BIONEwS ISSUE 8 - 2017 In this issue:

1 Editor’s Letter 20 Long-Term Projects Overview

2 Status of Saba Bank’s Reefs 26 Monitoring Overview

11 Economic Value of Sharks 30 Reports and Publications

14 Annual Shark Conference of the 31 List of Acronyms European Elasmobranch Association 32 Calendar 15 Combating Erosion and Nature Restoration on Bonaire 33 Members and Contact

17 Research Overview 34 References

Editor’s Letter Dutch Carribean, November 2017

This edition of BioNews marks the last installment conservation has been front and center over the in our reef status series. All the articles published past few years thanks in part to DCNA’s Save Our in BioNews about the status of coral reefs in our Sharks program. islands will be presented together in one special issue at the end of the year. We finish the series We also report on the annual scientific confer- with the Saba Bank, a large submerged carbonate ence of the European Elasmobranch Association platform located 5 kilometers southwest of Saba. (EEA), which was hosted this year by the Dutch The Saba Bank is a known biodiversity hotspot Elasmobranch Society (NEV) in Amsterdam. and has some of the richest diversity of marine life International scientists, policymakers and nature of the Dutch Caribbean. Recent work on the Bank conservationists from all over the world traveled has revealed that the Saba Bank has a healthy to the Netherlands for the 21st edition of the population of sharks. While the area has remained conference, where presentation topics ranged relatively pristine thanks to its remote location, from the latest scientific research methods to rec- the impact of global threats such as climate ommendations for improvements in international change can already be observed: coral cover on policy. Members of the Save Our Sharks program the Bank significantly decreased in the last 15 to hosted the icebreaker reception. 20 years due to events such as the severe bleach- ing events of 1998 and 2005. As part of the “Nature Policy Plan for the Caribbean Netherlands 2013-2017”, funding was We present the findings from a study in The allotted to 22 projects in the BES islands that Bahamas that highlights the importance of the promote coral reef conservation, the sustainable shark diving industry to the Bahamian economy. use of nature, or the synergy of sustainable use This was made possible by conservation meas- of nature in combination with agriculture and ures enacted by the Bahamian government over tourism. Bonaire received funding for 10 projects, the last 25 years that have helped to establish a several of which aim to tackle the island’s erosion shark sanctuary and healthy and diverse shark problem. We are happy to report on progress populations around the island. The shark diving made by the “Combating Erosion and Nature industry may also be an opportunity for economic Restoration” project which begun at the end of growth for the Dutch Caribbean, which has 26 2016. This 3-year project aims to reduce erosion, documented shark species including the iconic improve water management and restore some of tiger shark and whale shark and where shark Bonaire’s natural areas.

1 Status of Saba Bank’s Reef

The Saba Bank remained an unexplored and This submerged carbonate platform rises from mysterious offshore submerged carbonate the sea floor and is crowned at the summit by a platform until very recently. Research on the 150 km² expanse of growing coral reef (Meesters Saba Bank was first initiated under the Central et al., 1996; DCNA, 2016). Most of the Bank lies at Government of the Netherlands Antilles due depths of 20 to 50 meters, but a considerable area to fishing pressure on the Bank and after to the east lies between 10 and 20 meters and fishery legislation was first enacted. After the has extensive reef development (Meesters et al., constitutional change in 2010 when the Saba 1996). It reaches a plateau at a depth of about 15 Bank became the direct responsibility of the m (Klomp and Kooistra, 2003). The western edge Netherlands, there was more attention for the is deeper (50 m) and believed to be dominated by Saba Bank and there have been several research sand (Klomp and Kooistra, 2003). expeditions to assess the state of the fisheries, coral reef health and shark population (Bos et Considered to be one of the world’s marine bio- al., 2016). A known biodiversity hotspot, the diversity hotspots (Church and Allison, 2004), the Saba Bank is of special interest to scientists Saba Bank is recognized under the Convention because it has remained relatively pristine of Biological Diversity (CBD) as an Ecologically thanks to its remote location (DCNA, 2016; Bos and Biologically Significant Area (EBSA). It forms et al., 2016). But the Saba Bank is by no means a regionally unique and relatively pristine eco- immune to global and regional impacts includ- system characterized by high biological diversity ing the effects of climate change. and productivity (Meesters, 2013). The Bank is home to some of the richest diversity of marine It is essential that action is taken to increase the life of the Dutch Caribbean (Bos et al., 2016) resilience of the Saba Bank as much as possible including sea turtles, migratory humpback whales in order to buffer the effects of climate change (Megaptera novaeangliae) and more than 200 including the very real possibility of more, and species of fish. It contains many different habitat more intense bleaching events and hurricanes as types including coral reefs (patch reefs and spur well as the insidious impact of ocean acidification. and groove reefs with sandy channels), fields of calcareous algae, algal fields, sand plains, as well as limestone pavements overgrown 1. Geography and Reef Structure with unique and diverse plant assemblages (Lundvall, 2008; Meesters, 2016; DCNA, 2017). The Saba Bank lies just 5 kilometers southwest of the island of Saba but extends almost 70km from the Saba coastline. It covers 268.000 hectares, an area roughly the size of the Dutch part of the Wadden Sea or, more evocatively, about the same size as Luxembourg. About one quarter of the Bank lies within Saban territorial waters (DCNA, 2017).

The Saba Bank is the second largest submerged carbonate platform of its kind and the largest in the Atlantic Ocean basin (Meesters et al., 2009). It was an island during the last glacial period until about 5,000 years ago (Van der Land 1977). There are reef crests, lagoon and beach formations, which probably formed during this and previous glaciations when the Bank was above sea level (DCNA, 2017). Map of the Saba Bank Image by: © DCNA

2 2. Status of the reefs of the Saba Bank

The first scientific expeditions to the Saba Bank Three research expeditions conducted by took place in the 1970s with mixed results: one Wageningen Marine Research (formerly IMARES) study concluded that the Saba Bank had minimal took place between 2011 and 2015 to gather data reef development but abundant crustose coralline on the Bank’s biodiversity, ecological functioning algae and sponges (MacIntyre et al., 1975), while a and ecosystem changes triggered by mounting study published soon after found that the Bank’s environmental pressures. The 2015 expedition two large windward reefs had abundant coral was a joint expedition with NIOZ (van Duyl, 2016). growth (Zonneveld, 1977). During an expedition The data collected during these surveys will be with research vessel H.M.S. Luymes of the Royal invaluable to ensure the sustainable management Netherlands Navy in 1972, natural history speci- of the Bank. mens were collected that could serve as baseline material for future biodiversity studies (Van der In November 2016 conservation management Land, 1977; Hofker, 1980; Logan, 1990; Thacker et organizations from Saba, St. Eustatius and St. al., 2010; Hoeksema et al., 2011). Maarten joined a research expedition organized by the Scripps Institute of Oceanography and the In the 1980s the reefs on the Saba Bank have WAITT Foundation to conduct a rapid scientific experienced Caribbean-wide disease induced assessment of the coral reefs in the windward mass mortalities such as the die-off of the main Caribbean islands (Sandin et al., 2016). The urchin species in the Caribbean (Diadema antil- Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network protocol larum) in 1983 (Aronson & Precht, 2001). In 2006, for the Caribbean (GCRMN-Caribbean) was used Scientists from Conservation International to establish a regional perspective of coral reef (CI), the Netherlands Antilles government and health, surveying the fore-reef habitat at depths Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of Natural between 7 and 15 meters. In addition to GCRMN History carried out a two-week expedition to the coral reef assessments, a selection of coral reef Saba Bank. They uncovered a rich and healthy environments on the Saba Bank were mapped coral fauna, confirming Zonneveld’s prior findings using 3D imagery. Photography and advanced (1977). The Bank was recognized as a regionally image post-processing were used to create unique area with relatively pristine ecosystems photomosaic images of large reef areas up to 100 characterized by high biological diversity and square meters. These images provide a snapshot productivity, as well as being a possible source of view of large-area coral reef communities and fish and coral larvae to downstream areas. their compositions, enabling data collection of benthic communities. The results of these surveys Research on the Saba Bank gained momentum have not yet been released but footage can be when the Bank became the responsibility of the found at: Netherlands in October 2010, and since then https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0By3cTuc several research expeditions have taken place xJ9GFcEYyUi16OG4yc0k?usp=sharing (Scripps to assess the Bank’s fish communities, coral reef Institution of Oceanography). The goal is to re- health and shark population (Bos et al., 2016). peat this assessment in two years so that changes As a known biodiversity hotspot, the Saba Bank in reef health can be gauged. In addition to local is of special interest to scientists because it has trends these assessments will allow for a compari- remained relatively pristine thanks to its remote son of coral reef health in the Dutch Caribbean location, offering researchers the opportunity region. Surveys by the Saba Conservation to study the effects of global change and reef Foundation (SCF) using the same GCRMN proto- resilience compared to other reefs in the region col to assess the impact of the extreme (Meesters et al., 2016; Bos et al., 2016). hurricane season in 2017 are underway.

A Symposium dedicated to the Saba Bank was organized by the University of Wageningen in Den Helder in December 2016. The Symposium brought together researchers and conservationists from throughout the Kingdom to share their knowledge and to provide an overview of the current state of scientific knowledge about the Saba Bank. A special BioNews edition http://www.dcnanature.org/bionews-2017-1/ was created to capture the wealth of information presented at the Symposium. Additionally a book was produced by Wageningen University, which can be downloaded here: http://edepot.wur.nl/400225 (Bos et al., 2016).

3 Time # Sites Studies Survey Description period Surveyed

The first recorded expedition to the Saba Bank. CICAR Expedition (Van der 25 by Scuba 1972 Collections of the benthos were made by hand by Land, 1977) diving Dutch Naval divers.

Corwith Cramer Cruise C-103 During this expedition a depth Recorder profile and 1989 112 (Joyce, 1989) sediment sample transect lines were completed.

Netherlands Antilles The expedition focused on the central and eastern part Department of Environment 1996 of the Saba Bank and surveyed approximately 1.8% of - (MINA) survey the total area. (Meesters, 1996)

AGRRA (Klomp & Kooistra, Post-hurricane (Lenny) rapid assessment of reefs 1999 3 2003) including measures on coral cover and bleaching.

Conservation International 2006 Rapid Assessment of the Saba Bank 17 expedition

This survey focused on octocorals as well as surveys of Royal Dutch Navy, MINA, fish and conch. For the first time monitoring included Harte Research Institute, surveys for crustaceans as well as some ROV deep 2007 40 (5 zones) Conservation International water exploration. Using multibeam sonar data from (CI), and SCF the Dutch Navy a high resolution (2 m) bathymetric GIS map was prepared

A ground truthing expedition to the Saba Bank to CARIBSAT expedition, M.V. find ways to use satellite images to map the benthic Caribbean Explorer 2010 communities. Data were collected using video 200 camera drops and underwater video transects at 7 places.

Three expeditions aimed to collect data on benthic and reef fish communities; connectivity; sponges 2011, and nutritional sources of the sponge community; IMARES and NIOZ 2013, 11 seabirds and marine mammals; net coral reef 2015 calcification, water quality, water velocity and other physical parameters.

NIOZ and IMARES Researchers wanted to gain a better (NWO funded project enti- understanding of the hydrography of the Saba Bank tled “Caribbean Coral Reef and to determine if net ecosystem calcification is Ecosystems - interactions of 2016 occurring. This expedition integrates ecological map- 61 anthropogenic ocean acidifica- ping (Spatial coverage of corals and other calcifying tion and eutrophication with organisms), (carbonate) chemistry, net calcification, bio-erosion by coral excavating and physical oceanography. sponges”)

Scripps Institute of Coral reef assessments following the GCRMN Oceanography and the WAITT 2016 protocol and a selection of 2 coral reef environments 3 Foundation were mapped using 3D imagery.

Coral reef assessments following the GCRMN proto- Planned: GCRMN by SCF col after hurricanes Irma and Maria 25

The multidisciplinary scientific expedition aimed at National Initiative Changing Planned providing the Netherlands with a better understanding Oceans (NICO) expedition for 2018 of changing seas and oceans, crucial for climate stabil- (NWO-Science & NIOZ) ity and sustainable economic activities.

Table 1: Summary of major coral status surveys conducted on Saba Bank’s coral reefs. (Source: DCNA, 2017)

4 2.1 Benthic cover Coral

Coral cover is the amount of bottom surface expeditions also found numerous small young covered by live stony corals, contributing to the coral colonies and little evidence of disease, which three-dimensional framework of the coral reef. are good indicators for reef resilience (Becking The Saba Bank had a rich coral fauna and high & Meesters, 2017). Meesters et al. (1996) also coral cover in the 1990s and 2000s according to described the virtual absence of diseases back in a number of studies. During a 1996 expedition the 1990s (Meesters et al., 1996). Furthermore, on the Saba Bank, 28 hard coral species and 14 it was discovered that the species-poor locality soft coral species were recorded and hard coral “Tertre de Fleur” harbours a unique assemblage cover was estimated at 60 to 90% (Meesters of free-living corals, so-called coralliths, which et al., 1996). A decade later, scientists from is probably related to the special oceanographic Conservation International (CI), the Netherlands conditions offered by the Saba Bank (Hoeksema Antilles government and Smithsonian Institution’s et al., 2017). Museum of Natural History carried out a survey of the Bank and found the hard and soft coral fauna Whilst just 9% of the Saba Bank’s coral reefs of the Bank to be very rich, abundant, diverse and were bleached in 1999 (Klomp & Kooistra, 2003), representative of the Caribbean (Lundvall, 2008). the 2005 Caribbean-wide bleaching event had Researchers counted 40 hard coral species and devastating consequences for the Bank’s reefs. found a rich and abundant gorgonian fauna with It is estimated that over 50% of coral cover in the 20 different species of soft coral documented. Caribbean was lost (Eakin et al., 2005), and while In 2015, a biodiversity assessment of the Bank no accurate data for the Saba Bank is avail- recorded nearly 50 species of reef-building corals able, similar loss of coral cover was recorded on (Hoeksema et al., 2017). neighboring islands of Saba and St. Eustatius and many other islands in the northeastern Caribbean However, there has been a significant decrease in (Esteban & Kooistra, 2005). Anecdotal data such coral cover in the last 15 to 20 years. Quantitative as comparison of before and after photographs surveys carried out at 10 different locations as of an identical spot on the Bank from 2003 and part of the 2011, 2013 and 2015 IMARES research 2007 show an almost complete loss of coral cover expeditions revealed an important decline (Lundvall, 2008; DCNA, 2017). A rapid assessment (Becking & Meesters, 2017), although coral cover of stony corals in January 2006 found evidence remained stable between 2011 and 2015 (Becking of bleaching at 82% of the sites assessed with 43 & Meesters, 2017). In 2011, living hard coral colonies bleached (McKenna, 2010). cover was only 8%, which is much lower than the coverages of 40-60% reported in 1996 (Bos et al., 2016). Some variety was found between sites, with the lowest coral cover found at “Tertre de Fleur” (2.6%) and the highest recorded on the southern edge of the Bank at “Gorgonian Delight” (15.5%) (Meesters, 2016). It is hard to pinpoint what caused this drastic decline, but a mix of events including climate change related impacts such as several bleaching events (1998 and 2005) are likely to blame (Meesters 2016; Becking & Meesters, 2017).

Beyond the stabilization of coral cover between 2011 and 2015, there are some encouraging signs regarding the Saba Bank’s reef health. During NIOZ’s 2016 research expedition, many new coral areas were discovered, as well as other habitats Figure 1: Coral cover estimates for the Saba Bank from (Becking & Meesters, 2017). The 2011-2015 1995 to 2015 (Meesters, 2016)

5 Bakker et al. (2016) assessed the role of the Saba and making them more prone to disease (Jackson Bank as a potential reservoir of diversity for the et al., 2014). surrounding reefs by examining the popula- tion genetic structure, abundance and health A gradient of increasing algal cover from the Bank status of two prominent benthic species, the towards the island of Saba was identified during coral Montastraea cavernosa and the sponge the IMARES expeditions, although it is unlikely Xestospongia muta. Data indicates that there is that this is linked to anthropogenic activities on genetic connectivity between populations on the the island (Van Beek & Meesters, 2014). Saba Bank and nearby Saba as well as multiple locations in the wider Caribbean, Sponges, turf algae, cyanobacteria ranging in distance from 100s–1000s km (Bakker et al., 2016). The combined results of Corals, sponges, macrolagae, turf algae and apparent gene flow among populations on the cyanobacteria are all naturally occurring com- Bank and surrounding reefs, the high abundance ponents of the benthos which compete with and unique genetic diversity and the upstream each other for space (Figure 2). Macroalgae, turf position with respect to the wider Caribbean algae and cyanobacteria appear to benefit from indicate that the Saba Bank could function as an eutrophication (de Bakker et al., 2017). From 2012 important buffer for the region. Either as a natural to 2015 a shift was seen on the Saba Bank from source of larvae to replenish genetic diversity or turf algae to a cyanobacteria dominated systems, as a storehouse of diversity that can be utilized possibly linked to increasing water temperatures if needed for restoration practices (Bakker et al., and/or low grazing pressure on cyanobacteria 2016; Becking & Meesters, 2017). (Wiltink, 2016). It is hypothesized that increased macroalgae, turf algae and cyanobacteria densi- Macroalgae ties might be beneficial to sponges as they feed on the dissolved organic carbon they release (Wiltink, During the 2006 Conservation International 2016; de Bakker et al., 2017). This, in combina- expedition, the Saba Bank was discovered to have tion with a reduction of spongivores due to an exceptionally high diversity of macroalgae overfishing, decreasing pH and climate changed (Conservation International, 2006). Littler et induced increasing seawater temperatures, may al. (2010), who carried out a marine macroalgal give sponges a competitive advantage over reef diversity assessment of the Bank during the building corals in the future (Wiltink, 2016; de expedition, not only found a high cover of algae Bakker et al., 2017). More disturbed eutrophic (mainly Dictyota spp. and Lobophora spp.) on the coral reefs in the Caribbean have changed into reefs but also observed few filamentous and thin sponge-dominated reefs where corals abundance sheet forms indicative of stressed or physically largely declined (Becking & Meesters, 2017). This disturbed environments (Littler et al., 2010). is currently not the case on the Saba Bank where Acknowledged algae experts M. and D. Littler sponge cover is not considered to be high and stated that the Saba Bank is without doubt the does not appear to be increasing (Wiltink, 2016; richest area in the Caribbean for macroalgae Becking & Meesters, 2017). (Littler et al., 2010). The following year, mac- roalgae were found to be the most conspicuous Sponges are essential components of reef eco- component of the Bank’s benthic communities, systems (de Goeij et al., 2013). They filter small most likely due to environmental conditions particulate material including pathogens from the which favor the growth of many different types water, provide habitat for many species and con- of macroalgae (Lundvall, 2008). In 2015 mean vert dissolved organic matter into food particles macroalgae cover was 9% which was lower for other species (de Goeij et al., 2013; Bos et al., than the dominant cyanobacteria cover of 23% 2016). At least 131 species occur on the Saba Bank (Wiltink, 2016). Macroalgae are a natural part of (Witlink et al., 2017) and at present, “the cover and a reef community, but many studies have shown diversity of sponges indicates a resilient commu- how harmful they can be to corals, inhibiting coral nity“ (de Bos et al., 2016). Sponge cover is gener- settlement and recruitment, slowing coral growth ally slightly higher on the Bank than coral cover

6 (Wiltink, 2016). One of the species that contrib- was quite low, varying between 23 and 100 fish utes most to total sponge cover is the Giant Barrel per 100m2 (van Beek & Meesters, 2014). The 2013 sponge (Xestospongia muta) and there seems expedition did record a considerably higher fish connectivity between populations on the Saba abundance, varying between 51 and 175 fish per Bank and Belize and the Bahamas (Wiltink, 2016; 100m2 (van Beek & Meesters, 2014). However, de Bakker et al., 2016). There is some concern the visual surveys in 2011, 2013 and 2015 indicate about the health Gian Barrel sponges on the Saba that the biomass of key herbivorous and commer- Bank. A study by de Bakker et al. (2016) found cial fish (snappers, groupers and grunts) families is the vast majority of the Giant barrel sponge (> low, “indicating possibly a poor status of these fish 80%) showed signs of presumed bleaching in 2013 families” (van Beek & Meesters, 2013; Becking & (although the densities and genetic diversity of X. Meesters, 2017). muta on Saba Bank indicate a healthy population) (De Bakker et al, 2016). This is of concern as “a The low density of commercial fish could have a reduction in X. muta populations would likely cause serious economic impact for Saba as the Bank is a significant change in ecosystem functioning” a vital fisheries resource for the island, bringing (De Bakker et al, 2016). the island an estimate annual revenue of US$ 1.38 million (Lely, 2014). Fishing efforts focus mainly on a trap fishery, targeting lobster (Panulirus argus) and deep-water snappers (redfish) (Dilrosun 2000, Toller 2008, van Gerwen 2013, Boonstra 2014; de Graaf et al., 2017). The mixed reef fish landings are significantly lower than mixed reef fish harvest in the region (de Graaf et al., 2017).

The Saba Bank has revealed itself as an important spawning ground for fish species, making the Bank an important natural resource for the sur- rounding region. “The Saba Bank is a unique area, invaluable for neighboring Saba, but also for the Figure 2: Benthic cover on the region as a whole as a source of coral, fish, lobster, Saba Bank in 2015. Mean cover and queen conch larvae” explains Paul Hoetjes values include: corals 7.82% +/- 1.26; (RCN). “I’d say it is the richest biodiversity area sponges 9.62% +/- 1.48; macroalgae 9.01% +/- 2.64; of the entire Kingdom” (DCNA, 2017). Spawning turf algae 12.02% +/- 1.78; aggregations of red hind, queen triggerfish - lo- cyanobacteria 23.02% +/- 2.22 cally called moonfish - and squirrelfish have been (Wiltink, 2016). confirmed (Lundvall, 2008). Since December 2013, the spawning aggregation site on the Moon 2.2 Fish Fish Bank (northeastern corner of the Saba Bank) is closed to fisheries for three months each year to The Saba Bank has a very diverse and rich fish protect the populations of red hind (Epinephelus fauna. A biodiversity-assessment survey car- guttatus) and queen triggerfish (Balistes vetula) ried out on the Saba Bank between 2006 and (Lundvall, 2008). 2007 recorded a total of 270 fish species, raising expectations that the final count may exceed 400 Recent work on the Bank has revealed that the species (Williams et al. 2010). Saba Bank has a healthy population of sharks. Since 2012, researchers from Wageningen Marine Fish density, however, has remained low over Research (IMARES), in partnership with local time. In 1996, researchers observed low fish partners, have used simple, non-invasive stereo densities on the Bank (Meesters et al., 1996). Baited Remote Underwater Videos (sBRUV) to During the 2011 IMARES expedition, the visual gather baseline information on the size, diversity, surveys (UVC) demonstrated that fish abundance species composition and abundance and of shark

7 populations across different management zones Despite the absence of shallow water nursery in the Dutch Caribbean. To this date, 165 BRUVs habitats, the Saba Bank ranks eighth in the have been deployed and initial results point to Caribbean for fish species richness. Recent studies the Bank having a higher abundance of sharks indicate that good genetic connectivity as well compared to similar BRUV surveys in the wider as genetic diversity comparable to other sites in Caribbean region (Stoffers, 2014; Becking & the Caribbean mean that the Saba Bank is a likely Meesters, 2017). The two most common species source of fish and coral larvae and may serve an on the Bank are the nurse shark (Ginglymostoma important ecological role, bolstering the resilience cirratum) and the Caribbean reef shark of reefs downstream (Bakker et al., 2016). “The (Carcharhinus perezi). In 2013, BRUV deployments combined results of apparent gene flow among recorded an average of 0.23 reef shark sightings populations on Saba Bank and surrounding reefs, per hour - including a 3-meter long hammerhead the high abundance and unique genetic diversity, -which is higher than sightings at study sites indicate that Saba Bank could function as an on Belize and the Bahamas (Brooks et al., 2011, important buffer for the region. Either as a natural Bond et al., 2012; Stoffers, 2014; Winter, 2016). source of larvae to replenish genetic diversity or as a For nurse sharks and Caribbean reef sharks also storehouse of diversity that can be utilized if needed behavioural studies are carried out using acoustic for restoration practices” (Bakker et al., 2016). telemetry (Winter et al., 2015). The 8 receivers that were placed on the Saba Bank are part of a 4. Local stressors on the reefs of the larger network that covers the reefs of Saba, in Saba Bank St. Eustatius and St. Maarten. With this study individual movements and scale of home ranges Unregulated fishing was a serious concern for the can be assessed. Saba Bank in the 1980s and 1990s, but since the mid-1990s fishing activities have become much 3. Condition of the reefs of the Saba more regulated. Management of the Saba Bank Bank compared to other reefs within the dates back to 1994 with the declaration of the Caribbean Region Exclusive Fishery Zone in the Dutch Caribbean and the passing of a national fishery ordinance The Saba Bank is home to some of the richest which made it illegal for foreign vessels to fish on diversity of marine life of the Dutch Caribbean the Bank without a license. This effectively ended (Bos et al., 2016). Not only are there stoney coral most illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) reefs, but the Bank is particularly rich in gorgo- fishing on the Saba Bank, with lobster and fin nians, benthic cyanobacteria and macroalgae, fisheries practiced only by local, licensed fisher- including algal assemblages never described men (DCNA, 2017). Since 2002, researchers from before (Littler et al., 2010; Wiltink, 2016). The high the Wageningen Marine Research institute have species abundance on the Saba Bank prompted been involved with fishermen and SBMU staff in Conservation International to designate it an the structural monitoring of fishing activities (de important “biodiversity hotspot” within the Graaf et al., 2017) and there have been regular Caribbean (Hoetjes, 2010). The abundance of coast guard patrols (by plane) above the Saba shallow water gorgonians is 10-30% higher than Bank. at other sites in the Caribbean, with 43 recorded species and the discovery of a new species of Saban fishermen have been actively involved in Pterogorgia (Etnoyer et al., 2010). More gorgon- the regulation of fisheries on the Bank (Becking ian species remain to be discovered on the Bank, & Meesters, 2017). Recent concerns over the though richness is already higher than other study status of redfish populations led Saban fishermen sites in the West Atlantic (Etnoyer et al., 2008). to broker an agreement in 2016 that introduces Sponge diversity on the other hand seems lower a number of self-imposed restrictions aimed than in other Caribbean locations even though at protecting redfish populations from over- these studies are difficult to compare as they were exploitation, such as a 6-month closure for redfish done in different habitats (Thacker et al., 2010; beginning in April 2017 (de Graaf et al., 2017). Wiltink, 2016). Once the closure ends, licensed fishermen will only deploy 25 traps per fisherman and use large

8 mesh sizes. Another decision that was made with Prior to the designation of the Saba Bank as the support of local fishermen is the seasonal clo- the world’s 13th Particularly Sensitive Sea sure of the Moonfish Bank Spawning Aggregation Area (PSSA) by the International Maritime Area. Since December 2013, fishing for red hind, Organisation in 2012, ships and tankers were whether by traps or lines, is now prohibited on a significant threat to the Bank’s reefs. Many the Moonfish Bank from December to February freighters, tankers and cruise ships passed (DCNA, 2017). This will help protect their spawn- over the Bank, with reports of oil spills and the ing aggregation from being fished out. emptying of sewage tanks. Tankers frequently anchored on the shallow Saba Bank while waiting Whilst fishermen do not actively target reef fish, to unload at the St. Eustatius Oil Terminal to avoid some are caught as by-catch in lobster traps. anchoring fees in the territorial waters of nearby Between 2012 and 2015 the landings of mixed St. Eustatius, causing significant damage to the reef fish caught in lobster traps increased from Bank’s reefs as well as other benthic communities 6.6t to 13.6t, which appears low in comparison (Meesters et al., 1996). Before anchoring was to other areas in the Caribbean (de Graaf et al., prohibited in 2010, 2017). However, no conclusions can be made it was estimated that in 2009 a minimum of 24 about differences in fishing pressure compared vessels anchored on the Saba Bank for a total to other areas in the region. Therefore, besides of 187 days (Resolution MEPC 226(64), 2012). landings, differences in observed fish biomass This was an underestimation as the surveys only need to be taken into account. This has not yet covered 40-60% been evaluated. of the Bank.

By-catch is a potentially important issue for the In 2008, Lundvall listed the four main threats to lobster fishery with nurse sharks being caught the Saba Bank as followed: overexploitation of in about 60% of the trips using lobster traps (de fishery resources, impacts from tanker anchor- Graaf et al., 2017). Under the redfish agreement age on benthic communities, impacts of tanker above, signed in 2016, Saban fishermen have also traffic on fishermen and traps and global climate pledged to release trap caught sharks to the reef change (Lundvall, 2008). The first three of these alive (DCNA, 2017). threats have been either removed or decreased as a result of active management. It is important to On average 0.6 traps are lost per fishing trip. This keep monitoring those threats and enforcement amounts to between 400-600 lobster traps lost of regulations should be further improved. Even annually, which can trap sea life as ‘ghost traps’. though the Saba Bank is not influenced by coastal Work is underway to refine the trap design to processes because of its distance from land—its make them more sustainable. Current recom- remoteness means that it has been spared many mendations include increasing the mesh size to of the insidious anthropogenic effects such as over 38mm and making sure traps are made with eutrophication and increased sedimentation— biodegradable material and include a biodegrad- global threats such as climate change appear to able panel to prevent ghost fishing (De Graaf et be on the increase. Extreme weather events in al., 2017). the Caribbean Region have become much more common and intense bleaching events have The rules and regulations of both the lobster and already taken their toll on the Bank’s coral reef deep-water snapper trap fisheries will need to be communities (Meesters et al., 2016). It is vital that updated in the near-future to provide the respon- future management plans for the protection of sible management authorities with the appropri- the Bank’s reefs anticipate the potential negative ate tools to ensure their sustainability (Becking & impact of these threats as well as their ever- Meesters, 2017). At this time it is unclear how the evolving nature and take the appropriate actions Bank’s reef communities will fare and what impact to increase the resilience of the Bank’s reefs fishing activity is having on the reefs. (Meesters et al. 2016).

9 5. Conservation activities

A PSSA is an “area that needs special protection The SBMU is responsible for day-to-day man- through action by IMO because of its significance agement of the Saba Bank. It is staffed by two for recognized ecological or socio-economic or fulltime staff and its tasks consist of surveillance scientific reasons and which may be vulnerable and reporting of shipping or fishing violations, to damage by international maritime activities” facilitating and conducting scientific research on (IMO, 2017). The Saba Bank was designated as a the Bank, monitoring of fish landings and liaising PSSA in 2012, and with the designation came the with local resource users (DCNA, 2017). establishment of a new mandatory ‘no anchoring’ area for all ships and a new ‘area to be avoided’ Recently the management of the Saba Bank (for ships of 300 gross tonnage or over). The Bank National Park by SCF (SBMU) during the period was declared a Nature Park in 2010 and came 2012-2017 was evaluated. Thanks to the support under the management of the Saba Conservation of the MinEZ, SCF and the Island Government of Foundation (SCF) in 2012. That same year (2012) Saba “and to the work of the various agencies and the Saba Bank was also recognized as an area of resource users involved, the Saba Bank is to a large regional importance by the Specially Protected extent an effectively managed protected area, in Areas and Wildlife (SPAW) Protocol and in 2013 a region where many marine protected areas are it was recognized as an Ecologically/Biologically legally established but do not benefit from active Significant Marine Area (EBSA) by the Convention management in the field. When measured against on Biological Diversity (CBD). The “Save our the goals and objectives of the Saba Bank Special Sharks” DCNA awareness project is being im- Marine Area Management Plan, the impacts and plemented from 2015-2017 (grant from National outcomes of the management effort have been Postcode Lottery). In September 2015, thanks in significant. However, at current level, the financial, major part to the efforts of Saba’s Commissioner human and technical resources available to the Chris Johnson, facilitated by a regional meeting SBMU through the SCF are insufficient to allow it to promoting shark protection organized by the perform all its tasks and functions effectively, and PEW Trust, the Saba Bank became part of the are not commensurate with the size, the ecological Yarari Marine Mammal and Shark Sanctuary and economic value of the Saba Bank nor with the covering all waters of Saba and Bonaire. As part conservation and resource management mandates of a multi-year program funded by the Ministry arising from the status of the area as a Nature Park, of Economic Affairs (MinEZ), the collaborating PSSA, EBSA and critical component of the Yarari parties are working out the steps needed towards Sanctuary. So far, the achievements of the SBMU implementing marine mammal management and were only possible thanks to the collaboration with policy measures for the Yarari Sanctuary (Becking the SCF, to the support provided by the SCF beyond and Meesters, 2017). the terms of the Agreement between the MinEZ and SCF, and to the SCF’s and the SBMU’s ability The Saba Bank Management Unit (SBMU) was es- to work under challenging conditions. The two main tablished by the MinEZ in 2012, in close co-opera- planning instruments that have guided manage- tion with SCF and the Saba Island Government. ment, namely the Saba Bank Management Plan and the terms of reference for the management of the Saba Bank, have proven adequate, but now need updating. (Renard & Hoogerduijn, 2017)”

Video Saba Bank: https://vimeo.com/195774102

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10 Economic Value of Sharks:

25 years of shark conservation in the Bahamas

Shark populations around the globe have been It appears that shark ecotourism is more eco- in rapid decline for the past decades as overfish- nomically valuable than the fisheries which fuel ing and habitat loss have severely reduced their the global shark fin trade: “the landed market abundance. The IUCN estimates that fully one- value of shark fisheries around the globe is $630 quarter of the world’s sharks and rays are cur- million per year, but has been in decline over the rently threatened with extinction (Dulvy et al., past 10 to 15 years” (Cisneros-Montemayor et al., 2014). This is a significant issue from an ecologi- 2013). Significant increases in shark tourism are cal standpoint, as sharks play a critical role in especially evident in the Caribbean and Australia maintaining the health of coral reefs and open (Cisneros-Montemayor et al., 2013). ocean ecosystems (Baum and Worm, 2009; Brierley, 2007; Ferretti et al., 2010; Terborgh, A new study from The Bahamas (Haas et al, 2015). “Despite the worldwide decline of sharks 2017) highlights the importance of the shark and their important ecological and economic diving industry to the Bahamian economy. value, conservation and management measures The study found that the non-consumptive have yet to have any discernible impact at value of elasmobranchs (sharks and rays) reversing these trends for most at-risk species”, for The Bahamas in sectors such as tourism, due to a lack of basic data on shark populations film and research totals US$113.8 million per and a lack of political willingness and/or re- year (Table 1). Elasmobranch tourism generates sources to implement and enforce conservation 98.8% (or $112.6 million) of this total revenue, measures (Shiffman and Hammerschlag, 2016). with Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi) dives1 being the most popular. This was made Sharks can boost island economies based on their possible by conservation measures enacted by non-consumptive value, as a natural attraction the Bahamian government over the last 25 years, for eco-based recreation and tourism (Haas et al., notably the ban on long-line fishing in 1993 and 2017). Shark diving is now a prominent feature the establishment of the shark sanctuary in 2011 of ecotourism activities in 29 countries, involve (Haas et al, 2017). These measures have helped to 376 dive operations and generate an estimated establish healthy and diverse shark populations US$314 million in economic expenditures per around the island. The non-consumptive value of year. This is predicted to more than double, to sharks is increasingly used to support further US$780 million, in the next 20 years (Haas et al., shark management and conservation legislation. 2017; Cisneros-Montemayor et al., 2013).

Activity National expenditures Value added effects Total economic impact

Shark diving $48,820,104 $60,536,929 $109,357,033

Ray tourism $1,429,401 $1,772,457 $3,201,858

Film and $214,068 $265,444 $479,512 television

Research $794,141 - $794,141

Total $51,257,714 $62,574,830 %113,832,544

Table 1: Total Economic Impact of elasmobranchs on the Bahamian Economy, broken down on a sector-by-sector basis

11 Haas et al. (2017) found that the Bahamian shark waters as a potentially valuable tourism asset but sanctuary serves to attract divers. Of the 50.3% with strong conservation measures in place and divers who were aware of the shark sanctuary, 26 shark species present, among which are some 34.4% stated that it greatly influenced their of the most iconic species such as whale sharks, decision for coming to The Bahamas (Haas et al, tiger sharks and hammerheads, this may provide 2017). For the 49.7% of divers who reported not an opportunity for economic growth in the future. knowing about the sanctuary before their trip, the But over the past 5 years, significant steps have vast majority (75.0%) stated that the sanctuary been made towards the full protection of sharks in was either very important (31.1%) or extremely Dutch Caribbean waters. The St. Maarten Nature important (44.1%) to their future decisions to Foundation successfully lobbied for a ban on come to The Bahamas.The Dutch Caribbean has fishing and killing sharks and rays in the territorial yet to acknowledge the presence of sharks in its waters around St. Maarten in 2011. Since 2015

Recently the conditions of shark sanctuaries around the world have been evaluated (Ward-Paige & Worm, 2017). The results of a global diver survey in 15 countries that have a shark sanctuary were compared to 23 non-sanctuary countries. “Specific results varied by country, but there were some general trends:

Shark sanctuaries showed less pronounced shark population declines, fewer 1. observations of sharks being sold on markets, and lower overall fishing threats compared to non-shark sanctuaries.

Bycatch, ghost gear, marine debris and habitat destruction are significant threats that are often not ad- 2. dressed by sanctuary regulations and need to be resolved in other ways.

Participants in sanctuaries were more optimistic about the survival of shark populations in local waters, but 3. also highlighted the need for further conservation efforts.

These results suggest that shark sanctuaries, as seen through the lens of local experts (>200 dives and >3 years living in the country), may be a helpful conservation tool but likely not sufficient in isolation. There is an urgent need for higher-resolution data on shark abundance, incidental catch, and markets to direct priority conservation needs and optimize the conservation benefits of existing and future shark sanctuaries “

(Ward-Paige & Worm, 2017)

DCNA has been running a three year long “Save the windward islands has allowed researchers Our Sharks” project on all islands, funded by to determine for the first time the movement Dutch Postcode Lottery. The project funds work patterns of sharks. And an expedition to the Saba with local fishermen, scientists and aims to build Bank in 2016 to tag Tiger Sharks has provided the popular support for shark conservation amongst first scientific data on Tiger Shark movements and local communities. migration patterns.

The Save our Sharks project has contributed For the Dutch Caribbean the establishment of the significantly to the body of knowledge about Yarari Sanctuary in September 2015 to protect sharks. Stereo Baited Remote Underwater Videos marine mammals and sharks was a landmark (sBRUV) monitoring has been run on all islands to event for shark conservation. This Sanctuary pro- establish baseline information on the size, diver- tects sharks and rays in the waters around Bonaire sity, species composition and abundance of shark and Saba and is only the 11th shark sanctuary populations throughout the Dutch Caribbean. of its kind in the world. With the support of the Acoustic tagging of Reef and Nurse Sharks around Save our Sharks project, the Dutch Ministry of

12 Economic Affairs has developed a Shark Policy March 2017, eight species of sharks were added document which, when it comes into effect, will to the list of protected species under the inter- provide the Kingdom of the Netherlands wide national Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife support for the conservation of sharks and rays. (SPAW) Protocol. The SPAW protocol is the only cross-border legislative instrument for nature Beyond the political support and commitment to conservation in the Wider Caribbean Region, shark conservation on Dutch Caribbean islands, with signatory countries agreeing to protect what is needed is a region-wide commitment to vulnerable animals and their unique habitats from protect these highly migratory species. As part trade, fisheries, tourism and coastal development of the Save our Sharks project and in close col- (DCNA, 2017). laboration with the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Dutch Elasmobranch Society, in

ANNEX III : Species that should receive Hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini, Sphyrna ANNEX III special attention and mokarran, Sphyrna zygaena) sustainable management to ensure and maintain healthy populations Manta rays (Manta birostris, Manta alfredi, Manta sp. cf. birostris) ANNEX II : Species that are agreed to receive the highest level of protection in the Oceanic whitetip shark (Carcharhinus wider Caribbean region. longimanus)

Whale shark (Rhincodon typus)

ANNEX II Smalltooth sawfish(Pristis pectinata)

Table 2: new SPAW Protocol listed shark and ray species

Photo by: © Jim Abernethy, taken in the Bahamas

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13 Annual Shark Conference of the European Elasmobranch Association

For three days in October, Amsterdam became Agriculture Organisation in Rome, is responsible the shark capitol of Europe, as 150 scientists, for the implementation of global shark protection policymakers and nature conservationists from measures. He gave a presentation on various all over the world traveled to the Netherlands aspects of shark management and conserva- for the 21st Scientific Conference of the tion, as well as the importance of stakeholder European Elasmobranch Association (EEA). The cooperation. Dutch Elasmobranch Society (NEV) was the proud host of this year’s conference. They man- Marine ecologist Dr. Neil Hammerschlag, aged to fill a three-day program with more than renowned for his work with white sharks, tiger 60 presentations by speakers from 24 countries. sharks, and hammerheads, and regularly featured The entire event aptly took place where the EEA in Discovery Shark Week, presented an extensive was originally founded: the grand building of overview of his pioneering research. Presentation the Royal Tropical Institute. topics in the program ranged from the latest scientific research methods, population genetics, Keynote speakers included Dr. Robert Hueter, physiology, ecology, the status of endangered Director of the Center for Shark Research estab- and newly discovered species and recommenda- lished by the American Congress in the Florida tions for improvements in European and interna- Marine Marine Laboratory, which has been tional policy. Furthermore, special attention was a shark research authority for decades. In his paid to critical areas, such as the Mediterranean, presentation, Dr. Hueter delivered a compelling where more than half of the sharks and ray lecture about the course of his career as a shark species are threatened with extinction. Breakout researcher and gave career advice for the new sessions with pre-determined topics such as the generation of scientists. A generation that was management of mako sharks, the Mediterranean, well represented in Amsterdam: more than half of elements for successful cooperation, and a the participants of the conference were either a European telemetry network provided a great op- student or early-career professional. portunity for exploring partnerships and coopera- Dr. Kim Friedman, Senior Fisheries Resources tion, and sharing multidisciplinary expertise. Officer for the United Nations Food and

SAVE OUR SHARKS ICEBREAKER RECEPTION A regular component of the EEA conferences is the icebreaker reception, an informal event on the first evening where delegates can get better acquainted and exchange ideas. This time, Save Our Sharks hosted the evening in the beautiful marble hall of the Tropical Institute. Irene Kingma (project leader of Save Our Sharks in the Netherlands) and Leendert van Driel (chair of the DCNA) addressed the attendees about the status of shark conservation in the Dutch Caribbean and the environmental situation on Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten after Hurricane Irma.

You can donate and help the nature foundations of Saba, St. Eustatius & St. Maarten to restore nature from the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Irma & Maria. http://www.dcnanature.org/donate/

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14 Combating Erosion and Nature Restoration on Bonaire

As a result of extensive deforestation for the BV (Jan Jaap van Almenkerk) and coordinated production of charcoal and then aloe, export of by the Island Government, Directorate of Spatial wood and overgrazing through the years most Planning and Development . of Bonaire’s natural areas have a low flora diver- sity. This xerotrophic vegetation is very suscep- Bonaire has a variety of fresh- and saltwater bod- tible to water erosion (Cornelis, 2006) due to its ies that support a rich flora and fauna including low vegetation cover and the soil’s poor water fringing coral reefs, two lagoons, several saliñas retention. On an island like Bonaire where and a few freshwater wells. Water management precipitation is low but sometimes intense dur- on a dry, arid island such as Bonaire is vital to ing the rainy season, torrential rainfall loosens protect these bodies of water and associated the soil and quickly transports large volumes biodiversity from pressures such as erosion. It also of sediment run-off to saliñas1 or directly into gives residents access to clean water, provides the sea. In the past few decades, anthropogenic farmers with sufficient water to grow crops, and activities have exacerbated the island’s erosion can help prevent floods. Through improvements problem. Coastal development to accommo- in water management, this Nature Funded date the sharp increase in residents and tourists project aims to benefit both the island’s nature has led to more land clearing and mining for and residents by reducing erosion and resulting residential and infrastructural development sedimentation on reefs, protect neighborhoods leaving behind barren landscapes. Invasive from flooding, increase fresh water available for grazing species such as goats and donkeys also farming, stimulate groundwater regeneration significantly contribute to the island’s erosion and increase the biodiversity and tourism value problem. These grazers consume the island’s of nature through the provision of new wetland vegetation at such a rate that it does not have habitats for birds. Over the course of the project time to regenerate, leaving the ground bare, several Master of Science students from the the soil vulnerable to erosion and a vegetation Vrije Universiteit (VU) and the Universiteit van of low diversity. Amsterdam (UvA) will visit the island to study the island’s erosion issues and investigate concrete Erosion and resulting sediment run-off are measures to reduce them. big environmental concerns throughout the Caribbean Region and for good reason. Not only The island has around fifty dams that collect does the removal of soil and sediment particles rainwater, protect from flooding and slow down reduce soil quality for native plants, but it also run-off. Additionally, natural saliñas filter the poses a serious threat to adjacent corals reefs. Soil sediment rich water transported by the rain into carried to the ocean as sediment run-off smothers the sea, thereby playing a vital role in maintain- corals and hinders their growth and is typically ing the health of Bonaire’s coral reefs. A study associated with coral mortality. An ambitious by Koster (2013) highlighted the high sediment three year-project to reduce Bonaire’s erosion trapping efficiency of the many reservoirs in problem, improve water management and restore Bonaire’s Playa catchment, helping trap most some of Bonaire’s natural areas is currently in of the upland sediment before it has a chance to progress thanks to funding by The Netherlands reach the sea (Koster, 2013). However, many of Ministry of Economics through the Nature Fund. the dams silted-up due to lack of maintenance The “Combating Erosion and Nature Restoration” and also some saliñas have silted up resulting in project started at the end of 2016 and will end in more floodings and poor (storm) water storage October 2019. It is led by Bonaire Agri and Aqua capacity, meaning that they cannot perform their Business NV (Sherwin Pourier), Wayaká Advies important ecological function of trapping new

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15 washed down sediments and nutrients before it important to local farmers: Pos di Flor, Pos Bara di is carried to sea. During the course of the project, Karta, Pos Wanapa, Pos Rincon, Pos Fontein, Pos certain dams in the Kralendijk area and in the Flor di Cuba, Pos Mexico, Pos Angola, Pos Shon vicinity of Rincon will be restored and maintained. Pinpina and Pos Bentura. Other wells which hold So far, the ten most important dams in Kralendijk water with too high salinity levels for agricultural have been restored, including ‘Mona Passage’ on or livestock watering purposes will not be restored the way to Cai. A maintenance plan for the dams as the water is of little use. should be put in place by the end of the project. Two saltwater ponds will also be ecologically Bonaire has numerous “mining sites”, excavated restored: the eastern part of Saliña di Vlijt (in sites which are often filled with solid waste. Part Kralendjik) and possibly a part of Saliña Onima of the project is to clean up one or two of these (near Rincon). Accumulated sediment will be mining sites and restore them in such a way removed and used to create islands around which that they create a wetland holding freshwater. mangroves or other plants will be planted. A bird The mining area at Bonaire’s LVV wastewater watchtower and public bird watching walking treatment plants is currently being transformed path will be made at Onima to create opportuni- into a permanent freshwater wetland with a ties for tourism. The Islands act as a natural refuge bird watchtower. This area is already popular for for foraging and nesting birds as many of these birdwatchers as it attracts a high range of differ- bird species are preyed upon by cats, rats and ent migratory and local bird species. “There are other introduced species. barely any permanent freshwater wetland areas on Bonaire. Studies have shown that migratory birds In order to improve access to freshwater, 17 of are in desperate need of these areas, particularly the island’s 25 public water wells will be restored. those migrating from the northern hemisphere to The project has already restored ten public the south” (Frank van Slobbe, personal comments, wells, many of which were in bad shape but very 23 November 2017).

Overflow of Saliñas di Vlijt directly to the sea after Sediments entering the sea from Saliñas di Vlijt after heavy rainfall.Photo by: © Directie R&O, heavy rainfall. Photo by: © Directie R&O, Public Entity Bonaire. Public Entity Bonaire.

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16 Research Overview November 2017

CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

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

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 BON Student: Roger Meijs, Sil Piek, Sarah Veillat, ecosystems benthos communities Yun Scholten, STINAPA including corals, algae, 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

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

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

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

17 November 2017

CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

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)

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)

Pilot-scale testing and evaluation of mangrove ecosystem intervention options (fish fauna, WUR: Dolfi Debrot, Douwe Boerstra (student), Mangrove epibionts on mangrove Laura Timmerman (student) BON ecosystems 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

18 November 2017

CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

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

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 Plants EUX 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

Other finalized research projects in 2017 Staghorn coral (Acropora UvA: Pam Engelberts (student), Hans cervicornis) genetic Breeuwer Coral Reef diversity and transcrip- SXM WUR: Lisa Becking, Erik Meesters ecosystems tomic response to nursery O. Madsen environments in the Dutch Caribbean Reproductive biology and potential reproductive UvA: Roy Belderok (student), Thomas Swierts isolation of Caribbean Sponges CUR Naturalis: Nicole de Voogd giant barrel sponges CARMABI: Mark Vermeij (Xestospongia muta) in Curaçao

Benthic cyanobacterial mats on Curaçao: what is UvA: Tom Theirlynck (student), Petra Visser, Coral Reef the microbial composition CUR Gerard Muijzer ecosystems of different mat types CARMABI and do they contain toxic

The damaging effect of Coral Reef Uva: Sophie de Wringer (student), Petra Visser red filamentous turf algae CUR ecosystems CARMABI: Mark Vermij on adjacent corals

19 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

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

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

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 Kathryn Mengerink generations - including mesophotic reef dropcam project

Dutch Caribbean Species Register : Taxonomic knowledge system Dutch Naturalis: Sander Pieterse, Hannco Bakker, Database All Caribbean Bert Hoeksema (http://www.dutchcarib- beanspecies.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

20 CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

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

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

21 CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

NWO Projects in the Dutch Caribbean

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

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

22 CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

NWO Projects in the Dutch Caribbean

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

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)

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

23 CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

BO-projects in the Dutch Caribbean (Min EZ)

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

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 control in Washington BON DRO: Frank van Slobbe Slagbaai National Park

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

24 CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

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

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

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 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

25 CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

EU-BEST funded Projects in the Dutch Caribbean

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)

Monitoring Overview November 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 Birds BON Cargill, DRO nesting islands) WUR: Dolfi Debrot

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

26 November 2017

CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

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

Monitoring and research of the longest coral reef WUR: Erik Meesters, Coral reef time-series in the world BON Didier de Bakker (PhD 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, Shark monitoring: BON Dolfi Debrot, Martin de 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

27 November 2017

CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

Insects Bee tracking BON Echo: Lauren Schmaltz

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

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

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, BON Linda 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

28 November 2017

CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST

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

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

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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29 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.

Buurt, G. van (2005) Ward-Paige, C.A., Worm, B. (2017) Fieldguide to the Amphibians and reptiles of Global evaluation of shark sanctuaries, Elsevier, Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire, Frankfurt am Maim, 47, 174-189. Germany: Chimaira Buchhandelsgesellschaft mbH. Student Reports

Heenehan, H.L., Stanistreet, J.E. (2017) Ali, F.Z. (2017) Caribbean Humpback Acoustic Monitoring The ecological and socio-economic impacts of Programme: 2016-2017 Report the lionfish invasion in the Southern Caribbean, University of Southampton MPhil Thesis, 139 pp. Nugraha, W.A., Newman, S.P., Mill, A.C., Polunin, N.V.C. (2017). Caribbean parrotfish density and size inside and outside marine protected area. AACL Bioflux, Vol. 10: 5, 1257-1265.

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]

Would you like to share a news item? Please e-mail us: [email protected]

30 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

31 Calendar

November

6-10 Meeting 70th Meeting of GCFI, Merida, Mexico.

Second workshop NICO expedition organized by 14 Workshop NIOZ and NWO-Science, the Netherlands

16-17 Conference Green Aruba, sustainability in motion, Aruba.

2nd Meeting of the Advisory Committee and 2nd Workshop of the 20-24 Meeting Conservation Working Group of the Sharks MoU, Habitat, Bonaire.

24-26 Event Culture & Nature fair, Aruba

25 Event Fundraising Auction (STCB) El Encanto Boutique Hotel, Bonaire.

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

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 4-6 Workshop of 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 Symposium European Coral Reef Symposium, Oxford, UK.

January

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

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

Curaçao CARMABI Curaçao +599 9 462 4242 Stiching uniek Curaçao www.carmabi.org +599 9 462 8989 www.uniekcuracao.org

Saba Saba Conservation Foundation +599 416 32 95 www.sabapark.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 Economic Affairs. Contact us: +599 717 5010 [email protected] www.DCNAnature.org

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]

33

References

Status of Saba Bank’s reefs

Aronson, R.B., Precht, W.F. (2001). White-band disease and Bunkley-Williams, L., & Ernest Jr, W. (2004). New the changing face of Caribbean coral reefs. In: Porter, J.W. Locality, Depth, and Size Records and Species Character (eds) The Ecology and Etiology of Newly Emerging Marine Modifications of Some Caribbean Deep-Reef/Shallow Diseases. Developments in Hydrobiology, vol 159. Springer, Slope Fishes and a New Host and Locality Record for the Dordrecht. Chimaera Cestodarian. Caribbean Journal of Science, 40: 88–119. Becking, L.E. & Meesters, E. (2013). ‘Research of the Month’: Saba Bank Expedition 2013 with the “Caribbean Church, R.E. and Allison, K.R. (2004). The petroleum poten- Explorer II”, BioNews 10, p.6-7. Retrieved from: http://www. tial of the Saba Bank Area, Netherlands Antilles. Search and dcnanature.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/BioNews- Discovery Article #10076 (2004) Posted December 20, 2004 November-2013.pdf Conservation International (2006). Expedition discovers Becking, L.E. & Bakker, D. de (2014). Genetic diversity and marine treasures. Biological Conservation Newsletter. Plant connectivity of populations on the SabaBank, Den Helder: Conservation Unit, Department of Botany, Smithsonian IMARES (Report / IMARES Wageningen UR C015/15), p. National Museum of Natural History No. 255, March 2006. 1-47. De Bakker, D.M., Meesters, E.H., van Bleijswijk, J.D., Becking, L.E. & Meesters, H.W.G. (2017). Saba Bank Luttikhuizen, P.C., Breeuwer, H.J., & Becking, L.E. (2016). Symposium: summary and recommendations. Wageningen Population genetic structure, abundance, and health status Marine Research, Policy Letter 1700555 JA-bc / of two dominant benthic species in the Saba Bank National BO-11- 019.02-008 Park, Caribbean Netherlands: Montastraea cavernosa and Xestospongia muta. PloS one, 11(5), e0155969. Bond, M. E., E. A. Babcock, E. K. Pikitch, D. L. Abercrombie, N. F. Lamb, and D. D. Chapman. (2012). Reef sharks De Bakker, D.M., van Duyl, F.C., Bak, R.P.M. et al. (2017). 40 exhibit site-fidelity and higher relative abundance in marine Years of benthic community change on the Caribbean reefs reserves on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. PloS one of Curaçao and Bonaire: the rise of slimy cyanobacterial 7:e32983. mats. Coral reefs, 36, 355-367

Bos O.G., Becking L.E., Meesters, E.H. (eds) (2016). Saba De Goeij, J.M., Van Oevelen, D., Vermeij, M.J.A., Osinga, R., Bank: Research 2011- 2016. Photo book presented during Middelburg, J.J., De Goeij, A.F.P.M., Admiraal, W. (2013). the Saba Bank Symposium, Den Helder, 8 December 2016. Surviving in a marine desert: the sponge loop retains resou. (2nd edition). Wageningen Marine Research. 95 photos, 66 ces within coral reefs. Science, 342:108–110. pp. DCNA. (2016). BioNews 29: Saba Bank, p.6. Retrieved from: Brattegard, T. (1980). Platymysis facilis gen, et sp. Nov, http://www.dcnanature.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/ (Crustacea: Mysidacea: Heteromysini) from the Saba Bank, BioNews-29.pdf Caribbean Sea. Sarsia, 65(1), 49-52. DCNA. (2017). BioNews 1-2017: Saba Bank. Retrieved from: Brooks, E. J., K. A. Sloman, D. W. Sims, and A. J. Danylchuk. http://www.dcnanature.org/bionews-2017-1/ (2011). Validating the use of baited remote underwater video surveys for assessing the diversity, distribution and De Graaf, M., Brunel, T. Nagelkerke, L., Debrot, A.O. (2017). abundance of sharks in the Bahamas. Endang Species Res Status and trends Saba Bank fisheries: 2015; Wageningen, 13:231-243. Wageningen Marine Research (University & Research cen- tre), Wageningen Marine Research report C077/17. 124 pp.

34

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> Continued: Status of Saba Bank’s Reef Hofker, J. (1980). The Foraminifera of the Saba Bank Expedition, 1972 (Cicar Cruises 34, 35), Zoologische De Nooijer ,L.N., van Heuven, S.M.A.C. (2016). Cruise Verhandelingen, 177(1), 1-72. report RV Pelagia 64PE414. Saba Bank 19th of August – 8th of September 2016 , Guadeloupe – Curaçao. NIOZ internal Hoetjes, P.C. & Carpenter, K.E. (2010). Saving Saba Bank: report. policy implications of biodiversity studies. Plos One, 5(5), e10769. Dilrosun, F. (2000) Monitoring the Saba Bank fishery. Department of Public Health and Environmental Hygiene, IMO (2017). Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas. Retrieved Environmental Division. Curacao, Netherlands Antilles. 56 from: http://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Environment/ pp. PSSAs/Pages/Default.aspx

Eakin, C. M., Morgan, J. A., Heron, S. F., Smith, T. B., Liu, Jackson, J., Donovan, M., Cramer, K., & Lam, V. (2014). G., Alvarez-Filip, L., ... & Brandt, M. (2010). Caribbean corals Status and trends of Caribbean coral reefs: 1970-2012. in crisis: record thermal stress, bleaching, and mortality in Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network. 2005. PloS one, 5(11), e13969. Joyce, P. (1989). Cruise Report C-103: scientific activities Emschermann, P. (2011). New species, taxonomist’s delight undertaken aboard SSV Corwith Cramer, St. Thomas- and faunist’s plight. On the variation range in Loxosomella Bequia-Tobago Cays-Bonaire-Roatan-Miami, 1 December vivipara Nielsen, 1966 (Entoprocta: Loxosomatidae). 1988-11 January 1989. SEA Education Association. Zoologische Mededelingen, 85(1), 69-77. Klomp, K.D. & Kooistra, D.J. (2003). A post-hurricane, Esteban, N., & Kooistra, D. (2005). Report on observations rapid assessment of reefs in the windward Netherlands of coral bleaching St Eustatius Marine Park, Saba Marine Antilles(stony corals, algae and fishes). Atoll Research Park, St Maarten Marine Park. NACRI Netherlands Antilles Bulletin, 496, 404-437. Coral Reef Initiative. Littler, M., Littler, D.S. & Brooks, B.L. (2010). Marine Etnoyer, P. J., Wirshing, H. H., & Sánchez, J. A. (2010). Rapid macroalgal diversity assessment of Saba Bank, Netherlands assessment of octocoral diversity and habitat on Saba Bank, Antilles. PloS one, 5(5), e10677. Netherlands Antilles. PLoS One, 5(5), e10668. Logan, A. (1990). Recent Brachiopoda from the Snellius Geelhoed, S.C.V & Verdaat, J.P. (2012). Cruise report and Luymes expeditions to the Surinam-Guyana shelf, seabird and cetacean survey Saba Bank expedition October Bonaire- Curaçao, and Saba Bank, Caribbean Sea, 1966 and 2011, Den Burg: IMARES (Report / IMARES Wageningen UR 1969-1972. Zoologische Mededelingen, 63(11), 123-136. C062/12), 1-13. Lundvall, S. (2008). Saba Bank - Special Marine Area Hoeksema, B.W., van der Land, J., van der Meij, S.E., van Management Plan 2008. Department of Nature and Ofwegen, L.P., Reijnen, B.T., van Soest, R.W. & de Voogd, Environment (MINA), Ministry of Public Health and N.J. (2011). Unforeseen importance of historical collections Environment of the Netherlands Antilles. Retrieved from: as baselines to determine biotic change of coral reefs: the http://www.dcbd.nl/sites/www.dcbd.nl/files/documents/Lu Saba Bank case. Marine Ecology, 32(2), 135-141. ndvall%25202008%2520Management%2520Plan%2520Sa ba%2520Bank.pdf Hoeksema, B.W., Hassell, D., Meesters, E.H.W.G., Van Duijl, F.C. (2017). Wave-swept coralliths of Saba Bank, Macintyre, I.G., Kinsman, D.J. & German, R.C. (1975). Dutch Caribbean. Marine Biodiversity. DOI: 10.1007/ Geological reconnaissance survey of Saba Bank, Caribbean s12526-017-0712-5 Sea. Caribbean Journal of Science, 15, 11-20.

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Renard, Y., Hoogerduijn, G. (2017). Evaluation of the Saba Van Beek, I.J.M. & Meesters, E.H.W.G. (2014). Saba Bank Bank National Park Management 2012-2017 research expedition 2013 - Progress Report, Den Helder: IMARES (Report / IMARES Wageningen UR C086/14), 1-45. RESOLUTION MEPC.226 (64) Adopted on 5 October 2012, DESIGNATION OF THE SABA BANK Van der Land, J. (1977). The Saba Bank, a large atoll in AS A PARTICULARLY SENSITIVE SEA AREA. Retrieved the northeastern Caribbean. FAO Fisheries Report, 200, from: http://www.imo.org/en/KnowledgeCentre/ 469-481. IndexofIMOResolutions/Marine-Environment-Protection- Committee-(MEPC)/Documents/MEPC.226(64).pdf Van Duyl (2016). NIOZ-Saba Bank/Saba Cruise report, 2015 expedition: Net coral community calcification and hydrody- Roessler, C. (1974). Goodbye, Luymes. A Rijksmuseum of namics (Saba Bank/Saba). NIOZ internal report. Natural History expedition on the Saba Bank with a soon- to-be-retired Navy research vessel, Oceans, 7(5): 44-9.

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Brierley, A.S. (2007). Fisheries ecology: hunger for shark fin Combating Erosion and Nature soup drives clam chowder off the menu. Curr. Biol., 17, pp. Restoration on Bonaire R555-R557. Buitrago, J., Rada, M., Barroeta, M. E., Fajardo, E., Rada, DCNA (2017). Great news for shark conservation in the E., Simal, F., Monente, J., Capelo, J., Narváez, J. (2010). Caribbean (SPAW-STAC), BioNews 2: 11-12. Retrieved Physico-Chemical Indicator ́s Monitoring for Water Quality from: http://www.dcnanature.org/wp-content/ in the Salinas of Northwest Bonaire, N.A. A base line study. uploads/2017/10/BioNews_2017_2_-Shark-and-ray- A technical report. Estación de Investigaciones Marinas de conservation.pdf Margarita to STINAPA. 214 pp.

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> Continued: Combating Erosion and Nature Restoration 1-10. Springer. Printed in the Netherlands. on Bonaire Koster, G. (2013). Mapping runoff and erosion to reduce urban flooding and sediment flow towards sea. A case Cornelis, W.M. (2006). Hydroclimatology of wind erosion study for the Playa catchment, Bonaire. Msc. thesis at in arid and semiarid environments. Chapter 9. PDryland Wageningen University, the Netherlands. Ecohydrology, D´Odorico and A. Porporato (eds.), pp. 141- 159. Springer. Printed in the Netherlands.

D´Odorico, P. & Porporato, A. (2006). Ecohydrology of arid and semiarid ecosystems: an introduction. Dryland Ecohydrology, P.D´Odorico and A. Porporato (eds.), pp.

Photo by: © Christian König, taken in Saba

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