Mangroves

Salinity and Sediment Issues in the backwaters of Mangrove Forests Measuring of the Sediment Depths and Electrical Conductivity in the Mangrove Forests of Lac Bay , Bonaire

BSc Thesis

Abstract

Mangrove forests are among the most productive ecosystems on the planet. However, the global mangrove area is decreasing annually by 0.7% - 3%. For mangrove areas in semi-arid to arid climates, salinity is one of the causes for a decrease in mangrove canopy and tree die-off. This process occurs in mangrove forests and the backwaters near the main land. Because of their location and the presence of sediments, water circulation from the seaside becomes limited.

The backwaters near the mainland become shallow, warmer and isolated compared to the rest of the seawater, which results in increasing evapotranspiration and salinity rates. Lac Bay on Bonaire is a place where the salinity of the backwaters increase and where sediments limit the water circulation. In this case study, the electrical conductivity (EC) and sediment depths (SD) are measured to assess the current situation concerning the EC and SD variety in the backwaters of the mangrove forest at Lac Bay. This is done in two different areas in the backwaters: Area 1 and Area 2. In addition, the EC is measured twice to see if the EC changes over time and a third area is used as a reference site. The results show that the measured range of the EC in Area 1 and Area 2 is between 85 mS/cm - 128 mS/cm. The measured range of the sediment depths in Area 1 and Area 2 is between 1 cm – 379 cm. Furthermore, the EC values change over time and, with some exceptions, the greatest values are found the furthest from the feeder channels, which provide water from Lac Bay towards the backwaters. The tides are also a possible factor for the water to flow over a broader mangrove area towards the backwaters. This causes exceptions on the general pattern where EC increases with distance to feeder channels. Overall, the SD gradually increases with distance to the mainland. Some local exceptions from this pattern were measured in Area 2 and could be possible due to irregularities in the underlaying bedrock. In addition, the sediment inflow in the northern part of Area 1 causes some greater values than the surround areas.

 

These results and conclusions provide a baseline for follow-up research. This follow-up research should focus on factors which will prevent sediment inflow and help to reduce the EC values to make it possible to restore the previous state of the mangroves.

Date
2023
Data type
Research report
Theme
Research and monitoring
Report number
BSc Thesis
Geographic location
Bonaire

Modernizing Mangrove Monitoring in the Dutch Caribbean

Dutch below

collaborative effort between Maynooth University, University of Portsmouth and Wageningen University & Research explored the use of satellite technology to offer a cost-effective solution for accurate mangrove mapping within Bonaire’s Lac Bay Forest. This innovative approach empowers small island states to make informed decisions for the management and protection of these vital ecosystems. 

Mangrove ecosystems, crucial for ecological balance and human well-being, are facing severe degradation globally. This issue is particularly true within the Caribbean, where mangroves have declined by 7.9% between 1996 and 2020.  In this context, monitoring and managing these ecosystems has become imperative, yet challenges persist due to accessibility and limited resources availability. A recent study conducted in Lac Bay, Bonaire, presents a groundbreaking solution leveraging Sentinel-2 satellites. 

(Red mangroves. (Rhizophora mangle). Photo Credit: Henkjan Kievit)

Mapping Mangroves 

This recent study evaluated the use of Sentinel-2 satellite imagery to map the extent and species composition of mangrove forests in Lac Bay. Results showed that Sentinel-2 data are a valuable tool, providing accurate maps with a mean overall accuracy of over 95%. Using five Sentinel-2 images, the extent of mangrove forests in Lac Bay was estimated to be approximately 222.3 hectares, comprising mainly of red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle) and black mangroves (Avicennia germinans). 

Remote Sensing Indicators  

This research also attempted to assess the ecological condition of the mangrove forests through biophysical variables, namely Effective Leaf Area Index (used to assess the density of vegetation) and Net Primary Productivity (NPP) (how much energy plants are storing as biomass.   Despite the success in mapping, there were challenges in validating estimates, stressing the need for further refinement.  Estimating NPP based on remote sensing showed promise but needs to be further developed to fully replace traditional monitoring methods.  

Implications for Conservation and Management: 

Using satellites imagery has proven to be a game-changer for monitoring mangrove ecosystems. The study in Lac Bay showcases the potential of this technology to overcome challenges in mapping, assess ecological conditions, and support conservation efforts. As mangroves have recently gained attention for their value as a powerful Nature Based Solution, it will become increasingly important to monitor and preserve these vital coastal ecosystems for the future. 

(Thematic map of the distribution of the black mangrove A. germinans (in blue) and the red mangrove R. mangle (in red) in Lac Bay derived from the Sentinel-2 image registered on 23/03/2022.)

DCNA  

The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) supports (science) communication and outreach in the Dutch Caribbean region by making nature related scientific information more widely available through amongst others the Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database, DCNA’s news platform BioNews and through the press. This article contains the results from several (scientific) projects but the projects themselves are not DCNA projects. No rights can be derived from the content. DCNA is not liable for the content and the in(direct) impacts resulting from publishing this article. 

 

 

 

Een samenwerking tussen Maynooth University, University of Portsmouth en Wageningen University & Research onderzocht het gebruik van satelliettechnologie om een kosteneffectieve oplossing te bieden voor het nauwkeurig in kaart brengen van mangroven in het Lac Bay-bos op Bonaire. Deze innovatieve aanpak stelt kleine eilandstaten in staat om weloverwogen beslissingen te nemen voor het beheer en de bescherming van deze vitale ecosystemen.

(Rode mangrove. Foto: Henkjan Kievit)

Mangrove-ecosystemen, cruciaal voor het ecologisch evenwicht en het menselijk welzijn, worden wereldwijd geconfronteerd met ernstige degradatie. Dit probleem geldt met name in het Caribisch gebied, waar mangroven tussen 1996 en 2020 met 7,9% zijn afgenomen.  In deze context is het monitoren en beheren van deze ecosystemen absoluut noodzakelijk geworden, maar er blijven uitdagingen bestaan als gevolg van de toegankelijkheid en de beperkte beschikbaarheid van middelen. Een recente studie uitgevoerd in Lac Bay, Bonaire, presenteert een baanbrekende oplossing die gebruik maakt van Sentinel-2-satellieten.

Mangroven in kaart brengen

Deze recente studie evalueerde het gebruik van Sentinel-2-satellietbeelden om de omvang en soortensamenstelling van mangrovebossen in Lac Bay in kaart te brengen. De resultaten toonden aan dat Sentinel-2-gegevens een waardevol hulpmiddel zijn, omdat ze nauwkeurige kaarten opleveren met een gemiddelde algehele nauwkeurigheid van meer dan 95%. Aan de hand van vijf Sentinel-2-beelden werd de omvang van mangrovebossen in Lac Bay geschat op ongeveer 222,3 hectare, voornamelijk bestaande uit rode mangroven (Rhizophora mangle) en zwarte mangroven (Avicennia germinans).

Remote Sensing-indicatoren 

Dit onderzoek probeerde ook de ecologische toestand van de mangrovebossen te beoordelen aan de hand van biofysische variabelen, namelijk Effective Leaf Area Index (gebruikt om de dichtheid van vegetatie te beoordelen) en Net Primary Productivity (NPP) (hoeveel energie planten opslaan als biomassa). Ondanks het succes bij het in kaart brengen, waren er uitdagingen bij het valideren van schattingen, wat de noodzaak van verdere verfijning benadrukte. Het schatten van NPP door middel van remote sensing was veelbelovend, maar moet verder worden ontwikkeld om traditionele monitoringmethoden volledig te vervangen.

Implicaties voor behoud en beheer

Het gebruik van satellietbeelden is een gamechanger gebleken voor het monitoren van mangrove-ecosystemen. De studie in Lac Bay toont het potentieel van deze technologie om uitdagingen bij het in kaart brengen te overwinnen, ecologische omstandigheden te beoordelen en natuurbehoud te ondersteunen. Aangezien mangroven de laatste tijd aandacht hebben gekregen voor hun waarde als een krachtige Nature Based Solution (op de natuur gebaseerde oplossing), zal het steeds belangrijker worden om deze vitale kustecosystemen voor de toekomst te monitoren en behouden.

 

(Thematische kaart van de verspreiding van de zwarte mangrove A. germinans (in blauw) en de rode mangrove R. mangle (in rood) in Lac Bay, afgeleid van de Sentinel-2-afbeelding geregistreerd op 23/03/2022.)

DCNA

De Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) ondersteunt (wetenschaps) communicatie en outreach in de Nederlandse Caribische regio door natuurgerelateerde wetenschappelijke informatie breder beschikbaar te maken via onder meer de Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database, DCNA’s nieuwsplatform BioNews en de pers. Dit artikel bevat de resultaten van verschillende (wetenschappelijke) projecten, maar de projecten zelf zijn geen DCNA-projecten. Aan de inhoud kunnen geen rechten worden ontleend. DCNA is niet aansprakelijk voor de inhoud en de indirecte gevolgen die voortvloeien uit het publiceren van dit artikel.

 

 

 

 

Published in BioNews 72

Date
2024
Data type
Media
Theme
Research and monitoring
Geographic location
Bonaire
Author

Designing hard interventions for Lagun bay catchment to reduce sediment inflow

BSc International Land and Water Management Wageningen University

Supervisors:
WU Supervisor: Klaas Metselaar
Host supervisor: Sabine Engel

Abstract
Mangrove forest systems and coral reefs are vital ecosystems with ecological, economic, and societal importance. However, they face threats such as excessive sediment inflow from human activities, endangering their health and resilience. This report explores sediment-related issues in the Lagun Bay catchment area on Bonaire and proposes dams as sediment control measures. Potential soil erosion was assessed and dams were designed to reduce sediment transport effectively. However, maintenance is essential for dam functionality. Though not definitive, these dam designs offer potential solutions. Sustainable land and coastal management, coupled with improved data and regular maintenance, can protect these valuable ecosystems and preserve biodiversity. Further research is needed to enhance data quality and expand the study area.

Date
2023
Data type
Research report
Theme
Research and monitoring
Report number
BSc Thesis Wageningen University
Geographic location
Bonaire

Shaping Tomorrow’s Shores: The Future of Coastal Habitat Restoration

Dutch, Papiamento, and Papiamentu below

A new partnership between World Wide Fund for Nature – Netherlands (WWF-NL) the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and Coastal Dynamics will spearhead an initiative to define future conservation and restoration projects within Dutch Caribbean coastal habitats. Centered around mangroves and seagrass beds, this ambitious feasibility study aims to craft a portfolio of forward-looking projects. The objective is to fortify these areas against escalating threats like climate change, pollution, and unsustainable coastal development, ensuring their sustained health and resilience. 

The Dutch Caribbean is home to unique island ecosystems facing challenges from overdevelopment, climate change, and other environmental pressures. Coastal ecosystems represent critically important areas, particularly in regards to their biodiversity, climate resilience, and cultural heritage. The proposed feasibility study seeks to bridge gaps in expertise, resources, and collaboration across all six of the Dutch Caribbean islands (Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, Saba, St. Maarten and St. Eustatius). 

GOALS 

(Black Mangrove roots- Photo credit-Henkjan Kievit (SHAPE-DCNA)-all rights reserved.)

The primary goal of the project is to conduct an in-depth feasibility study under the DCNA’s Conservation and Restoration of Key Habitats Program. Key components of the study include assessing the current status of mangroves and seagrass beds, stakeholder engagement, and conducting an overall resource assessment. 

 

NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS 

The study will focus on coastal area restoration, specifically targeting mangroves and seagrass beds in collaboration with Dutch Caribbean Park Organizations. The aim is to develop a nature-inclusive approach with nature-based solutions to enhance resilience and sustainability.  Overall, this project has two main objectives: 

  • Feasibility Study: Assess the viability of conservation efforts, including technical, financial, and human resource requirements. 
  • Knowledge Sharing & Capacity Building: Present findings, address knowledge gaps, and build capacity among Park Organizations for effective restoration initiatives. 

 

FORWARD PLANNING 

(Red mangroves and seagrass beds-Photo credit-Christian König (SHAPE-DCNA)- all rights reserved.)

The feasibility study’s success is crucial for creating a comprehensive understanding of coastal habitat conditions, fostering collaboration, and laying the groundwork for future restoration programs. By unifying efforts, the study aims to enhance communication, knowledge sharing, and resource utilization across all six islands.

(Green turtle feeding on sea grass. Photo credit- Kai Wulf- all rights reserved.)

DCNA 

The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) supports (science) communication and outreach in the Dutch Caribbean region by making nature-related scientific information more widely available through amongst others the Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database, DCNA’s news platform BioNews and the press. No rights can be derived from the content. DCNA is not liable for the content and the in(direct) impacts resulting from publishing this article.  

 

 

 

Een nieuw samenwerkingsverband tussen het Wereld Natuur Fonds-Nederland (WWF-NL), de Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) en Coastal Dynamics zal het voortouw nemen bij een initiatief om toekomstige instandhoudings- en herstelprojecten binnen de Nederlandse Caribische kustecosystemen te definiëren. Deze ambitieuze haalbaarheidsstudie, gecentreerd rond mangroven en zeegrasvelden, heeft tot doel een portfolio van toekomstgerichte projecten samen te stellen. Het doel is om deze gebieden te versterken tegen bedreigingen zoals klimaatverandering, vervuiling en niet-duurzame kustontwikkeling om zo hun gezondheid en veerkracht te waarborgen. 

De Nederlandse Cariben is de thuisbasis van unieke eilandecosystemen die worden geconfronteerd met uitdagingen door overontwikkeling, klimaatverandering en andere milieudrukken. Kustecosystemen vertegenwoordigen gebieden van cruciaal belang, met name met betrekking tot hun biodiversiteit, klimaatbestendigheid en cultureel erfgoed. De voorgestelde haalbaarheidsstudie is bedoeld om tekortkomingen in expertise, middelen en samenwerking op alle zes de Nederlands-Caribische eilanden (Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Saba, Sint Maarten en Sint Eustatius) te overbruggen. 

DOELEN 

(Black Mangrove roots- Photo credit-Henkjan Kievit (SHAPE-DCNA)-all rights reserved.)

Het primaire doel van het project is het uitvoeren van een haalbaarheidsstudie in het kader van het “Conservation and Restoration of Key Habitats” programma van DCNA. Belangrijke onderdelen van de studie zijn onder meer het beoordelen van de huidige status van mangroven en zeegrasvelden, het betrekken van belanghebbenden en het uitvoeren van een algemene beoordeling van de hulpbronnen. 

 

NATUUR GEBASEERDE OPLOSSINGEN 

Het onderzoek zal zich richten op het herstel van kustgebieden, specifiek gericht op mangroven en zeegrasvelden in samenwerking met Nederlands Caribische park organisaties. Het doel is om een natuur inclusieve aanpak te ontwikkelen met op de natuur gebaseerde oplossingen om de veerkracht en duurzaamheid te vergroten.  Dit project twee hoofddoelstellingen: 

  • Haalbaarheidsstudie: Beoordeling van de haalbaarheid van instandhoudingsinspanningen, inclusief technische, financiële en personele benodigdheden. 
  • Kennisdeling en capaciteitsopbouw: Het in kaart brengen van bevindingen, tekortkomingen in kennis en capaciteitsopbouw bij parkorganisaties voor effectieve herstelinitiatieven. 

 

VOORUITPLANNEN 

(Red mangroves and seagrass beds-Photo credit-Christian König (SHAPE-DCNA)- all rights reserved.)

Het succes van de haalbaarheidsstudie is cruciaal voor het creëren van een alomvattend begrip van de omstandigheden van kustecosystemen, het bevorderen van samenwerking en het leggen van de basis voor toekomstige herstelprogramma’s. Door de inspanningen te bundelen, heeft de studie tot doel de communicatie, het delen van kennis en het gebruik van hulpbronnen op alle zes de Nederlands Caribische eilanden te verbeteren. 

(Green turtle feeding on sea grass. Photo credit- Kai Wulf- all rights reserved.)

 

DCNA 

De Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA)ondersteunt (wetenschaps) communicatie en outreach in de Nederlandse Caribische regio door natuurgerelateerde wetenschappelijke informatie breder beschikbaar te maken via onder meer de Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database, DCNA’s nieuwsplatform BioNews en de pers. Aan de inhoud kunnen geen rechten worden ontleend. DCNA is niet aansprakelijk voor de inhoud en de indirecte gevolgen die voortvloeien uit het publiceren van dit artikel.  

 

 

 

Un  partnership nobo entre Wereld Natuur Fonds-Nederland (WWF-NL)Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) y Coastal Dynamics lo lidera un iniciativa pa defini futuro proyectonan di conservacion y restauracion den e habitatnan costero di Caribe Hulandes. E estudio ambicioso di viabilidad aki, cu ta concentra riba mata di mangel y cama di yerba di lama, tin como meta pa crea un portfolio di proyecto dirigi riba futuro. den e habitatnan costero di Caribe Hulandes. Centrado den mata di mangel y raderas marino, e ambicioso estudio di viabilidad aki tin como meta elabora una cartera di proyecto cu vision di futuro. E meta ta pa fortifica e areanan aki contra menasanan creciente manera cambio di clima, contaminacion y desaroyo di costa no sostenibel, sigurando nan salud duradero y nan resiliencia. 

Caribe Hulandes ta aloha ecosistemanan insular unico cu ta enfrenta retonan debi na desaroyo excesivo, cambio di clima y otro presion ambiental. E ecosistemanan di costa ta representa areanan di importancia critico, particularmente pa loke ta trata nan biodiversidad, resiliencia climatico y patrimonio cultural. E estudio di factibilidad proponi tin como meta  vence e brechanan den experiencia, recurso y colaboracion na e seis islanan Caribe Hulandes (Aruba, Corsou, Boneiro, Saba, St. Maarten y St. Eustatius). 

METANAN 

(Black Mangrove roots- credito di e potret: Henkjan Kievit (SHAPE-DCNA)-all rights reserved)

E meta principal di e proyecto ta pa ehecuta un estudio di factibilidad profundo den cuadro di e Programa di Conservacion y Restauracion di Habitadnan principal di DCNA. E componentenan principal di e estudio ta inclui evaluacion di e estado actual di e mata di mangelnan y e camponan di yerba di lama, participacion di e partinan interesa y realisacion di un evaluacion general di e recursonan. 

 

SOLUCIONNAN BASA RIBA NATURALESA 

E estudio lo enfoca riba restauracion di area di costa, specificamente dirigi riba e camponan di yerba di lama den colaboracion cu e organisacionnan di parke di Dutch Caribbean. E meta ta pa desaroya un enfoke cu ta inclui naturalesa cu solucionnan basa riba naturalesa pa mehora resiliencia y sostenibilidad. En general, e proyecto aki tin dos meta principal:  

Estudio di factibilidad: Evalua e factibilidad di e esfuersonan di conservacion, incluyendo e rekisitonan tecnico, financiero y di recursonan humano. 

Intercambio di conocemento y desaroyo di capacidad: presenta experiencianan, aborda brechanan di conocemento y desaroya capacidad entre e organisacionnan di parke pa iniciativo di restauracion efectivo. 

 

PLANIFICACION ANTICIPA 

(Red mangroves and seagrass beds. Credito di e potret:Christian König (SHAPE-DCNA)- all rights reserved. )

E exito di e estudio di factibilidad ta crucial pa crea un comprension integral di e condicionnan di e habitad di cota, fomenta colaboracion y pone e basenan pa futuro programa di restauracion. Door di uni esfuerso, e estudio tin como meta mehora comunicacion, intercambio di conocemento y uzo di recurso na e seis islanan. 

 

DCNA 

(Tortuga blanku. Credito di e potret: Kai Wulf- all rights reserved.)

Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA)ta sostene comunicacion (cientifico) y  divulgacion den region di Caribe Hulandes door di percura cu e informacion cientifico relaciona cu naturalesa ta ampliamente disponibel a traves di entre otro, Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database, e plataforma di noticia BioNews di DCNA y prensa. DCNA no ta responsabel pa e contenido y e impactonan indirecto cu resulta di e publicacion di e articulo aki.  

 

 

Un laso di kolaborashon nobo entre Wereld Natuur Fonds – Hulanda (WWF-NL)Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) i Coastal Dynamicslo kana dilanti den un inisiativa pa definí futuro proyektonan di konservashon i restorashon dentro di e habitatnan na kosta di e área hulandes karibense. E estudio di faktibilidat ambisioso akí, ku ta konsentrá rònt di palu di mangel i kama di yerba di laman, tin komo meta pa kompilá un portofolio di proyekto ku enfoke riba futuro. E meta ta pa fortifiká e áreanan akí kontra menasanan ku ta eskalando, manera kambio di klima, kontaminashon i desaroyo no-sostenibel di kosta, di manera ku den un forma duradero nan ta keda salú i resiliente. 

Àrea karibense ta hospedá ekosistemanan úniko ku ta enfrentá desafionan manera konsekuensia di sobredesaroyo, kambio di klima i otro formanan di preshon riba medio ambiente. Ekosistemanan na kosta ta representá áreanan di importansia krusial, prinsipalmente ora ta trata di nan biodiversidat, resiliensia klimátiko i patrimonio kultural. E estudio di faktibilidat proponé tin komo meta pa yena e burakunan ku tin riba tereno di ekspertisio, rekurso i kolaborashon na tur e seis islanan di Karibe Hulandes (Aruba, Kòrsou, Boneiru, Saba, Sint Maarten i Sint Eustatius). 

META 

(Black Mangrove roots- Fuente di foto -Henkjan Kievit (SHAPE-DCNA)-all rights reserved.)

E meta prinsipal di e proyekto ta ehekushon di un estudio di faktibilidat profundo den kuadro di DCNA su Programa di Konservashon i Restorashon di Habitatnan Mas Importante. E partinan mas importante di e investigashon ta entre otro evaluashon di e estado aktual di palu di mangel i kama di yerba di laman, enbolbimentu di stakeholdernan i realisashon di un evaluashon general di e rekursonan. 

 

SOLUSHON BASÁ RIBA NATURALESA 

E investigashon ta bai dirigí su mes riba restorashon di áreanan di kosta, ku un enfoke spesífiko riba palu di mangel i kama di yerba di laman, den kolaborashon ku organisashonnan di parke di Karibe Hulandes. E meta ta pa desaroyá un aserkamentu naturalesa-inklusivo ku solushonnan basá riba naturalesa pa oumentá resiliensia i sostenibilidat. En general e proyekto akí tin dos ophetivo prinsipal: 

  • Estudio di faktibilidat: Evaluá viabilidat di esfuersonan di konservashon di naturalesa, inkluso eksigensianan tékniko, finansiero i di rekurso humano. 
  • Kompartí konosementu i desaroyá kapasidat: Presentá konklushonnan, atendé ku falta di konosementu i desaroyá kapasidat serka organisashonnan di parke pa inisiativanan efektivo di restorashon. 

 

PLANIFIKASHON ADELANTÁ 

(Red mangroves and seagrass beds. Fuente di foto -Christian König (SHAPE-DCNA)- all rights reserved.)

Éksito di e estudio di faktibilidat ta krusial pa krea un komprendementu integral di kondishon di e habitatnan na kosta, pa promové kolaborashon i  pa pone un base pa futuro programanan di restorashon. Pa medio di uni esfuerso, e investigashon ke mehorá komunikashon, interkambio di konosementu i uso di rekurso na tur e seis islanan. 

(Tortuga blanku. Fuente di foto: Kai Wulf- all rights reserved.)

 

DCNA

Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA)ta sostené komunikashon (sientífiko) i ‘outreach’ den region hulandes karibense pa medio di hasi informashon sientífiko relashoná ku naturalesa mas ampliamente disponibel via entre otro Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database, DCNA su plataforma di notisia BioNews  i via prensa. No por derivá ningun derecho for di e kontenido. DCNA no ta responsabel pa e kontenido i e konsekuensianan (in)direkto ku ta surgi for di publikashon di e artíkulo akí.    

 

 

 

Published in BioNews 70

 

Date
2023
Data type
Other resources
Theme
Governance
Research and monitoring
Geographic location
Aruba
Bonaire
Curacao
Saba
Saba bank
St. Eustatius
St. Maarten
Author

Mangrove restoration and carbon storage in Boka Sami, Curacao

Project description

Time: Oct 2023 - Ongoing

Project leaders: WUR (Celine van Bijsterveldt, Marjolijn Christianen), Deloitte (Rieneke van Noord), CARMABI (Erik Houtepen)

Project summary

WUR, Deloitte, and Carmabi are collaborating to restore the natural presence of mangrove trees in Boca Sami, Curaçao. Over the years, mangrove trees have disappeared in the area, resulting in loss of
biodiversity and carbon storage capacity, among other things. WUR Carmabi and Deloitte are working with local experts to bring back mangrove trees in their natural habitat to counteract these adverse effects in the area. Due to the pioneering nature of the project, one of the questions and challenges that come with this project is the determination of the carbon storage capacity of mangroves in this area.

Date
2023
Data type
Other resources
Theme
Research and monitoring
Geographic location
Curacao

Vegetation analysis of White Mangrove, Bonaire Caribbean Netherlands

Internship report (DRAFT)

 

Abstract 

A study was conducted on Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands, focusing on the White white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa) to gather information regarding its abundance and distribution, sediment characteristics, state and herbivory. The distribution range of the wWhite mangrove species is quite extensive on Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands. The species showed different types of adaptations to their environment, such as root system composition and tree height. The overall sediment composition of the White white mangrove species on Bonaire is sand with a limestone foundation underneath. Furthermore, the study on the herbivory brought forth several species that are potentially responsible for the herbivory on the White white mangrove. Overall, this study provides a basebase line data for filling up the knowledge gap on the White white mangrove species on the island of Bonaire and offers a foundation basis for further research and conservation efforts on the species. 

 

Date
2023
Data type
Research report
Theme
Research and monitoring
Report number
Project Internship
Geographic location
Bonaire

2023 Tropical Restoration Workshop Report

After the 2021 Workshop on Mangrove Restoration held on Bonaire, Jessica Johnson (Coastal Dynamics; Bonaire), Jimena Samper Villareal (Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología (CIMAR) of the University of Costa Rica (UCR)) and Sabine Engel (Internos/Mangrove Maniacs; Bonaire) joined forces to establish the Tropical Restoration Network. The aim of this network is to provide a platform for the collaboration and methodological harmonization of the many efforts for restoration of blue carbon habitats, focused on seagrasses and mangroves, in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and Eastern Tropical Pacific region.

 

Building off the momentum of the 2021 Workshop, a follow on Tropical Restoration Workshop was planned for 6-8 June 2023 hosted by the University of Costa Rica in San Jose. Participants from across the region were invited to attend, either virtually or in person

Date
2023
Data type
Other resources
Theme
Education and outreach
Research and monitoring
Geographic location
Aruba
Bonaire
Curacao
Saba
St. Eustatius
St. Maarten

A study of the effect of salinity and soil composition on the survival rate of Conocarpus erectus planted on Bonaire.

This research was conducted as part of my bachelor internship for the Tropical Forestry specialization of the forest and nature management studies at Van Hall Larenstein, University of Applied Sciences. The internship was conducted at Mangrove Maniacs, an Bonaire based NGO that mainly works to restore the mangrove forests on the island. Field work was conducted between May and July 2022.

Date
2022
Data type
Research report
Theme
Research and monitoring
Report number
Forestry and Nature management Internship Report
Geographic location
Bonaire

Mangrove and Seagrass Restoration on Bonaire

Summary
Vegetated coastal ecosystems provide important ecosystem services on which humans depend. Mangrove and seagrass ecosystems function as a nursery for fish, sequester large amounts of carbon and protect our coasts. Mangroves and seagrasses worldwide are threatened by human disturbances like coastal development, tourism, pollution, and climate change. Therefore, the protection of these valuable ecosystems is crucial and understanding underlying dynamics becomes increasingly important. Monitoring restoration efforts of mangroves and seagrasses provides more knowledge on effective restoration measures. On the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire, both large areas of mangrove forest and seagrass beds are present. Nature organisations like Mangrove Maniacs and STINAPA work together on mangrove and seagrass restoration. However, there are still knowledge gaps on the most suitable restoration measures for certain areas and there is a lack of monitoring. Therefore, this four month professional internship with Mangrove Maniacs focussed on monitoring mangrove and seagrass restoration efforts. In consultation with the internship host, activities included monitoring a new mangrove restoration pilot in the mangrove forest of Lac Bay, a reforestation area near Lac Bay and a new seagrass restoration experiment at Klein Bonaire. Besides, helping to set up a regional blue carbon network, analysing data and conducting a literature review were also part of this internship, next to joining the weekly Tuesday morning of channel maintenance with the Mangrove Maniacs. With this internship research, I was able to provide new insights on mangrove and seagrass restoration on Bonaire which could help steering future research and restoration plans of the host organisation.

Date
2023
Data type
Research report
Theme
Research and monitoring
Report number
Internship Report
Geographic location
Bonaire

Poster - THE ROLE OF CREEKS FOR TIDAL EXCHANGE IN THE MANGROVE FOREST OF LAC BAY, BONAIRE

The mangrove forest in Lac Bay, Bonaire, experiences a die-off of trees in its northern area (Awa di Lodo). This die-off is caused by a combination of hypersaline conditions, long inundation periods and excess sedimentation. It is expected that an increase in the tidal exchange between Lac Bay and Awa di Lodo will improve environmental conditions for mangroves to grow. Due to mangrove roots growing into the creeks in combination with sedimentation, the creeks eventually close off, reducing the creek flow. The Mangrove Maniacs are restoring the creeks in Lac Bay (figure 2) to improve creek flow and they want a better understanding of the impacts of their work. This study aims to create more insight into the tidal-induced hydrodynamic processes in Lac Bay and the contribution of creeks in the mangrove forest to the tidal exchange.

During a field campaign from January to March 2022 field data were collected on flow velocities, water levels and topographic characteristics of Lac Bay. The field measurements show that the tidal wave is diurnal and has a negligible delay propagating through the open water of Lac Bay. In Awa di Lodo, high water is reached on average more than four hours later than in the open bay. During spring tide, the tidal range in the open water is sufficiently large to create an increasing trend in the water level in Awa di Lodo. The water level lowers again when the tidal range decreases during neap tide. Flow velocities in the creeks mainly depend on the water level difference between the open water and Awa di Lodo. Both ebb and flood dominant peak velocity asymmetries are observed in the creeks. A flood dominant tidal duration asymmetry in Awa di Lodo indicates that sheet flow during high tides is responsible for the fast increase of the water level in Awa di Lodo while during low tides the creeks are responsible for the outflow.

Based on the data from the field campaign, a hydrodynamic model (Delft3D) was built to analyse the effects of tidal creeks restoration on flow velocities, tidal exchange and water levels of Awa di Lodo (figure 1). The model shows that creeks significantly influence the tidal exchange between the open water and Lac Bay. A new creek connection to Awa di Lodo, either by extending the centre creek or by creating a new creek, is found to be the most efficient to increase the tidal exchange (table 1). It was concluded that the widening of the creeks, deepening of the creeks or extension of the eastern creek system would have a limited effect on the tidal exchange. Creek restoration is shown to be an effective measure to increase the tidal exchange in the mangrove forest of Lac Bay.

Date
2022
Data type
Media
Theme
Research and monitoring
Geographic location
Bonaire
Author