original canopy was severe- score = 0.66, P value = 0.51). Which is good news. ly damaged, and any fruits, seeds or flowers that The bad news is that there is little food available normally provided food for wildlife were lost. due to the hurricane damage to vegetation. Since the dry season (Dec-Apr) is about to commence, There was immediate concern for the plight of already scarce food resources can be expected to the Bridled Quail-dove, a species that forages be further depleted. These factors will no doubt for fruits and seeds on the forest floor. The Quill effect both quail-dove survival and reproductive is the only habitat on Statia that supports quail- rates in 2017-2018. The quail-doves, which were doves. Population assessments were conducted observed during the November 2017 surveys in May 2017 in conjunction with a rodent control looked lethargic and did not flush far or fast dur- project that is being facilitated through the ing surveys. There is therefore a real risk that the Caribbean Netherlands Science Institute (CNSI). population will decline further due to lack of food. Initial results indicated an estimated number of Surveys will be repeated in May 2018, during peak 1,030 quail-doves (standard error [SE] = 275, 95% breeding season. confidence interval [CI] = 5611,621) which were found across its local habitat of 440 hectares. This Dry forest vegetation on the outer slopes of is possibly the highest known density of quail- the Quill has recovered quickly, however inside doves in the region. Thanks to funds provided by the crater approximately 50% of the evergreen BirdsCaribbean’s fundraising appeal, surveys were seasonal forest that once covered this area has completed in November 2017 to assess quail-dove severely impacted and it is estimated that this populations post-hurricane. may take decades before it fully recovers. We

6 expect this will also have a negative effect on the Irma provided us with a unique opportunity to quail-dove and other bird species which rely on study the impacts of hurricanes on avian fauna this unique habitat for their survival and reproduc- on St. Eustatius (and elsewhere in the region). tion. Instead of the usual flocks of Scaly-naped It is a bittersweet privilege to be able to con- Pigeons (which are now foraging for food in tribute our results to the scientific community. coastal areas), we are now seeing smaller spe- Unfortunately, the frequency and intensity of cies like Bananaquit, Lesser Antillean Bullfinch, Caribbean hurricanes are predicted to increase and the migratory Black-whiskered Vireo. under human-induced global warming. It is Recommendations to help recovery of the bri- therefore imperative to protect and enhance the dled quail-dove include removing predators and integrity of our natural areas to help our birds and domestic animals above 250m to help the species other wildlife survive the next hurricane strike. recover and enhance its prospects for long-term survival. Rat control is important as rats, together Grateful thanks to BirdsCaribbean for funding with other invasive predator species, can be Dr. Frank Rivera-Milan (US Fish & Wildlife expected to increase in density and become more Service), travel expenses, to St. Eustatius clumped following hurricane-induced changes National Parks enabling surveys of the Quill in foraging resources. Columbid life-history is National Park, and to CNSI for facilitating this typically characterized by low annual survival rate project. and high annual reproductive rate, and Quail- doves are ground-dwellers that nest near ground Reprinted with permission from BirdsCaribbean level (e.g., on top of bromeliads and other similar http://www.birdscaribbean.org/2017/11/hurricane- substrates providing nest support, relying on their impacts-on-bridled-quail-doves-in-st-eustatius/ camouflage). Any increase in rat density would threaten Quail-dove survival and reproduction. CNSI’s rat control project has great relevance for the Bridled Quail-dove and could produce impor- tant conservation results. Baiting will begin in the Quill from January 2018 and the results will be made available later in the year.

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7 Saba: Horticultural Project

Sampling local food is a great way to experience The horticulture production site has been estab- the culture of a destination, and tourists will lished at Zion’s Hill on a leased area of 10,000 m². often seek out local restaurants to try out new The land was cleared of trees, shrubs and rocks and exciting dishes. More than 22,500 tourists in early 2017 and fenced to prevent damage from visit Saba each year to enjoy the island’s tran- free-roaming goats, chickens and iguanas. A quility and unspoiled natural landscape, but few storage room has also been built on the property. visitors have the opportunity to savor fresh, lo- Fruit and vegetables grown on the farm in 2017 cally grown food as most of the island’s produce include sweet peppers, jalapenos, sweet pota- is imported from the US. The tourism sector toes, cassava, bananas, watermelons, pumpkin, currently contributes the largest share to Saba’s cabbage, lettuce, tomatoes, peanuts, chives and economy, with total expenditures by tourists thyme. In September hurricanes Irma and Maria averaging USD 31.7 million per year (Cado van destroyed most of the crops, but the land is now der Lely et al, 2014). However, because the food being farmed again with sweet potatoes, carrots, tourists are eating is imported, the net econom- corn, okra, sweet peppers, thyme and parsley. ic impact of tourist expenditure on the island Produce is sold to the public and at a local market is significantly reduced (Bélisle, 1984). In the on Wednesdays, with the goal to eventually Caribbean region, tourism and agriculture have sell products to supermarkets and restaurants. for the most part developed separately, with Indigenous trees are currently being grown agriculture primarily satisfying export markets from seed in pots with the support of the Saba while local demand is met through food imports Conservation Foundation. (Mc Bain, 2007). Organic farming practices are being used at both Thanks to generous funding from The sites, such as the use of local cattle manure as Netherlands Ministry of Economics Affairs fertilizer and the installation of drip-irrigation to through the Nature Fund, the Island Government conserve water. To ensure the sustainability of the of Saba is implementing a project, which aims to project and its long-term success, the island gov- stimulate and improve the island’s local organic ernment has leased the plot of land at Zion’s Hill production of fruit and vegetables. Promoting for 10 years and plans to keep the project funded organic horticultural production on the island after the Nature Fund has expired. Profits from will contribute to Saba’s pro- environmentally the sale of fruits and vegetables will be allocated conscious image and give the island new tourism to a special fund that will keep the horticultural opportunities surrounding food tourism such as production going. With hope, this project will inspire production site tours or taste events. Local hotels Saban people to grow food in their own backyard. and restaurants have already expressed their eagerness to sell local produce. Additionally, this Nature Fund project will enable the establishment of a nursery of indigenous trees which will be used to help reforest the island once the issue of free-roaming goats is under control (see: Nature Funded Goat Buy Back Project). The three-year project (2015-2018) is carried out in partnership with the Agricultural Station.

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8 Research Overview December 2017

CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

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

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

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

Investigating potential CRFB: Francesca Virdis differences in fitness of Coral WUR: Erik Meesters Acropora cervicornis on BON restoration VHL: Jorien Rippen CRF Bonaire coral restora- Students: Valeria Pesch, Jan Koschorrek tion sites The Economics of Wolfs Company: Esther Wolfs, Boris van Economics of Ecosystems and Zanten AUA ecosystems Biodiversity (TEEB) on VU: Pieter van Beukering Aruba YABI consultancy: Francielle Laclé

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

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

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

9 December 2017

CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

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

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

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

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

Evaluating the Carbon Loyola Marymount University: Candice Cross Invasive species Sequestering Capacity of BON (student), Demian Willette Halophila stipulacea

Pilot-scale testing and evaluation of mangrove ecosystem intervention options WUR: Dolfi Debrot, Douwe Boerstra (stu- Mangrove (fish fauna, epibionts on dent), Laura Timmerman (student) BON ecosystems mangrove prop roots) STINAPA: Sabine Engel *Part of Nature Funding Project: Ecological resto- ration Lac Bay and South coast, Bonaire

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

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

10 December 2017

CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

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

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

SAB

The impact of hurricanes EUX Plants UU: Maarten Eppinga Irma and Maria on Coralita

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

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

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

Long term projects

CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST Deep Reef Observation Coral Reef Project (DROP) (ARMS: CUR Smithsonian: Carole Baldwin Ecosystems Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures)

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

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

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

11 CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

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

Dutch Caribbean Species Register: Taxonomic Naturalis: Sander Pieterse, Hannco Bakker, Database knowledge system Dutch All Bert Hoeksema Caribbean (http://www. dutchcaribbeanspecies.org/)

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

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

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

Naturalis: Bert Hoeksema Marine Marine species discover- All CNSI ecosystems ies in the Dutch Caribbean CARMABI

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

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

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

12 CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

NWO Projects in the Dutch Caribbean

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

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

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

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

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

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

13 CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

NWO Projects in the Dutch Caribbean

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

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

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

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

BO-projects in the Dutch Caribbean (Min EZ)

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

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

14 CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

BO-projects in the Dutch Caribbean (Min EZ)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

15 CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

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

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

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

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

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

Bonaire Agri & Aqua Business BV: Sherwin Combating Erosion and Terrestrial Pourier Nature Restoration on BON ecosystems Wayaká Advies BV: Jan Jaap van Almenkerk Bonaire DRO: Frank van Slobbe

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

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

Agriculture Horticultural 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

16 CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

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

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

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

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

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

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

EU-BEST funded Projects in the Dutch Caribbean

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

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

Conservation Watershed & Biodiversity BON Echo: Lauren Schmaltz, Quirijn Coolen

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

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17 Monitoring Overview December 2017

CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Birds Pelican monitoring SXM NFSXM: Melanie Meijer zu Schlochtern

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

Corals reef Doobies Crack reef dam- EUX STENAPA: Erik Houtepen ecosystems age recovery survey

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

18 December 2017

CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

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

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

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

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

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

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

Insects Bee tracking BON Echo: Lauren Schmaltz

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

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

19 December 2017

CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

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

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

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

Dolphin monitoring Mammals BON Ron Sewell (since 1999)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

20 December 2017

CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

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

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

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

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

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

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21 Reports and Publications Overview

Below you will find an overview of the reports and publications on biodiversity related subjects in the Dutch Caribbean that have recently been published.

Devlin-Durante, M.K., Baums, I.B. (2017). Meijer zu Schlochtern, M. (2017) Genome-wide survey of single-nucleotide Nature Foundation Marine Park, Reef & Marine polymorphisms reveals fine-scale population Research Assessments Post Hurricane Irma structure and signs of selection in the threatened Caribbean elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata. PeerJ 5:e4077

Lorscheid, T., Felis, T., Stocchi, P., Obert, J.C., Scholz, D. Rovere, A. (2017) Tides in the Last Interglacial: insights from notch geometry and palaeo tidal models in Bonaire, Netherland Antilles. Scientific reports 7:16241 DOI:10.1038/s41598-017-16285-6

These reports and publications can be found in the Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity 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 the DCBD. Please e-mail us: [email protected]

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22 List of Acronyms

AUA Aruba NFSXM Nature Foundation St. Maarten Naturalis Biodiversity Center, The BON Bonaire Naturalis Netherlands CUR Curaçao NIOZ Royal Institute for Sea NIOZ Research, the Netherlands SAB Saba NWO Netherlands Organisation EUX St. Eustatius NWO for Scientific Research SXM St. Maarten Reptielen Amfibieën Vissen RAVON Onderzoek Nederland AMMF Aruba Marine Mammal Foundation University of Groningen, the RuG Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Netherlands BEST Radboud University Nijmegen, the in Territories of European overseas RU Netherlands BO project Policy Supporting Research project SBMU Saba Bank Management Unit CARIBSS Caribbean Speleological Society SCF Saba Conservation Foundation Caribbean Research and CARMABI Management of Biodiversity Smithsonian’s National Museum of Smithsonian Foundation Natural History The Blanes Centre for Advanced CEAB STCB Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire Studies, Spain Council of International Educational STCC Sea Turtle Conservation Curacao CIEE Exchange, Bonaire St. Eustatius National Parks STENAPA CRF Coral Reef Foundation Foundation

DCNA Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance STINAPA National Parks Foundation Bonaire Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity DCBD UsA University of St. Andrews, Scotland Database Directorate of Spatial Planning and University of Utrecht, the DRO UU Development, Bonaire Netherlands Department of Agriculture, University of Amsterdam, the DLVV UvA Livestock, Fishery and Farmers Netherlands (Santa Rosa) market (Santa Rosa), Aruba University of Applied Sciences VHL EcoPro Ecological Professionals Foundation VHL, the Netherlands Eastern Caribbean Public Health VU University Amsterdam, the ECPHF VU Foundation Netherlands Environmental Protection in the Wildlife Conservation, Science and EPIC Wildconscience Caribbean Education Fundacion Parke Nacional Arikok, WNF World Wide Fund for Nature FPNA Aruba Wageningen Universitwy and WUR HAS University of Applied Sciences, Research Centre, the Netherlands HAS the Netherlands Wageningen Environmental Department of Agriculture, Animal WUR (Alterra) LVV Research, the Netherlands Husbandry & Fisheries, St. Eustatius

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

December

1 Symposium 2nd AcroporaNet Symposium, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

4 Celebration 20 years managing the marine park, STENAPA, St. Eustatius

Regional workshop on ecosystem-based management and application of 4-6 Workshop decision support systems in the Wider Caribbean region, Panama

6-7 Conference 6th Statia Sustainability Conference (SSC6), St. Eustatius.

7-9 Meeting ICRI General meeting, Nairobi.

11-12 Meeting DCNA board meeting, Curaçao.

13-15 Symposium European Coral Reef Symposium, Oxford, UK.

January

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

47th session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC 47) 31- 4 Feb Meeting at a location to be determined.

February

2 Event World Wetlands Day

5-8 Forum Social Coast Forum, Charleston, South Carolina, USA

Expert Workshop on Marine Protected Areas and Other Effective Area- 6-9 Workshop based Conservation Measures for Achieving Aichi Biodiversity Target 11 in Marine and Coastal Areas, Montreal, Canada

7-8 Symposium World Symposium on Climate Change Communication, Graz, Austria

11-16 Meeting Ocean Sciences Meeting, Portland, Orgeon, USA

The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) has declared 2018 the third International Year of the Reef (IYOR 2018)

24 Members of the Dutch Carribean Nature Alliance

Aruba St. Eustasius Fundacion Parke Nacional Arikok STENAPA +297 585 1234 +599 318 28 84 www.arubanationalpark.org www.statiapark.org

Bonaire St. Maarten STINAPA Bonaire Nature Foundation +599 717 84 44 +721 544 4267 www.stinapa.org www.naturefoundationsxm.org

Curaçao St. Maarten CARMABI Environmental Protection +599 9 462 4242 ​in the Caribbean www.carmabi.org + 721 545 3009 www. epicislands.org

Saba Curaçao Saba Conservation Foundation Stiching uniek Curaçao +599 416 32 95 +599 9 462 8989 www.sabapark.org www.uniekcuracao.org

DCNA Contact information Sponsors Address: DCNA’s activities are generously supported by Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance The Dutch Postcode Lottery Kaya Finlandia 10A Kralendijk, Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean Bionews is funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV) Contact us: +599 717 5010 [email protected] www.DCNAnature.org Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality

Social Media facebook.com/DutchCaribbeanNatureAlliance twitter.com/DCNA

Credits Photography: Courtesy of SHAPE Photography or Brenda S. & R. Kirkby unless otherwise Credited. Concept and Design: Deviate Design. www.Deviate.Design

If you do not wish to receive future issues of BioNews, or if you know some one else who is interested in signing up to BioNews, please contact us at [email protected]

25

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Green Sea Turtles Suffer from Warming Seas: IPCC (2014). Climate Change 2014: Synthesis Report, warmer oceans drive declining growth rates Summary for Policy Makers. IPCC, Geneva, Switzerland.

Beaugrand, G., McQuatters-Gollop, A., Edwards, M., König, E. (2017). Milieuramp op St.-Maarten. NRC press Goberville, E. (2013). Long-term responses of North Atlantic release on 28 September 2017. Retrieved from: https:// calcifying plankton to climate change. Nature Climate www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2017/09/28/ook-natuur-St.-maarten- Change, 3, pp. 263-267. slachtoffer-irma-13235709-a1575181

Beaugrand, G., Conversi, A., Chiba, S., Edwards, M., Fonda- Laloë, J.O., Cozens, J., Renom, B. Taxonera, A., Hays, G.C. Umani, S., Greene, C.,… Sugisaki, H. (2015). Synchronous (2017). Climate change and temperature-linked hatchling marine pelagic regime shifts in the Northern Hemisphere. mortality at a globally important sea turtle nesting site. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B-Biological Global Change Biology, 23:11. Sciences, 370, 20130272. Linton, D., Fisher, T., editors (2004). CARICOMP – Bjorndal, K.A., Schroeder, B.A., Foley, A.M., Witherington, Caribbean Coastal Marine Productivity Program: 1993- B.E., Bressette, M., Clark, D., ... Bolton, A.B. (2013). 2003. Caribbean Coastal Marine Productivity Program, Temporal, spatial, and body size effects on growth rates of Kingston, Jamaica. loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) in the Northwest Atlantic. Marine Biology, 160, pp. 2711–2721. Luczak, C., Beaugrand, G., Jaffré, M., Lenoir, S. (2011) Climate change impact on Balearic shearwater through a Bjorndal, K.A., Chaloupka, M., Saba, V.S., Diez, C.E., van trophic cascade. Biology Letters, 7, pp. 702–705. Dam, R.P., Krueger, B.H., … Bolton, A.B. (2016). Somatic growth dynamics of West Atlantic hawksbill sea turtles: a Martinson, D.G., Stammerjohn, S.E., Iannuzzi, R.A., Smith, spatio-temporal perspective. Ecosphere, 7(5). R.C., Vernet, M. (2008). Western Antarctic Peninsula physical oceanography and spatio–temporal variability. Bjorndal, K.A., Bolten, A.B., Chaloupka, M., Saba, V.S., Deep-Sea Research II, 55, pp. 1964-1987. Bellini, C., Marcovaldi, N.A., … Kenyon, L. (2017). Ecological regime shift drives declining growth rates of sea turtles Mazzarella, A., Giuliacci, A., Scafetta, N. (2013). Quantifying throughout the West Atlantic. Glob Chang Biol., 23(11), pp. the Multivariate ENSO Index (MEI) coupling to CO2 con- 4556-4568. centration and to the length of day variations. Theoretical Applied Climatology, 111, pp. 601 607. Carpenter, K.E., Abrar, M., Aeby, G., Aronson, R.B., Banks, S., Bruckner, A.,… Wood, E. (2008). One-Third of Reef- Mcleod, E., Chmura, G.L., Bouillon, S., Salm, R., Björk, M., Building Corals Face Elevated Extinction Risk from Climate Duarte, C.M., … Silliman, B.R. (2011). A blueprint for blue Change and Local Impacts. Science, 321:5888, pp. 560-563. carbon: toward an improved understanding of the role of vegetated coastal habitats in sequestering CO2. Frontiers in Fish, M.R., Côté, I.M., Horrocks, J.A., Mulligan, B., Ecology and the Environment, 9, pp. 552–560. Watkinson, A.R., Jones, A.P. (2008). Construction setback regulations and sea-level rise: Mitigating sea turtle nesting Musick, J.A., Limpus, C.J. (1997). Habitat utilization and beach loss. Ocean & Coastal Management, 51:4, pp. migration in juvenile sea turtles. In: The Biology of Sea 330-341. Turtles (eds Lutz PL, Musick JA), pp. 137-164, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida. Hoegh-Guldberg, O., Mumby, P.J., Hooten, A.J., Steneck, R.S., Greenfield, P., Gomez, E., … Hatziolos, M.E. (2007). NOAA (2017). https://www.esrl.noaa.gov/psd/enso/ Coral reefs under rapid climate change and ocean acidifica- mei/#Home tion. Science, 318, pp. 1737-1742.

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Debrot, A.O. (2016). Harmful invasive alien species (IAS) in the Caribbean Netherlands. Wageningen University and Research website. https://www.wur.nl/en/project/Harmful- invasive-alien-species-IAS-in-the-Caribbean-Netherlands. htm Would you like to share a news item? Please e-mail us: [email protected]

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