FEB - MARCH 17 ISSUE 32
BIONEwS BIONEWS ISSUE 32
Editor’s Letter Dutch Caribbean, February - March 2017 3 The Nature Funding projects
9 Restoring Bonaire’s dry forest
11 Great news for shark and ray With ‘Nature’ funding from the Dutch Ministry researchers will be able to monitor distribution, conservation in the of Economic Affairs and support of the local assess differences in arrival and departure of the Caribbean (SPAW-STAC) governments several projects are now running whales, and analyze the whales’ songs. to maintain and sustain nature in the Dutch 13 Tiger shark crosses thirteen Caribbean. In this issue you can find an overview We also put some attention to the finding that maritime boundaries on all projects and read about ‘Restoration certain UV-filters in sun care products are an in four weeks project of Bonaire’s dry forest’ that was recently emerging risk for Caribbean coral reefs. Recently launched by Echo. This project is among researchers from Wageningen Marine Research, 15 Listening to the Caribbean’s others of great value for the protection of the under the leadership of Dr. Diana Slijkerman, have Humpback Whales endangered parrot Amazone barbadensis. been investigating the effects of sun care products with CHAMP on our reefs. Read about their project and first For the first time tiger sharks has been tagged findings on page 17. 17 UV- filters in sun care products as with a satellite transmitter in the Dutch Caribbean. an emerging risk for Caribbean This project is part of DCNA’s “Save Our Sharks” In the Netherlands, ANEMOON has for many coral reefs project funded by the Dutch National Postcode years run successful long-term projects to Lottery. Little is currently known about the status monitor marine wildlife using an extensive 19 Volunteers will count of shark populations in Dutch Caribbean waters network of volunteers who are active citizen endangered species in and tagging studies are a pivotal first step in scientists. The Foundation hopes to set up a similar St. Eustatius (Anemoon) determining which sharks are present, where long-term project on St. Eustatius in close collabo- they can be found and most importantly how best ration with STENAPA. They already developed an 21 Sustainable Island Management to improve management and protection of these Observation Card for St. Eustatius’ marine life and students St Eustatius important apex predators. recently published a Field Guide to the Marine Life of St. Eustatius that includes data and information 22 Research Overview Other great news for shark and ray conservation in of an expedition in 2015. the Caribbean is that it was officially decided to 24 Long-term Projects overview protect eight shark and ray species under the Lastly there is an article on a new course from International Specially Protected Areas and van Hall Larenstein, University of Applied Sciences 29 Monitoring overview Wildlife (SPAW) protocol. This is a major step for that gives students the chance to gain fieldwork international protection of Caribbean sharks. experience on St. Eustatius with CNSI 33 List of acronyms and Stenapa. It’s the humpback time of the year in our 34 Reports and publications Caribbean waters! After feeding in the cold Artic As always BioNews provides overviews of the waters throughout summer, humpback whales research and monitoring efforts, a list of recent 35 Calendar migrate south to the Caribbean each winter publications as well as a calendar of upcoming to breed and give birth. In this issue you can events. 36 Members and Contact read about the Caribbean Humpback Acoustic Monitoring Programme (CHAMP). With passive Happy reading! 37 References acoustic recorders throughout the Caribbean Cover photo by: © kevskoot Editor’s Letter photo by: © Hans Leijnse
BioNews 32 - Content 2 3 4 5 6 ... The Nature Funding projects
By Paul Hoetjes (RCN)
In 2012, as part of the so-called spring agreement, The objectives of the funding were to promote: the new Dutch government coalition reserved • coral reef conservation; 10 million Euro for nature projects on the BES • sustainable use of nature, or islands as part of a 200 million Euro package for • the synergy of sustainable use of nature in nature in the Netherlands. In the end however, combination with agriculture and tourism. the coalition decided to cut this extra funding for nature, including the BES part. The new Minister Because of the way the funding was set up, only of Agriculture (=”State Secretary” of Economic Public Entities (island governments) could propose Affairs) subsequently managed to get back some projects for funding and a set amount was allo- of that funding intended for the provinces and the cated for each island. The idea was for the islands provinces agreed that a small part should also go to consult with the local stakeholders (NGOs) to to the BES islands. In April 2013 the Minister pre- identify specific projects to be proposed. In 2015 sented the “Nature Policy Plan for the Caribbean a mid-term evaluation was commissioned by the Netherlands 2013-2017” to the Dutch Parliament. Minister and this led to an extension of the end This plan included the intent to provide a one-time date of projects (originally October 2017) with two allotment of 7.5 million Euro, at that time US$ 9.8 years, taking into account the long road from pro- million, for a period of 4 years (the duration of the ject formulation, submission by the islands, review Nature Policy Plan). In September 2013 this was by the advisory commission and final approval implemented in a Ministerial Decree setting the and contracting and disbursement to the island. amount (in US$) and the objectives of this funding, The submission deadline for projects, October the criteria for eligibility and the mechanism for 2016, was not changed however, due to budgetary proposing projects. The funding was made avail- constraints. able as a special allotment for the public entities, a three-person advisory committee was appointed From the start in October 2013 till the end date in to evaluate project proposals and advise on their October 2016, a total of 22 projects were eligibility and effectiveness towards approved, 10 from Bonaire, 7 from Saba and 5 the objectives. from St. Eustatius (see table) . Photo by: © Hans Leijnse
The Nature Funding Projects on Bonaire can be followed on Facebook: @NTBDN
BioNews 32 - Content 2 3 4 5 6 ... SUBJECT ISLAND ORGANIZATION(S): Lead scientist(s) GOAL ACTIVITIES
Create culverts, sediments traps, opening and clean- ing of channels in mangroves, build toilet facilities, STINAPA: Sabine Engel Improve biodiversity and accessibility of Lac Ecological restoration Lac Bay and South coast, clean-ups, education and outreach, natural barriers WUR: Dolfi Debrot, Klaas Metselaar Bay and South coastline of Bonaire by restoring Bonaire BON for cars to protect breeding grounds of turtles, STCB: Mabel Nava hydrological conditions, protecting biodiversity flamingos and sterns, research restoration Pink DRO: Frank van Slobbe and promoting sustainable tourism. Beach, monitoring program for evaluation of interventions.
Improve entrepreneurship by creating studygroups Bonaire Agri & Aqua Business BV: for the themes agriculture, live-stock farming and Sherwin Pourier Strengthen entrepreneurship and self-reliance The sustainable agriculture and rural development tourism, stimulate sustainable tourism development, BON Wayaká Advies BV: Jan Jaap van in rural areas and agriculture (Rincon and Playa program (POP Bonaire) promote sustainable agriculture to locals and young Almenkerk Oost). people, decrease erosion by restoring dams and DRO: Frank van Slobbe making water accessible for irrigation.
Recovery of habitats so they are better able to provide services for people and nature, Feral pig density assessment, pig eradication, raising Echo: Nathan Schmaltz Feral Pig Control BON improved conditions for agriculture and awareness and support, monitoring program for DRO: Frank van Slobbe increased community support for invasive evaluation of interventions . species management.
Establish a strategic network of herbivore exclusion areas within which the abundance and diversity of native plants is increased. A restored dry-forest habitat across Bonaire that Increase capacity for habitat restoration through Echo: Lauren Schmaltz is better able to provide services for people and Reforestation Project BON creating a team of habitat restoration wardens and DRO: Frank van Slobbe nature in the present and; in the future through the expansion of the native plant nursery. increased resilience to climate change. Build a foundation of community support and sustainable financing, upon which island wide dry-forest habitat restoration can be achieved.
Bringing the number of goats down in Slagbaai and Draw the goat population down to a manageable Washington, practice and train locals and park staff Goat eradication and control in Washington STINAPA BON level within 3 years so that the vegatation can to effective goat control, monitoring program for Slagbaai National Park DRO: Frank van Slobbe recover evaluation of interventions, developing long-term control programme, outreach and communication.
The Nature Funding projects Would you like to share a news item? Please e-mail us: [email protected]
BioNews 32 - Content 2 3 4 5 6 ... SUBJECT ISLAND ORGANIZATION(S): Lead scientist(s) GOAL ACTIVITIES
Replant degraded reefs with nursery grown corals, Restore the shallow populations of elkhorn and support efforts to improve water quality, developing CRF Bonaire: Augusto Montbrun Coral Restoration BON staghorn corals along the coasts of Bonaire and multi-clonal thickets of each species of coral that will DRO: Frank van Slobbe Klein Bonaire. be able to successfully reproduce, outreach and com- munication, involve local dive community in project.
Describe the: (1) fulfilment of the critera for the Outstanding Universal Value, (2) conditions of Ensure that the quality of the second interme- integrity, (3) fulfilment of requirements for protection diatry nomination file for the nomination of and management of the site, (4) carrying capacity Wolfs Company: Esther Wolfs, Boris van World Heritage Nomination Bonaire Marine Park the Dutch Caribbean marine ecosystem as an to safeguard this Outstanding Universal Value. Also BON Zanten, Amilcar Guzman, Viviana Lujan and/or other interconnected sites UNESCO World Heritage Site meets the criteria demontrate the active support and commitments DRO: Frank van Slobbe set by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the of relevant stakeholders and active engagement of requirements of the World Heritafe committee. the steering committee. Include interactions marine and terrestrial ecosystems and marine ecosystems in Curacao and Venezuela.
Bonaire Agri & Aqua Business BV: Improve water strorage capacity dams, restoration Less erosion towards coral reefs, less flooding Sherwin Pourier Saliña di Vlijt and Saliña Onima, Nature conservation in residental area, increased biodiversity and Erosion control and nature restoration BON Wayaká Advies BV: Jan Jaap van in abandoned ‘diabaasgroeves’, restoration water nature development, more attractive nature Almenkerk wells and mills and research into catchment area for tourists, more water for agriculture. DRO: Frank van Slobbe of Bonaire
• Selection and classification of the caves to be in- cluded in the park, create footpaths and hiking trails, provide signage and fence the perimeter of the park; Creation of the “Bonaire Caves and Karst Park” • Cave guide certification course; to improve the situation for the cave users, • Select and classify the most popular and visited DRO: Frank van Slobbe while ensuring that the cave values and caves on Bonaire, provide limited and controlled Cave and karst nature reserve BON CARIBSS (Caribbean resources are preserved and used for the access and signage; Speleological Society): Fernando Simal benefit of the Bonaire community and visitors protect bat maternity chambers and monitor the bats; to the island in a sustainable way. • Apply for SICOM (Site of Importance for Bat Conservation) status for the maternity caves of of Myotis nesopolusand Natalus tumiridostris located at Bakuna and Sabadeco.
The Nature Funding projects
Photo by: Rudy van Gelderen
BioNews 32 - Content 2 3 4 5 6 ... SUBJECT ISLAND ORGANIZATION(S): Lead scientist(s) GOAL ACTIVITIES
Implement a communication plan to improve support for nature and enviroment and provide • Organize press conferences, briefings and excursion; improved and more strucutural information • Issue press releases; newsletter, TV and radio Campaign environment en nature on Bonaire BON DRO: Frank van Slobbe, Peter Montanus about al the nature funding projects ongoing programs, thematic videos, and jingle; on Bonaire as well as other nature/environment • Produce website and facebook page projects
Improve horticultural extension to locals and inspire them to produce horticultural products Land lease agreement, establish a horicultural (mainly fruits, vegetables) on their own proper- Horticultural Project SAB Government of Saba: Randall Johnson project, establish a indigenous tree nursery ties in an organic matter, multiplicate indegeous communication and outreach trees and contribute to the environmentally conscious image of Saba.
Mount Scenery Trail: repair slippery and damaged Financial support to SCF to upgrade and steps, (re)construct steps, construct and install hand Hiking trails SAB Government of Saba: Robert Zagers maintain hiking trails. railing along slippery parts, reconstruct and repair stone walls
Eliminate the eminent threat that the dumped Relocation of the rubble and dirt from the current area rubble and dirt from the harbor project poses for Tent Reef Protection SAB Government of Saba: Robert Zagers to a safe site in the vicinity, which is privately owned. Tent reef as part of the protected area; forming Stabilization of the reallocated sediment. one of Saba’s main tourist attractions
Protecting nature and agriculture by significantly Shooting/ slaughtering, storing, selling and/or Goat buy-back program SAB Government of Saba: Randall Johnson decreasing the amount of roaming goats. exporting the meat
lncreasing sustalnable tourism by provldlng safe Under the supervision of the Saba Conservalion access (both for yachts and corals) to 12 extra Foundation construction of the mooring blocks and Government of Saba mooring sites for vlsitlng yachts, including 2 buying of the necessary mooring materials. Yacht mooring project SAB SCF: Kai Wulf mega yacht moorings For the deployment of the concrete blocks the help of the HNLMS Pelikaan of the royal Dutch navy will be sought.
The Nature Funding projects
Photo by: © Violetta
BioNews 32 - Content ... 6 7 8 9 10 ... SUBJECT ISLAND ORGANIZATION(S): Lead scientist(s) GOAL ACTIVITIES
Upgraded Trail to Mary’s Point and conservalion of hlstorical structures at Mary’s Point; Draft legislation for establlshing the National Park and for species protection; Drafting of a management plan for the National Park; Conserve Saba’s richest and most undisturbed Designing and prlntlng tourist information; biodiversity in the central and northern part of Government of Saba Trall on top of mountaln to Hells Gate lookout; the island including the top of Mt Scenery (total Saba national park SAB SCF: Kai Wulf Trall on top of mountain to The Bottom lookout; area 350 hectares) and to promote sustainable SABARC: Ryan Espersen Creatlng support among landowners and general publlc use with an emphasis on combined nature, concernlng the Natlonal Park; cultural and historical tourism. Two trainees educated to become park ranger; Archaeologlcal excavatlons Amerlndlan flre pit at Mary’s Point village site; Website wlth tralllnformatlon and trall map updated and prlnted.
Repairing/renovating the damaged Crispeen Build or restore walls of varying heights (1 to 4 feet) Government of Saba: Robert Zagers Crispeen trail project SAB trail to improve tourism access to nature height., reconstruct certain steps and parts of the SCF: Kai Wulf through the walking trails walking floor and reconstruct the path at Midway
Government of St Eustatius Workshops as f.e. on invasive species and economic Nature Awareness project STENAPA: Clarisse Buma Create a mind shift in the community towards EUX value of nature, communication materials such as CNSI: Johan Stapel, Hannah Madden a sustainable relationship with nature. booklets and posters, highlight island’s key species.
The Nature Funding projects Would you like to share a news item? Please e-mail us: [email protected]
Photos by: © Hans Leijnse
BioNews 32 - Content ... 6 7 8 9 10 ... SUBJECT ISLAND ORGANIZATION(S): Lead scientist(s) GOAL ACTIVITIES
Trucks and equipment, additional staff capacity and Government of St Eustatius Capacity-building and improvement of materials at the Miriam C. Schmidt Botanical Garden, Strengthening management of nature EUX STENAPA: Clarisse Buma nature conservation management and additional equipment, training and capacity in the foundation, STENAPA terrestrial and marine parks.
Determining the rat density, distribution and ecology Government of St Eustatius Decrease the number of rats on the island and on St. Eustatius. CNSI: Hannah Madden Rodent assessment and control EUX implement a sustainable rat control program on Implementing a baited poison program. ECPHF: Teresa Leslie the island Reaching out to and empowering the community through public awareness.
Government of St Eustatius STENAPA: Jessica Berkel Re-establish a healthy branching coral Creating a coral nursery which would supply second Coral restoration EUX CNSI: Johan Stapel community and third generation planting out sized coral colonies.
Government of St Eustatius Reduce the amount of erosion that occurs on the Implementation and time planning to be discussed Erosion control EUX CNSI: Johan Stapel island. and negotiated Photo by: © Hans Leijnse
The Nature Funding projects Would you like to share a news item? Please e-mail us: [email protected]
BioNews 32 - Content ... 6 7 8 9 10 ... Nature funding: Restoring Bonaire’s dry forest
Tree Planting Day in the Forest degradation is believed to be driving Yellow-shouldered with the fact that very few mature large trees remain on the first completed exclusion Amazon parrots (Amazona barbadensis) to forage feed in island means that Bonaire’s native dry forest environments are area in Washington. Over urban areas, which leads to conflict with local fruit growers under considerable threat. Several species of native trees are 500 trees planted and over and reduces survival (Williams 2012). Now, with funding from already almost extinct on the island. Bonaire’s dry forests are a 20 volunteers participated the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs “Natuurgelden” and natural refuge for the island’s flora and fauna and are home to en- commissioned by the Public Entity Bonaire, a local foundation dangered plants, including two Guaiacum species, and birds such Echo, has been able to launch a large-scale reforestation pro- as the Yellow-shouldered Amazon parrot (Amazona barbaden- ject with the goal of creating dry forest environments within sis), as well as several other island endemics (IUCN Threatened ten protected ‘exclusion areas’, which have been set up on Species Database 2013). Therefore in 2010 local laws were passed public land. Each area will measure approximately one-hectare to protect nature on land including the full protection of 25 tree and all non-native herbivores (goats, donkeys and pigs) will be species and the requirement of a Tree Cutting Permit. excluded. The exclusion areas will then be reforested with as many as 20,000 native trees. On Bonaire, the dry forest habitat has undergone dramatic changes over the last two and a half centuries (de Freitas, Dry forest habitats are among the least well researched and Nijhof, Rojer, & Debrot, 2005). The impacts of historic tree fell- conserved habitats in the world and yet they account for ing coupled with the introduction of invasive herbivores has about half of the world’s forested area (Blackie et al., 2014). effectively prevented the regeneration of many native plant The degradation of dry forest habitats has far reaching species (Coblentz, 1980; Coolen, 2015). In addition, many areas implications. The loss of large, mature trees means that less are affected by the introduction of exotic plants that are now Echo Team with the Dutch rainfall will be retained in the soil, which can eventually lead to outcompeting native species (Smith, Van der Burg, Debrot, van Army who volunteered in aridification (Brodie, Post, & Laurance, 2012). Similarly, the loss Buurt, & de Freitas, 2014). September to help “break of trees and their root systems means that less soil will ground” at the proposed be retained during (heavy) rain. This causes a reduction in Forest degradation is believed to be driving Yellow-shouldered Tolo exclosure which will the nutrient cycling and a decline of soil fertility, which can Amazon parrots to forage for food in urban areas, which in turn fence in an existing nature impact local agriculture. The drier, more compacted topsoil will leads to conflict with local fruit growers and reduces their survival area with walking trails cause surface water run-off that leads to erosion and the loss of (Williams, 2012). Ironically exotic herbivores were recognized nutrients in the terrestrial ecosystem (Koster, 2013), as well as as a key threat to biodiversity over one hundred years ago, but elevated amounts of harmful sediment and increased nutrient Bonaire has yet to develop a comprehensive control program to levels in surrounding coral reefs areas (Vermeij, 2011). All of reduce the impact of overgrazing. these factors lead to decreased biodiversity and lowered ecosystem productivity. The first step towards dry forest restoration is to exclude exotic herbivores and then to improve the biodiversity through the At present, most of Bonaire’s dry forests are dominated by only selective planting out of native trees that would originally have Photos by: © Quirijn Coolen three to five tree species. This startling lack of diversity coupled been found in these areas.
BioNews 32 - Content ... 6 7 8 9 10 ... Photos by: © Marjolijn Lopes Cardozo (left) and Rudy van Gelderen (right)
Nearly 2,000 native trees have been planted out, thanks to support from community volunteers, including DCNA’s Echo’s first three exclusion areas have been own Emeray Martha-Neuman completed and nearly 2,000 native trees have and her family! been planted out, thanks to support from com- munity volunteers, including DCNA’s own Emeray Martha-Neuman and her family! Cargill and Digicel also each participated in tree planting by organizing corporate volunteer days with Echo. At each of the reforestation sites, the Echo team collects baseline data about the trees allowing their growth and success to be monitored. After planting, trees are watered twice weekly until they show new growth and water retention is apparent in the soil, at which time watering is reduced to once weekly and eventually tapered out all together.
Echo is a small non-profit foundation, which was set up on Bonaire in 2010. Its mission is to safeguard the future of the island’s endemic subspecies of the Yellow-shouldered Amazon parrot (Amazona barbadensis), locally known as the “lora”. Quirijn Coolen Quirijn © Echo is always looking for more volunteers, so please contact [email protected] to
learn more. by: Photo
Students of CIEE who volunteered with Echo in its existing Members of STINAPA’s Junior Ranger Aspirant fenced area in the Washingon side of the WSNP. The students group who joined the Echo team for a tree came out early on a Saturday morning to help dig holes (aka planting day at Dos Pos. future tree homes) with members of the Echo team
Nature Funding: Restoring Bonaire’s dry forest Would you like to share a news item? Please e-mail us: [email protected]
BioNews 32 - Content ... 6 7 8 9 10 ... Great news for shark and ray conservation in the Caribbean! The 8 new SPAW Protocol listed shark and ray species
The first cross-border protective management in a Wider Caribbean context for elasmobranch species ANNEX III Hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini, Sphyrna mokarran, Sphyrna zygaena)
Manta rays (Manta birostris, Manta alfredi, Manta sp. cf. birostris) In March 2017 it was officially decided to protect These fact sheets with information about the proposed eight shark species under the international Specially action were produced by the NEV to support the final Oceanic whitetip shark (Carcharhinus longimanus) Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW) Protocol fol- decision making process. lowing a proposal by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) Affairs in cooperation with a team of shark experts. Irene Kingma, director of the Dutch Elasmobranch The SPAW protocol is the only cross-border legisla- Society (NEV) and one of the shark experts that helped ANNEX II Smalltooth sawfish(Pristis pectinata) tive instrument for nature conservation in the Wider with the shortlist: “Sharks do not respect borders and Caribbean Region. cover enormous distances, which is why it is important to protect them on a region-wide scale. The proposals Through the SPAW protocol, which is a United Nations from the Dutch Ministry have helped providing these initiative, the signatory countries set agreements to fragile species with the protection they deserve, which we protect vulnerable animals and their unique habitats. consider a great success.” The agreements concern trade and fisheries, as well as tourism and coastal development. Until now, no sharks The Annex II contains the list of species that are agreed or rays were included in the protocol, despite being an to receive the highest level of protection in the wider especially threatened animal group, both on a global Caribbean region. Any form of destruction, distur- scale and in the Caribbean region. The main threats to bance, possession and trade is prohibited and their shark populations are overfishing and destruction of habitats are strictly regulated. vital habitats such as coral reefs and mangroves. The species listed in the Annex III are the ones that The Ministry of Economic Affairs proposed a shortlist should receive special attention and sustainable man- of eight shark species for listing on the protocol. This agement to ensure and maintain healthy populations. included three species of hammerhead shark, the whale All protected species listed under the SPAW Protocol shark, the oceanic whitetip shark, the smalltooth saw- can be found on the CAR SPAW RAC website. fish, and two manta ray species. In November 2016, the (http://www.car-spaw-rac.org/IMG/pdf/annexes_of_spaw_ proposals of all eight species were accepted during a protocol_revised_22-02-2017.pdf) technical meeting in Miami.
For the proposals, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs was working closely with the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance and with scientific and policy support from the Dutch Elasmobranch Association (NEV).
Photo by: © Peter Verhoog
BioNews 32 - Content ... 11 12 13 14 15 ... “We are delighted that our proposal got such broad support from the present countries,” says Guus Schutjes of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs.“The Netherlands has strived for the structural protection of nature and biodiversity in the Caribbean for some time now and cross-border protection is an essential part of this.”
Tadzio Bervoets, chair of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance and leader of the Save Our Sharks project: “The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance and its partners have been working hard in the Dutch Caribbean region and in the Caribbean in general to increase protection for sharks. Through the funding provided to us by the National Postcode Lottery we have been doing scientific research, education and outreach and in this case sig- nificant lobbying work, and we are encouraged by this excellent development coming out of French Guiana. Sharks are critical to the Caribbean region and their conservation is essential to the health of our Caribbean Text from Save Our Sharks website: Sea. With this historic vote, shark conservation efforts have been significantly increased in the region and we are http://www.saveoursharks.nl elated to have been a part of the process. We hope that more species will soon be added to the annexes of the SPAW Protocol giving them the conservation status that they need in the Caribbean Sea.”
Learn more about the eight species:
Photo by: © Jim Abernethy http://saveoursharks.nl/en/ spaw-proposals-fact-sheets/
Great news for shark conservation in the Caribbean! Would you like to share a news item? Please e-mail us: [email protected]
BioNews 32 - Content ... 11 12 13 14 15 ... You can track tiger shark Quinty here: Tiger shark crosses thirteen http://saveoursharks.nl/en/events/sharktracking/ maritime boundaries in four weeks
A tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) tagged with a our Sharks” project shows that their ‘local’ tiger satellite transmitter by scientists and research- sharks are no exception, as Quinty travelled over ers from Saba, Sint Maarten and the United 1200 kilometers within a month’s time, crossing States has migrated across thirteen maritime thirteen maritime boundaries. This reveals that na- boundaries, making its way from the Saba tional protection of these animals in the Caribbean Bank to Trinidad. This 3.43m female tiger shark is not sufficient and that more regional-wide named ‘Quinty’ was tagged as part of the region protection is needed now more than ever. wide Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance “Save our Sharks” project with funding from the Dutch The journey National Postcode Lottery. Little is currently Quinty was tagged on the Saba bank in October known about the status of shark populations 2016 and was immediately labeled as the most in Dutch Caribbean waters (Garla et al., 2006; active research animal of this study, sending out Chapman et al., 2007) and tagging studies are location data from the first day she was tagged. a pivotal first step in determining which sharks Equipped with a custom fitted satellite tag she are present, where they can be found and most has traveled over 1200 kilometers south within importantly how best to improve management one month, reaching Trinidad and Tobago at the and protection of these important apex preda- beginning of December 2016. In these waters she tors (Hammerschlag et al., 2008). stayed for 3 months, before recently heading back up north towards Barbados. This journey turns On board the “Caribbean Explorer II”, which set out to be quite dangerous for a shark, as only 3 of sail from St Maarten last October, scientists and these nations provide Quinty with the necessary conservationists from the Saba Conservation protection by having declared their waters as Foundation (SCF), Nature Foundation St. Maarten shark sanctuaries: The British Virgin Islands, Saba (NFSXM), Florida International University (FIU) and St Maarten. This means that along her journey and Sharks4Kids, set out to gather information on so far, in ten different territorial waters in the shark abundance and diversity on the Saba Bank. Caribbean, Quinty could have been legally caught Over the course of the 6-day expedition the team and killed for her fins, meat, oil or cartilage. Over caught 22 sharks. 100 million sharks worldwide are killed for these same reasons each year (Worm et al., 2013). A lot of shark species are known to migrate vast distances in search for food, a mate or breeding Tiger sharks grounds (Wilson et al., 2001; Bonfil et al., 2005; Tiger Sharks are one of the largest sharks, with Papastamatiou et al., 2013). This recent study a bulky body, powerful jaws and teeth strong performed by local researchers from the “Save enough to open the shell of a sea turtle. They are The track shown in the image is from a 3.43 m tiger shark tagged on October 19, 2016.
BioNews 32 - Content ... 11 12 13 14 15 ... boat during expedition. the boat the worked up alongside being Quinty
You can track tiger shark Quinty here: http://saveoursharks.nl/en/events/sharktracking/
one of the oceans’ most powerful predators. fishermen to reduce catch and by-catch of sharks Their diet includes everything from jellyfish to and to establish a region-wide shark sighting net- stingrays and seals (Heithaus, 2000) and their work to learn more about where they live and how habit of snapping up human garbage has earned we can best protect them. However, this research them the unfortunate nickname “wastebaskets” shows that tiger sharks spend most of their time of the sea. in non-Dutch Caribbean waters and therefore a
Photo by: more Caribbean-wide protected area should be Sharks in the Dutch Caribbean established to help preserving this amazing shark Very little is currently known about the status of species. © Duncan Brake tiger shark populations in Dutch Caribbean waters. They are found all around the world in temperate Shark tracking and tropical waters and typically move into the A total of five tiger sharks received a custom fitted Caribbean Sea in the winter. Tiger sharks have satellite tracking device as a part of the “Save our been sighted so often on the Saba Bank that they Shark” study. Tiger Sharks spend quite a lot of have been adopted as the Saba Bank ‘mascot’. time at the surface (Heithaus et al., 2002), which Sadly, they are classified on the IUCN Red List allows satellite tracking devices to be used to as “Nearly Threatened”. Their fins are in high track their movements with pin point accuracy. demand in Asia for shark fin soup. This satellite Hopefully, Quinty and the other sharks will con- tagging study is a pivotal first step in determining tinue to transmit their location data so that there movement patterns of this shark species, and is will be a better understanding of tiger shark move- for this reason of major importance in decision ment patterns across the Caribbean. making on how to manage and protect these im- portant apex predators within and outside Dutch The tagging expedition was organized as part of Caribbean waters. the Dutch Postcode Lottery funded “Save our Sharks” project, which aims to change the way we In the Dutch Caribbean sharks are protected within think about sharks and to create safe havens for the “Yarari Marine Mammal and Shark Sanctuary” them by working with fishermen, local communi- and conservation groups are working with local ties and scientists.
Photo by: © Kai Wulf
Tiger shark crosses thirteen maritime boundaries in four weeks Would you like to share a news item? Please e-mail us: [email protected]
BioNews 32 - Content ... 11 12 13 14 15 ... Listening to the Caribbean’s Humpback Whales with CHAMP
By Dr. Heather Heenehan (NOAA Fisheries)
In December 2016, after many months of plan- breeding grounds. However, growing evidence ning, ten recording devices were successfully suggests the West Indies DPS contains more than deployed throughout the Caribbean to listen one breeding population. to the sounds and song of humpback whales as part of a new collaborative acoustic monitoring Because humpback whales are known for singing program called the Caribbean Humpback Acoustic on their winter breeding grounds, we can learn Monitoring Programme (CHAMP). a lot about these animals simply by listening. With passive acoustic recorders throughout the CHAMP leverages and expands on networks Caribbean, we will be able to monitor distribution, already established in the Caribbean including assess differences in arrival and departure of the the North Atlantic Humpback Whale Catalog, whales, and analyze the whales’ song, all valuable Sister Sanctuaries Program, CARIB Tails, and information for management and policy decisions. SPAW-RAC to promote and enhance collabora- tive research on the biology of humpback whales, The first CHAMP deployment included two differ- specifically focusing on acoustics research. This ent types of recording equipment, SoundTraps multi-national acoustic monitoring program and Marine Autonomous Recording Units or now includes researchers, government officials, popups. The SoundTraps (Ocean Instruments) NGO’s, managers and others in Aruba, Bonaire, recorded one hour every 4 hours at a sampling Dominican Republic (Silver Bank), Guadeloupe rate of 48 kHz and were placed on St. Martin, (West and East Coast), Martinique, St. Martin, and Guadeloupe (East Coast),and Bonaire. The Marine the United States. Autonomous Recording Units or popups (Cornell University) recorded continuously at 2 kHz and This research is timely given the West Indies were placed on Aruba, Bonaire, Dominican Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of humpback Republic, Guadeloupe (West and East coasts) and whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) was delisted un- Martinique. Each of our sites received a single der the US Endangered Species Act in September device with the exception of the East Coast of 2016. This DPS covers all of the Caribbean Guadeloupe and Bonaire where both a SoundTrap
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BioNews 32 - Content ... 11 12 13 14 15 ... Photo by: © Jennett Bremer
and popup were deployed. A fourth SoundTrap Caribbean. We hope to redeploy the SoundTraps If you or others are interesting in learning more was used in collaboration with the SEA Education in December 2017 for a second year of CHAMP. about CHAMP and the humpback whales we are Association during their “Colonization to studying please visit our website (text available in Conservation in the Caribbean Program.” During This project is supported by funding from the English, Spanish, and French). this program recordings were made on Saba Bank United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric and Silver Bank. Three students on this trip used Administration Northeast Fisheries Science Center http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/psb/acoustics/psbA- these recordings for their oceanography projects as well as in-kind support from the Dominican cousticsCHAMP.html and presented their work while on board the SSV Republic’s National Authority for Maritime Affairs, Corwith Cramer. the Aruba Marine Mammal Foundation, STINAPA Additionally, if you or someone you know is Bonaire National Marine Park, National Office interested in the CHAMP recordings or has any The recording devices that were deployed in for the Caribbean Netherlands (RCN), the Dutch additional acoustic recordings from the region December will be recovered by the team of collab- Caribbean Nature Alliance, the Observatoire des please contact Dr. Heather Heenehan. orators and partners in May and June 2017. Once Mammifères Marins de l’Archipel Guadeloupéen the recorders have been sent back, we will begin (OMMAG), the National Park of Guadeloupe, Email: [email protected] the hard work of going through the recordings the Natural Reserve of St. Martin and the Sea to learn more about the humpback whales of the Education Association. (NOAA) made with Raven Pro software Image by:
Logo by: © Julianne Gurnee (NOAA NEFSC) © Heather Heenehan Genevieve Davis (NOAA NEFSC) (NOAA Davis Genevieve © Image by: Image
A map of the 2016-2017 CHAMP monitoring locations A visualization called a spectrogram of humpback whale song recorded on Silver Bank 3-Mar-2017. To listen to this clip of humpback whale song visit: http://www.sea.edu/sea_currents/corwith_cramer/taking_time_to_listen
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BioNews 32 - Content ... 16 17 18 19 20 ... UV- filters in sun care products as an emerging risk for Caribbean coral reefs
By Dr. Diana Slijkerman- Iris Schaap (BSc) - Drs. Sabine Engel
Beach goers and bathers in the Caribbean often ship visits. The growing numbers of tourists may Two field-sampling moments at Sorobon, near result from exposure to UV filters such as narcosis, apply sunscreen to protect themselves against lead locally to significant sunscreen emissions. the mangroves, and Cai (figure 1) were selected genotoxicty, endocrine disruption, reproductive skin cancer and skin aging. Of course this is Alarmed by the study of Downs et al., in 2015, in to measure the concentrations in the water. and developmental toxicity to marine life. The of great importance. However, this could be which was demonstrated that field concentra- Sorobon is assumed to be the busiest beach at range of effect concentrations varies per studied affecting reefs and marine life due to the tions of UV filters might affect corals, STINAPA Bonaire occasionally, and served in this study as organism and ecosystem (e.g. fresh water or ma- emission of UV-filters, which are part of and Directie Ruimtelijke Ontwikkeling Bonaire a worst-case scenario situation since it is more or rine) by which the marine species tend to be more sun care products. (DROB) asked IMARES, now Wageningen Marine less a secluded area by i.a. reef. The sampling mo- sensitive towards UV-filter exposure than fresh Research, what the risk of UV-filters for Bonairean ments correspond with cruise ship visits in August water species. Furthermore, sunscreen (products) Researchers from the Wageningen Marine ecosystems could be. (1 ship, 23rd of August) and in November (3 ships releases additionally nitrogen and phosphorus Research, under the leadership of water quality in few days, sampled at November 18th) 2016. components, which could potentially contribute specialist and ecologist Dr. Diana Slijkerman, Restricted in funding, a limited study was set up With these two visits we anticipated on sampling to the risk of (local) eutrophication, and indirectly have been working on the question whether sun with volunteers (Sabine Engel and co-workers) during coral spawning (and thus a possible eco- by algae blooms and food abundance. care products are an emerging risk for marine life and the effort of student Iris Schaap, aimed to logical worst case situation) and differences in UV in the Caribbean. More specifically, UV-filters in construct an environmental risk analysis. The filter levels between these moments. The latter Based on previous questionnaire studies found in sunscreen, such as Oxybenzone, were subject of study consisted of literature research, calculations is assumed because UV filters are considered to literature, the majority of the visitors at Lac Bay study since these were recently reported to be of on the predicted environmental concentrations be stable and not easily break down. A built up in are assumed to originate from the USA, UK and serious concern for corals. at Lac Bay and measured samples at different concentration was thus expected in November. the Netherlands. Therefore, the study focussed locations at Lac Bay. More specifically, the study on a specific selection of organic UV filters, Marine nature areas on Bonaire support various aimed at organic UV filters. By reviewing the The findings of the literature study revealed which are predominantly applied in sunscreen touristic and recreational activities, including div- physico chemico- specifications of UV-filters, that UV filters are distributed widely, and can products originated from these countries. The ing, kayaking, surfing, swimming and snorkeling, for example the lipophilicity of the chemical, an sorb to organic matter and accumulate into UV-filters of interest in Lac Bay whereby the majority of these activities depend insight is provided in which ecosystem compart- organisms tissues- depending on the type of filter are: octocrylene (OC), on the quality of the ecosystems. Amongst oth- ment the compounds most likely end up. and organism. UV filters can consequently have
ers, Lac Bay consists of unique and environmental The application of type of products per country a diversity of effects on the marine ecosystem in Photo by: important habitats, including mangroves and was assessed to estimate which emissions are various ways. The marine environment can be seagrass beds which function as nursery hot likely to occur in Bonaire. Studies describing the affected directly and indirectly by UV filter spots, inhabiting a variety of life. The last years, various types of effects of UV filters on different toxicity. Besides reported developmental © Dimitris Vetsikas the number of tourists at Sorobon in Lac Bay has organisms were evaluated and used to prepare an toxicity on coral planulae, various been increasing especially due to growth of cruise environmental risk assessment. other effects are described to
BioNews 32 - Content ... 16 17 18 19 20 ... 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC), Benzophenone-3, also financial as well as human wellbeing. A precautionary approach known as oxybenzone (BP3), and Benzophenone-4 (BP4). is advised because of the fringing coral reef of Lac Bay and the nursery function of its mangroves and seagrassbeds. Emissions The basic field study showed that two out of the four selected UV can be reduced easily: e.g. wearing long sleeved shirts instead of filters were detected in both the surface micro layer (SML) and 30 using sunscreen while bathing will reduce the amount of UV fil- cm below water level. In August, measured concentrations at Cai ters largely up to an estimated of roughly 50% per person (shower were too low for a quantitive detection. However, this does not or wipe off applied lotion first). Distribution and local supply of imply that there is not a reason for concern, since several toxic environmental friendly brands lacking these types of filters would effect concentrations for Caribbean corals are below the limit be beneficial too. Figure 1: Field-sampling of detection. BP3 concentrations in the SML near the mangrove locations at Sorobon, near rim were detected at levels indicating some risk. However, at Currently, the results are further processed and submitted to the mangroves, and Cai to Sorobon Beach, BP3 was found in much higher concentrations a peer-reviewed journal in order to share the results to a larger measure the concentrations within the surface layer (0.72 μg/L) and the water layer audience. of UV- filters in sun care (1.23 μg/L). Additionally, significant concentrations of OC were products in the water. detected with a highest concentration in the surface layer Additional monitoring would strengthen the proposed precau- The sampling moments (1.23 μg/L) and a lower concentration in the water layer tionary approach to take measures for example in the field of correspond with cruise ship (0.51 μg/L). These concentrations seem low, but are of significant coral restoration programs. As world tourism is expected to visits and coral spawning. large amplitude considering sunscreen biomonitoring studies grow, the prognosis of the emission and exposure of UV filters worldwide. Furthermore, the toxic effect concentrations are in in the Caribbean is unfortunately predicted to increase too. An the same order of magnitude. The risk estimation is performed annual tourism growth of roughly 2% leads to approximately an on a limited set of reported effect data, and thus an uncertainty estimated additional load of 747-5,979 mg EHMC, 498-3,986 mg factor (or assessment factor) was applied to correct for this. The OC, 467-3,737 mg 4-MBC, and 249-1,993 mg BP3 and BP4 around combination of low environmental concentrations in relation to noon per day in Lac Bay (based on extrapolations on numbers equivalent effect concentrations resulted in a high estimated risk of bathers at Sorobon beach, sun screen products applied and for this location. Estimated environmental risk factors are véry fractions washed off). high for both OC and BP3 and confirm the concerns for environ- mental effects at the local level at Sorobon. We aim to study the actual presence of these compounds in more detail along a larger spatial-temporal scale, and to define The expected built up of concentrations in November was not environmental effects of sun care products in order to contribute seen. Surprisingly, lower concentrations were found than in to the protection of the marine life of the Caribbean and more August, however the heavy showers around the time of sampling specifically Bonaire. could explain this. Rainfall largely reduced the number of expected visitors to Sorobon, and it is known that rain also affects We invite interested partners to contribute to this effort with the concentrations of UV filters by dilution and water distribution. additional ideas or funds. Please contact: Diana Slijkerman at Since tourism is a major industry at Bonaire, healthy ecosystems [email protected] are of great importance for the Bonairean society in terms of Photo by: © Sabine Engel
UV- filters in sun care products as an emerging risk for Caribbean coral reefs Would you like to share a news item? Please e-mail us: [email protected]
BioNews 32 - Content ... 16 17 18 19 20 ... Volunteers will count endangered species of St. Eustatius
By Sylvia van Leeuwen, Niels Schrieken and Susan J. Hewitt
The Dutch Caribbean island of St. Eustatius is The ANEMOON Foundation is a Dutch volunteer it will be crucial to monitor changes and the Around the island there is of course much more to home to a particularly rich marine life. Since organization of citizen scientists who are inter- distribution of species over time. see underwater than the 12 species on the card. A 1996, the waters surrounding the island have ested in sea life. The Foundation has started a wide variety of species with extraordinary colours been protected as a Marine Park and managed by project to make an inventory of the underwater In the Netherlands, ANEMOON has for many and shapes are shown in a strikingly beautiful STENAPA (St. Eustatius National Parks). However, life of St. Eustatius, using citizen scientists as years run successful long-term projects to moni- publication, “Field Guide to the Marine Life of St. marine organisms are still under pressure from recorders. In 2015, an excellent start was made by tor marine wildlife using an extensive network of Eustatius.” This field guide showcases 234 species, human activities. the St. Eustatius Marine Biodiversity Expedition volunteers who are active citizen scientists. The all photographed in the waters off the island. A 2015. During this expedition, the ANEMOON Foundation hopes to set up a similar long-term free download of the guide is available at www. Foundation, together with Naturalis Biodiversity project on St. Eustatius. This project, developed anemoon.org/eux. Center (of Leiden in the Netherlands), and some in close collaboration with STENAPA, intends local partners on St. Eustatius, surveyed the to recruit tourists, expats and locals to record More extensive information about the marine underwater life of the Marine Park. In three weeks, endangered and exotic marine species. By giving species of the Dutch Caribbean is available on the over 1,150 different species of plants and animals workshops and supporting volunteers in other ANEMOON Foundation’s website. And, for more were observed. ways, ANEMOON plans to achieve greater public dedicated divers, snorkelers, and beach combers, awareness of the spectacular underwater life of St. an extended observation form, which includes 150 In order to be able to develop sustain- Eustatius. We hope this awareness will in turn re- species, is also available. able management techniques sult in more volunteers participating in the project. for marine life in the future, More information about the project of the Everyone who goes diving or snorkeling off St. ANEMOON Foundation can be found at Eustatius can contribute by using an Observation www.anemoon.org/euxnl (in Dutch) and Card created by ANEMOON Foundation and www.anemoon.org/eux (in English). For more STENAPA. The card has images of twelve easily information about STENAPA and the Marine Park, recognizable species, which together serve as go to www.statiapark.org. a good indicator of the health of the marine life around the island. The species shown on the card This project was supported by the Caribbean include sea turtles, a shark, and a ray. Although Department of the Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds. these creatures are vulnerable everywhere in the Caribbean, the likelihood of your seeing them around St. Eustatius is currently still excellent. After a dive or snorkel trip, you can simply mark on the card which species you saw.
Photos by: © Marion Haarsma
BioNews 32 - Content ... 16 17 18 19 20 ... Field Guide to the Marine Life of St. Eustatius
Editors: Niels Schrieken and Sylvia van Leeuwen Authors: Floris Bennema, Jessica Berkel, Jaap de Boer, Kalli De Meyer, Glenn Faires, Adriaan Gmelig Meyling, Marion Haarsma, Mike Harterink, Susan J. Hewitt, Bert Hoeksema, Eseld Imms, Sylvia van Leeuwen, Luna der Loos, Godfried van Moorsel, Niels Schrieken, John Stack and Mark Yokoyama. Photographers: Marco Faasse, Glenn Faires, Jaaziel, García-Hernández, Marion Haarsma, Mike Harterink Bert Hoeksema, Yee Wah Lau, Sylvia van Leeuwen, Luna van der Loos, Godfried van Moorsel, James Reimer, Niels Schrieken, Frank R. Stokvis and James Thomas. Size: 21.5 x 28.0 cm. Number of pages: 84 Publisher: ANEMOON Foundation PDF Price: Free download at www.anemoon.org/euxnl and www.anemoon.org/eux Printed book: € 19.99 through www.amazon.com Publication Date: December, 2016
The photos of the St. Eustatius Marine Biodiversity Expedition 2015 by Marion Haarsma and Sylvia van Leeuwen have been donated to DCNA and can be found in DCNA’s smugmug: https://dcna.smugmug.com/St-Eustatius/All-St-Eustatius-Photos/
We would like to thank them for sharing these beautiful pictures with us!
Volunteers will count endangered species off St. Eustatius Would you like to share a news item? Please e-mail us: [email protected]
Photo by: © Marion Haarsma
BioNews 32 - Content ... 16 17 18 19 20 ... Sustainable Island Management students visit Statia in a 2-week fieldtrip
By Marlous Heemstra and Alwin Hylkema
Last November 10 students and 2 lecturers from Van Hall organisations such as Stenapa, the Tourism Foundation and Larenstein, University of Applied Sciences exchanged NuStar. We joined different researchers in their fieldwork such Leeuwarden for a 2-week fieldtrip to St. Eustatius. The as ringing tropic birds, looking out for the invasive and native fieldtrip was organised in the context of their Sustainable iguanas and tagging snakes on the Quill. Also underwater Island Management course (also ‘’minor’’). research was done in collaboration with the local dive shop.
The 6-month during minor runs this schoolyear (2016-2017) Besides gaining fieldwork experience the students also carried for the first time and is part of the BSc program Coastal and out assignments for Stenapa to work on. One of the assign- Marine Management. ments was about the invasive green iguana. To gather as much as information as possible we have had discussions with Lecturer Marlous Heemstra explains that in recent years, the different organisations. On the basis of all the information the Caribbean have become increasingly interesting for their stu- students work out different scenarios with their respective dents to carry out internships. This can be largely attributed pros and cons. to the fact the islands St. Eustatius, Saba and Bonaire opted as special municipalities of the Netherlands. Many questions This first fieldtrip was a great success and we are very much regarding sustainable management of the islands and its sur- looking forward visiting the island again in the end of this year. rounding waters arose and generated an increase in research. Our students have been assisting in ecological research, and Another icing on our cake of collaboration with local partners productive working relations between Van Hall Larenstein and is a project that got approved in December. In this project, local scientists and managers have developed. called AROSSTA (Artificial reefs on Saba and Statia), we want to build artificial reefs made of local rock, which if everything
We visited St. Eustatius for the first time in 2014 and upon re- goes according to plan will be a suitable substrate for coral Photos by: turn the idea for this unique minor and excursion came to life. and in turn will form itself into a real reef. Students work intensively on small islands and their threats,
challenges, opportunities and solutions that are an every day’s If you are interested in our activities and / or wish further ©
business there. information please feel free to contact: Marlous Heemstra • Marlous Heemstra – coordinator Sustainable Island In collaboration with local stakeholders we developed an Management minor (via: [email protected]); or interesting fieldtrip program. Accommodated at the CNSI, • Alwin Hylkema – project leader AROSSTA (via: alwin. students gained experience in carrying out research, they [email protected]) spoke with many people on the island and visited different Website: www.vhluniversity.com.
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BioNews 32 - Content ... 21 22 23 24 25 ... Research Overview
CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST
Suitability study and reforestation of exclosures facilitating the Yellow-shouldered Amazon Parrots Birds BON Echo: Lauren Schmaltz (Amazona barbadensis) on Bonaire.
Cnidaria Spawning Aggregations of the box jellyfish, Alatina alata BON CIEE: Rita Peachey, Austin Lin
Scripps institution of oceanography: Stuart Sandin Coral Reef ecosystems Status of Diaderma antillarum on Caribbean Reefs All CARMABI: Kelly Latijnhouwers
WUR: Diana Slijkerman, Iris Schaap (student) Coral Reef ecosystems Screening of UV filter presence in Lac Bay and ecological risk assessment BON STINAPA: Sabine Engel
Naturalis: Bert Hoeksema Coral Reef ecosystems Distribution and impact of the invasive reef coral Tubastraea coccinaea on the coral reefs of Curaçao CUR Leiden University: Auke-Florian Hiemstra (student) CARMABI
Naturalis: Bert Hoeksema Coral Reef ecosystems Distribution and impact of the aggressive ascidian Trididemnum solidum on the coral reefs of Curaçao CUR Leiden University: Gabriël Olthof (student) CARMABI
UvA: Petra Visser Coral Reef ecosystems Cyanobacteria on reefs CUR CARMABI
Wolfs Company: Esther Wolfs, Boris van Zanten Economics of ecosystems The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) on Aruba AUA VU: Pieter van Beukering YABI consultancy: Francielle Laclé
Martin de Graaf Fish Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) to study sharks AUA Aruba Reef Care: Byron Boekhoudt, Miranka van Breugel (student), Gian Nunes (student)
Naturalis: Ronald Vonk Interstial fauna Interstitial fauna of Curacao shallow marine waters CUR Leiden University: Ton Weber (student) CARMABI
NFSXM: Tadzio Bervoets Invasive species Research into mitigation measures for Sargassum Seaweed SXM Government of St. Maarten
BioNews 32 - Content ... 21 22 23 24 25 ... Research Overview
CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST
STCB: Mabel Nava Invasive seagrass-sea turtle interactions RuG: Marjolijn Christianen Invasive species BON (*Part of NWO project: Ecology and conservation of green and hawksbill turtles in the Dutch Caribbean) WUR: Lisa Becking, Miriam Loth (student), Thijs Wijckhuijsen (student)
CIEE: Rita Peachey Invasive species Environmental DNA (eDNA) of lionfish in Lac Bay: A tool for detecting the invasive species in complex habitats (mangroves) BON Indiana University: Stephen Glaholt
WUR: Eva van Voskuijlen (Msc. student), Judith van Management Assessment of Klein Bonaire BON Leeuwen STINAPA: Wijnand de Wolf
WUR: Dolfi Debrot, Lisa Becking, Franka de Raad Pilot-scale testing and evaluation of mangrove ecosystem intervention options (student), Yorick de Beer (student) and Renate Reitsma Mangrove ecosystems (fish fauna, epibionts on mangrove prop roots) BON (student) *Part of Natuurgelden Project: Ecological restoration Lac Bay and South coast, Bonaire STINAPA: Sabine Engel DRO
Molluscs Conch ecology CUR NIOZ: Fleur van Duyl
Wolfs Company: Boris van Zanten, Esther Wolfs Nature Policy Planning Developing a nature policy plan for Bonaire BON DRO
Plants Germination of seeds of indigenous trees of Curacao CUR CARMABI: John de Freitas
Plants Testing effective ways to grow native plants BON Echo: Quirijn Coolen, Johan van Blerk
Zooplankton UV light effects on zooplankton diversity and density in Lac Bay BON CIEE: Rita Peachey, Sara Buckley, James Emm
BioNews 32 - Content ... 21 22 23 24 25 ...
Long Term Projects
CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST
Coral Reef Ecosystems Deep Reef Observation Project (DROP) (ARMS: Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures) CUR Smithsonian: Carole Baldwin
UvA: Valerie Chamberland (PhD candidate) Coral Reef Ecosystems Environmental factors driving recruitment success in Caribbean corals CUR CARMABI SECORE International
BON,CUR, NIOZ: Fleur van Duyl Coral Reef Ecosystems Bioersion of reefs by coral-excavating sponges SAB, EUX WUR: Erik Meesters, Didier de Bakker (PhD student)
CRF Bonaire: Augusto Montbrun, Francesca Virdis SECORE Project BON, CUR, Coral Reef Ecosystems Development of restoration methods for threatened Caribbean coral species CARMABI: Mark Vermeij SAB UvA: Valerie Chamberland (PhD candidate) SCF, Sea Saba, Samford University: Jennifer Rahn
Developing a plan to manage the waters around Curaçao sustainably, profitably, and enjoyably for this and future generations Waitt Institute (Blue Halo Curaçao): Kathryn Coral Reef Ecosystems CUR - including mesophotic reef dropcam project Mengerink
Database Dutch Caribbean Species Catalog: Taxonomic knowledge system Dutch Caribbean (http://www.dutchcaribbeanspecies.org/) All Naturalis: Sander Pieterse & Berry van der Hoorn
WUR: Linde van Bets (PhD student); Arthur Mol, Jan van Tatenhove; Machiel Lamers Environmental Sustainable ecosystem management and use by marine communities in two exemplary regions (TripleP@Sea Program) BON, EUX WUR: Han Lindeboom CNSI
WUR: Tinka Murk, Marieke Zeinstra-Helfrich (PhD Environmental Effects of dispersants on the fate of oil in realistic conditions (C-IMAGE consortium, TripleP@Sea Program) EUX student) CNSI
WUR: Tinka Murk, Justine van Eenennaam (PhD stu- Ecotoxicological aspects of rational application of chemicals in response to oil spills to reduce environmental damage Environmental EUX dent) (C-IMAGE consortium, TripleP@Sea Program) CNSI
Ecotoxicological aspects of rational application of chemicals in response to oil spills to reduce environmental damage WUR: Tinka Murk, Sophie Vonk (PhD student) Environmental Development of an area specific net environmental and economic benefit analysis (NEEBA) to support oil spill mitigation EUX Lei Wageningen UR: Stijn Reinhard decisions; with St. Eustatius as example CNSI
BioNews 32 - Content ... 21 22 23 24 25 ...
Long Term Projects
CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST
Naturalis: Arjen speksnijder Interstitial biodiversity Moleculair biodiversity analysis of marine communities by metabarcoding EUX ANEMOON: Niels Schrieken
Invasive species Combatting the economic and ecological impacts of overgrazing on inhabited islands BON UsA: Michaela Roberts (PhD student)
STINAPA Sabine Engel, Caren Eckrich Marine ecosystems Taxonomy and biodiversity in Lac Bay BON Ecosub: Godfried van Moorsel CEAB: Daniel Martin
Naturalis: Bert Hoeksema Marine ecosystems Marine species discoveries in the Dutch Caribbean All CNSI CARMABI
WUR: Aad Smaal, Leo Nagelkerke, Martin de Graaf Erik Boman (PhD student) Molluscs Population dynamics and role in the food chain of the Queen Conch Lobatus gigas in the Dutch Caribbean Territories EUX, SAB SCF (SBMU) CNSI
Naturalis: Kevin Beentjes Public Health DNA waterscan: Monitoring disease vectors in the Caribbean (mosquitoes and midges) EUX ECPHF: Teresa Leslie
Sustainable development Dutch Caribbean (TripleP@Sea Program) WUR: Diana Slijkerman Sustainability - Are human activities a risk for ecosystem services? EUX WUR (Alterra): Rene Henkens - Green Statia or how to regain balance between nature and agriculture? CNSI
Naturalis: Michael Stech, Berry van der Hoorn Terrestrial biodiversity Baseline assessment and DNA barcoding of specimens EUX STENAPA CNSI
Naturalis: Jeremy Miller Terrestrial biodiversity Testing surrogates to establish conservation priorities EUX STENAPA
BioNews 32 - Content ... 21 22 23 24 25 ...
Long Term Projects
CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST
NWO Projects in the Dutch Caribbean
WUR: R.H. Wijffels Bioproducts Stand-alone production of algal products for food, feed, chemicals and fuels BON CIEE: Rita Peachey
NIOZ: Fleur van Duyl, Steven van Heuzen (PostDoc), Caribbean coral reef ecosystems: interactions of anthropogenic ocean acidification and eutrophication with bioerosion by BON, SAB, Alice Webb (PhD student) Coral Reef Ecosystems coral excavating sponges EUX STENAPA - Bioerosion and climate change CNSI
AUA, BON, VU: Jacintha Ellers, Matt Helmus, Wendy Jesse (PhD. Environmental Caribbean island biogeography meets the anthropocene CUR, EUX, Student), Jocelyn Behm (Postdoc) SXM CNSI
KITLV, Leiden University: Gert Oostindie (Project Confronting Caribbean Challenges: Hybrid Identities and Governance in Small-scale Island Jurisdictions BON, SAB, director) Environmental psychology - Behavioral differences between/within the BES islands when it comes to nature conservation and cultural heritage. EUX KITLV, Leiden University: Stacey Mac Donald (PhD student)
UU: Henk Dijkstra, NIOZ: Peter Herman, Rebecca Stability of Caribbean coastal ecosystems under future extreme sea level changes (SCENES) BON, EUX, James (PhD student) TU Delft: Julie Pietrzak Geosciences - The effects of climate change on calcifying algae SXM STENAPA CNSI
UU: Wim Spakman 4D crust-mantle modelling of the eastern Caribbean region: toward coupling deep driving processes to surface evolution NIOZ: Lennart de Nooijer Geomorphological EUX - Reconstructing past climate change Alfred Wegener Institute Germany CNSI
(1) UU: Jetske Vaas (PhD student), Peter Driessen, Exotic plant species in the Caribbean: foreign foes or alien allies? Frank van Laerhoven and Mendel Giezen (2) UU: BON, SAB, Invasive species (1) Socio-economic impacts of invasive plant species (2) Ecological impacts of invasive plant species-Utrecht University Elizabeth Haber (PhD student), Martin Wassen, Max EUX Rietkerk,Maarten Eppinga. CNSI
BioNews 32 - Content ... 26 27 28 29 30 ...
Long Term Projects
CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST
RuG: Per Palsbøll, Marjolijn Christianen, Jurjan van der Zee (PhD student) AUA, BON, WUR: Lisa Becking Reptiles Ecology and conservation of green and hawksbill turtles in the Dutch Caribbean CUR, SAB, STCB: Mabel Nava EUX, SXM CARMABI STENAPA CNSI
BO-projects in the Dutch Caribbean (Min EZ)
Coral Reef Ecosystems BO-11-019.02-038– Analysis photomaterial coral reefs BON, CUR WUR: Erik Meesters
BO-11-019.02-022 –Inventory corals Coral Reef Ecosystems BON, CUR WUR: Erik Meesters Includes monitoring and research of the longest coral reef time-series in the world (since 1973)
BON, SAB, Conservation BO-11-019.02-060 – Status of nature conservation of the Caribbean Netherlands (for new nature policy plan) WUR: Dolfi Debrot EUX
AUA, BON, DCBD BO-11-019.02-002 - Expansion knowledge system Dutch Caribbean CUR, SAB, WUR (Alterra): Peter Verweij EUX, SXM
Fisheries BO-11-019.02-055 – Fisheries Dutch Caribbean SAB, EUX WUR: Dolfi Debrot
Marine biodiversity BO-11-019.02-008 – Saba Bank – Marine biodiversity SAB WUR: Erik Meesters
Marine mammals & sharks BO-11-019.02-054 – Yarari marine mammal and shark sanctuary BON, SAB WUR: Dolfi Debrot
BioNews 32 - Content ... 26 27 28 29 30 ...
Long Term Projects
CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST
World Heritage nomination BO-11-019.02-050 – World Heritage nomination Bonaire National Marine Park BON WUR: Dolfi Debrot
“Nature Fund” Projects in the Dutch Caribbean See page 4-8 (Min EZ)
EU-BEST funded Projects in the Dutch Caribbean
Directie Natuur en Milieu: Gisbert Boekhoudt Marine ecosystems Marine Park Aruba AUA TNO: Kris Kats
WUR: Erik Meesters SCF STENAPA NFSXM SAB, EUX, Coral Reef Ecosystems Restoration Ecosystem Services and Coral Reef Quality (Project RESCQ) Turks & Caicos Reef Fund SXM Students: Niels Wagenaar, Silvan Allard, Pam Engelberts, Roxanne Francisca, Lotte Staat, Carmen Carpendale, Daniela Simal, Emma Louise Pratt, Renate Olie, Amber Mulder
Conservation Watershed & Biodiversity Conservation of Roi Sangu valley BON Echo: Lauren Schmaltz
BioNews 32 - Content ... 26 27 28 29 30 ... Monitoring Overview
CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST
DRO: Frank van Slobbe Birds Flamingo Abundance BON Cargill STINAPA: Paulo Bertuol
Birds Monitoring vulnerable parrot nests (remote camera sensing work) BON Echo: Nathan Schmaltz
Echo: Lauren Schmaltz Birds Yellow-shouldered Amazon parrot roost counts BON DROB: Peter Montanus STINAPA: Paulo Bertuol
FPNA AUA Birds Bird Monitoring (Caribbean Waterbird Census) DLVV: Tatiana Becker BON STINAPA: Paulo Bertuol
STINAPA: Paulo Bertuol Cargill Birds Tern monitoring(artificial nesting islands) BON DROB WUR: Dolfi Debrot
Echo: Nathan Schmaltz Birds Terrestrial Bird Monitoring Program for Bonaire BON STINAPA
STENAPA SAB Birds Red-billed Tropicbird monitoring SCF: Kai Wulf EUX WUR: Dolfi Debrot
Birds Pelican monitoring SXM NFSXM: Melanie Meijer zu Schlochtern
Coral reef ecosystems Coral Bleaching Monitoring SXM NFSXM: Tadzio Bervoets
BioNews 32 - Content ... 26 27 28 29 30 ... Monitoring Overview
CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST
STINAPA: Caren Eckrich BON CARMABI: Mark Vermeij CUR SCF (SBMU): Jens Odinga Coral reef ecosystems Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network SAB STENAPA: Jessica Berkel EUX NFSXM: Tadzio Bervoets SXM CNSI
Corals reef ecosystems Doobies Crack reef damage recovery survey EUX STENAPA: Erik Houtepen
Corals reef ecosystems Staghorn coral field monitoring survey EUX STENAPA: Jessica Berkel
Monitoring and research of the longest coral reef time-series in the world (since 1973) BON WUR: Erik Meesters, Didier de Bakker (PhD student) Coral reef ecosystems (Part of BO-11-019.02-022 –Inventory corals) CUR NIOZ: Fleur van Duyl, Rolf Bak
STINAPA: Sabine Engel, Caren Eckrich Seagrass and mangrove monitoring BON Ecosystems WUR: Klaas Metselaar (BON: also conch and benthic fauna) SXM NFSXM: Tadzio Bervoets
NFSXM: Tadzio Bervoets Environmental Water quality testing SXM EPIC: Natalia Collier
Environmental Nutrient (phosphate, ammonium, nitrate and nitrite) monitoring St Eustatius’ coastal waters EUX CNSI: Johan Stapel
WUR: Martin de Graaf, Erwin Winter BON STINAPA: Caren Eckrich Shark monitoring: CUR CARMABI: Mark Vermeij Fish -Shark sightings SAB SCF(SBMU): Jens Odinga - Shark Abundance, distribution and movements (tagging, acoustic telemetry) SXM STENAPA: Jessica Berkel EUX NFSXM: Tadzio Bervoets
SCF (SBMU): Jens Odinga Fish Spawning monitoring: Red hind surveys on Moonfish Bank SAB WUR: Martin de Graaf
Insects Bee tracking BON Echo: Nathan Schmaltz
BioNews 32 - Content ... 26 27 28 29 30 ... Monitoring Overview
CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST
Goat and/or donkey removal: STINAPA -Washington Slagbaai National Park BON WUR: Dolfi Debrot Invasive species - Lac Bay area (exclusion plots) EUX DROB - Quill National Park (exclusion plots) STENAPA
BON STINAPA: Paulo Bertuol (50 meter traps) CUR CARMABI: Mark Vermeij Invasive species Lionfish abundance and control SXM NFSXM: Tadzio Bervoets SAB SCF (SBMU): Jens Odinga EUX STENAPA: Jessica Berkel
Invasive species Monkey Monitoring: abundance and distribution SXM NFSXM: Tadzio Bervoets
Echo: Nathan Schmaltz, Sam Williams Invasive species Feral pig population assesment (trapping) BON UsA: Michaela Roberts
AUA FPNA Mammals Bat monitoring BON WildConscience: Fernando Simal, Linda Garcia
Mammals Dolphin monitoring (since 1999) BON Ron Sewell
NOAA: Heather Heenehan, Sofie Van Parijs, Peter Corkeron, Fred Wenzel Caribbean Humpback Acoustic Monitoring Programme (CHAMP) Mammals BON, AUA STINAPA: Wijnand de Wolf AMMF: Angiolina Henriquez RCN: Paul Hoetjes
WUR: Dick de Haan Mammals Marine Mammal Monitoring (noise loggers Saba Bank) SAB SCF (SBMU): Jens Odinga
SAB WUR: Martin de Graaf, Erik Boman (PhD student) Molluscs Conch (Strombus gigas) on St. Eustatius, Saba Bank, Anguilla EUX SCF (SBMU): Jens Odinga
BioNews 32 - Content ... 31 32 33 34 35 ... Monitoring Overview
CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST
WUR: Martin de Graaf SAB Natural resource use Fishery monitoring (including lionfish, shark bycatch and marine mammal sightings) SCF (SBMU): Jens Odinga EUX Gem City Consulting: Erik Boman
Plants Reforestation Klein Bonaire BON STINAPA: Johan van Blerk
Plants Phenology of bats in cacti landscapes of Aruba AUA WildConscience: Linda Garcia, FPNA
STENAPA Reptiles Lesser Antillean Iguana: Monitoring population density & removing invasive Green Iguana and hybrids EUX RAVON: Tim van Wagensveld EcoPro: Hannah Madden
Reptiles Boa and Cascabel Monitoring AUA FPNA, Toledo Zoological Society: Andrew Odum
TurtugAruba Foundation Sea turtle monitoring: STCB: Mabel Nava -Satellite tracking AUA, BON, CARMABI (STCC): Sabine Berendse Reptiles -Nest monitoring CUR, SAB, STENAPA: Jessica Berkel -In water surveys (BON, CUR, SXM) EUX, SXM SCF: Kai Wulf -Fibropapillomatosis presence (BON) NFSXM: Tadzio Bervoets
BioNews 32 - Content ... 31 32 33 34 35 ... List of Acronyms
AUA Aruba LVV Department of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Fisheries, St. Eustatius BON Bonaire NFSXM Nature Foundation St. Maarten CUR Curaçao Naturalis Naturalis Biodiversity Center, The Netherlands SAB Saba NIOZ NIOZ Royal Institute for Sea Research, the Netherlands EUX St. Eustatius
SXM St. Maarten NWO NWO Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research
Agricultural, Educational, Rural, Environmental Sciences, RAVON Reptielen Amfibieën Vissen Onderzoek Nederland AERES Hogeschool in the Netherlands RuG University of Groningen, the Netherlands AMMF Aruba Marine Mammal Foundation SBMU Saba Bank Management Unit ANEMOON Analyse Educatie en Marien Oecologisch Onderzoek ASDF Aruba Sustainable Development Foundation SCF Saba Conservation Foundation BEST Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Territories of European overseas Smithsonian Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History
BO project Policy Supporting Research project STCB Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire BU Bangor University, United Kingdom STCC Sea Turtle Conservation Curacao CARMABI Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity Foundation Photo by: © Rudy van Gelderen STENAPA St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation CEAB The Blanes Centre for Advanced Studies, Spain CIEE Council of International Educational Exchange, Bonaire STINAPA National Parks Foundation Bonaire CRF Coral Reef Foundation TUD Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands
DCNA Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance UsA University of St. Andrews, Scotland
DCBD Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database UU University of Utrecht, the Netherlands DRO Directorate of Spatial Planning and Development, Bonaire UvA University of Amsterdam, the Netherland DLVV Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fishery and Farmers market (Santa Rosa) (Santa Rosa), Aruba VHL University of Applied Sciences VHL, the Netherlands
EcoPro Ecological Professionals Foundation VU VU University Amsterdam, the Netherlands
ECPHF Eastern Caribbean Public Health Foundation Wildconscience Wildlife Conservation, Science and Education
EPIC Environmental Protection in the Caribbean WNF World Wide Fund for Nature
FPNA Fundacion Parke Nacional Arikok, Aruba WUR Wageningen Universitwy and Research Centre, the Netherlands
HAS HAS University of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands WUR (Alterra) Wageningen Environmental Research, the Netherlands Photo by: © Duncan MacRae
BioNews 32 - Content ... 31 32 33 34 35 ... These reports and publications can be found in the Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Reports and Publications Overview Database (DCBD) (http://www.dcbd.nl). The DCBD is a central online storage facility for all biodiversity and conservation related information in the Dutch Caribbean.
If you have research and monitoring data, the DCNA secretariat can help you to get it housed in Below you will find an overview of the reports and publications on biodiversity related subjects in the Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database (DCBD). Please e-mail us: [email protected] the Dutch Caribbean that have recently been published.
“Bjorndal et al. (2017) “Reijnen, B.T., van der Meij, S.E.T. (2017) Ecological regime shift drives declining growth rates of sea turtles Coat of many colours - DNA reveals polymorphism of mantle patterns and throughout the West Atlantic, Global Change Biology, doi: 10.1111/ colouration in Caribbean Cyphoma Röding, 1798 (Gastropoda, Ovulidae). gcb.13712” PeerJ 5: e3018.”
“Calhoun, S.K., Haas, A.F., Takeshita, Y., Johnson, M.D., Fox, M.D., “Trembanis, A.C., Forrest, A., Keller, B., Patterson, M. (2017) Kelly, E.L.A., Mueller, B., Vermeij, M.J.A., Kelly, L.W., Nelson, C.E., Mesophotic coral ecosystems: a geoacoustically derived proxy for habitat Price, N.N., Roach, T.N.F., Rohwer, F.L., Smith, J.E. (2017) and relative diversity for the leeward shelf of Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean. Exploring the occurrence of and explanations for nighttime spikes in dis- Frontiers in Marine Science, 4, 51.” solved oxygen across coral reef environments. PeerJ Preprints 5:e2935v1.” “Villamizar G., E.Y., Cervigón, F. (2017) Chatfield-Taylor, W. (2017) Variability and sustainability of the Southern Subarea of the Caribbean Caribbean Audubon’s shearwaters puffinus Lherminieri choose nest- Sea large marine ecosystem, Environmental Development, http://dx.doi. ing locations that improve male and female pre-laying exodus foraging org/10.1016/j.envdev.2017.02.005” strategies, Marine Ornithology 45: 103–106.
“Derek, R.R.W.M.(2016) Student Reports The history of resource exploitation in Aruba, Landscape series 2.” “Ruijs, N. (student) & M. De Graaf (student) (2017) “Griffith, M.P., de Freitas. J., Barros, M., Noblick, L.R. (2017) Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) survey of elasmobranchs on Sabal antillensis (Arecaceae): a new palmetto species from the Leeward Bonaire’s reef” Antilles, Phyototaxa 303 (1): 056-064.” “George, E.E. (Msc. student) (2016) “Mueller, B. (2017) Coral Reef Geometry wars: using coral geometry to predict coral First documentation of encrusting specimen of Cliona delitrix on Curaçao: competitive outcomes “ a cause for concern?, Marine Biodiversity Records” Photo by: © Marion Haarsma
“Nagelkerken, I., Huebert, K.B., Serafy, J.E., Grol, M.G.G., Dorenbosch, M., Bradshaw, C.J.A. (2017) Highly localized replenishment of coral reef fish populations near nursery habitats, Mar Ecol Prog Ser (568): 137-150.”
BioNews 32 - Content ... 31 32 33 34 35 ... Calendar
May July
“Island Invasives Conference, Dalhousie Building, 20 Event Endangered Species Day 14-Oct Conference University of Dundee, Scotland (http://www.islandinvasives2017.com)”
22 Event International Day for Biological Diversity 17-21 Workshop R statistical programming for biological science, CARMABI, Curacao
38th Scientific Conference, Association of Marine Laboratories in the 22-26 Event Caribbean, Yucantán, Mexico August
5-12 Workshop Coral Reef Ecology Workshop Series, Bonaire (Dream Weaver Travel) June
3-11 Event Dutch Caribbean Shark Week (Save Our Sharks Project) September
4th International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC4), La 4 Event Open House Washington-Slagbaai National Park, STINAPA, Bonaire 4 Congress Serena-Coquimbo, Chile
5 Event World Environmental Day 6 Vacation Bonairedag
8 Event World Oceans Day
13-16 Congress 9th Mexican Coral Reef Congress, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico
16 Event World Sea Turtle Day
28-30 Conference 8th Conference of Parties of the IAC, Buenos Aires, Agentinie
More events to add to this calendar? Please e-mail us: [email protected]
Photo by: © Kai Wulf
BioNews 32 - Content ... 31 32 33 34 35 ... Members of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance DCNA Contact information
Address: Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance Kaya Finlandia 10A Kralendijk, Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean Aruba St. Eustasius Fundacion Parke Nacional STENAPA Contact us: Arikok +599 318 28 84 +599 717 5010 +297 585 1234 www.statiapark.org [email protected] www.arubanationalpark.org www.DCNAnature.org
Social Media facebook.com/DutchCaribbeanNatureAlliance Bonaire St. Maarten twitter.com/DCNA STINAPA Bonaire Nature Foundation +599 717 84 44 +721 544 4267 www.stinapa.org www.naturefoundationsxm.org
Credits Photography: Courtesy of SHAPE Photography or Brenda S. & R. Kirkby unless otherwise Credited. Curaçao Curaçao Concept and Design: Deviate Design. www.Deviate.Design CARMABI Stiching uniek Curaçao +599 9 462 4242 +599 9 462 8989 www.carmabi.org www.uniekcuracao.org
Sponsors
DCNA’s activities are generously supported Saba by The Dutch Postcode Lottery. Saba Conservation Foundation +599 416 32 95 Bionews is funded by the www.sabapark.org Ministry of Economic Affairs.
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BioNews 32 - Content ... 36 37 References
Tiger shark crosses thirteen maritime > Continued: Tiger shark crosses thirteen maritime > Continued: Nature Funding: Restoring Bonaire’s boundaries in four weeks boundaries in four weeks dry forest
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