DCNA

Bonaire Hosts an International Mangrove Restoration Workshop

Between October 25th and 28th, Bonaire’s Mangrove Maniacs hosted their first Mangrove Restoration Workshop .  The goal was to provide a platform for researchers, conservationists, park authorities or anyone passionate about nature restoration to share ideas and knowledge on mangrove restoration techniques.  With representatives from over 12 countries, including 20 in person and 40 virtual participants, this workshop strengthens the mangrove conservation network across the Caribbean.

Mangrove Restoration Workshop Presentations. Photo credit: Mangrove Maniacs

 

International Collaboration

Representatives from around the world including Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, the Bahamas, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Martinique, the Netherlands, Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica and the United States tuned in to share ideas for mangrove restoration practices.  Throughout this four-day event, participants engaged in meaningful dialogue, swapping ideas and tips on ways to maximize conservation efforts.  In addition, the last two days provided hands on experience in mangrove restoration, building and maintaining mangrove nurseries, as well as outplanting both along the coast and within degraded areas.

Funding and support was provided by the Regional Activity Centre for the Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (CAR SPAW), Mangrove Maniacs, STINAPA Bonaire and the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance.  Presentations throughout the workshop spanned from expert University partners to representatives from NGOs to enthusiastic citizens.  In total, over 20 people were able to attend the workshop in person and over 40 participants logged in to attend the workshop virtually.

 

Lessons Learned

Participants in mangrove channel. Photo credit: Jessica Johnson

In addition to creating new networks and collaborative partnership opportunities, this workshop provided firsthand experience in the field of mangrove restoration.  Mangroves are continuing to gain recognition not only for their ability to provide critical habitats and coastal protection but also as a significant tool for building resilience against climate change.  This workshop provided key insight into the importance of maintaining environments to serve as carbon sinks as well as the ability to leverage Blue Carbon in future reporting and financing prospects.

DCNA’s director, Tadzio Bervoets, took the opportunity to stress the importance of supporting and growing research and education opportunities for students within the Caribbean region.  Caribbean islands have the unique ability to showcase a wide variety of natural habitats, perfect for conducting research and staying on the cutting edge of habitat restoration and conservation techniques.  Fostering this thirst for knowledge and educational growth within local Caribbean populations will be key to pushing the Caribbean to the forefront of environmental research.  Knowledge sharing opportunities, such as these, provide unique opportunities to bring together a wide range of people to maximize communal understanding of mangrove forests.  As climate change and human-driven pressures continue to increase, interventions from all levels will be required.

Members from Bonaire’s STINAPA and Aruba’s FPNA working together to plant buttonwood tree. Photo credit: Mangrove Maniacs

More Information

To learn more about the workshop, please visit the Mangrove Maniacs’ webpage (www.mangrovemaniacs.org/workshop2021).  From here you will find links to most of the presentations as well as contact information for presenting participants.  For more information on how you can get involved, contact your local park authority or join the Mangrove Maniacs mailing list by using this link.

 

Article published in BioNews 49

Date
2021
Data type
Media
Theme
Education and outreach
Research and monitoring
Geographic location
Aruba
Bonaire
Curacao
Author

Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance Paints Bleak Picture of the Impacts of Climate Change in the Dutch Caribbean

Concerned at Lack of Mention of the Impacts of Climate Change During Address of King Willem Alexander at the Joint Session of the States-General of the Netherlands

Increased rain runoff due to a changing climate has been impacting the coral reefs of the Dutch Caribbean, including the coral reefs of Bonaire. Source: Marcel van der Kamp

The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance expressed its concern at the lack of attention on matters related to the impact of Climate Change in the Dutch Caribbean in The Hague. Despite Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte mentioning the impacts of Climate Change in the Dutch Caribbean during his intervention at the UN General Assembly in September, very little concrete actions and support for what will be the most critical crises facing people of the Dutch Caribbean in the immediate future. The statements from the regional conservation network comes on the eve of the opening of CoP26 held in Glasgow, Scotland from November 1st to November 12th.

“While it was commendable that climate change has been mentioned by Dutch Politicians lately, we  are still quite concerned that very little attention is being paid to the impact climate change will have on the Caribbean part of the Kingdom, this while it is clear that those living in the Caribbean, the biodiversity hotspot of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, are at the forefront of the climate crises,” commented DCNA Director Tadzio Bervoets.

Bervoets continued to mention that during meetings held recently with various parliamentarians and directorates in the Netherlands, DCNA highlighted the existential crises posted by the changing climate; “We had to remind the politicians, bureaucrats and technocrats in The Hague that the various agreements and accords related to climate change are ratified by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and not by only the Netherlands, and as such there has to be increased focus in ensuring that the islands are better equipped to deal with what is expected to be an existential crises. We even had to explain issues such as increased hurricanes, coral bleaching, sargassum invasions and droughts to what we assumed would be experts in climate change who had no idea about these impacts. This is both disappointing and alarming,” continued Bervoets.

The most recent climate change predictions for the Caribbean region by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) are alarming and suggest that the islands of the Dutch Caribbean will go through profound environmental changes within the next few decades. The IPCC has projected that for the Caribbean Region an increase in air temperature of 1.4°C will result in a decrease in rainfall of 5 to 6%; an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events including a 66% increase in hurricane intensity; and a rise in sea level of 0.5 to 0.6m as a result of thermal expansion of water and glacial melt.

In 2015 the Sint Maarten Nature Foundation conducted a study which modeled what the island will look like with just 1.5 meters of sea-level rise. Source: Sint Maarten Nature Foundation

 

These climate change predictions are especially worrying in the context of an already visible warming trend. Average temperatures in the Dutch Caribbean have risen steeply over the past 40 years according to recent data. In Curaçao, research carried out by the Meteorological Department found that over the past few decades the island has progressively experienced more hot days and fewer cooler nights. Because the islands of the Dutch Caribbean form two geographically distinct groups separated by more than 900 km of open water, it is expected that climate change will not impact these two island groups in the same way.  Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao are located in the Southern Caribbean, an area that is predicted to become warmer and drier, with longer seasonal dry periods. Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten, which are located in the Northeast Caribbean and therefore within the Caribbean hurricane belt, are predicted to experience more frequent and violent tropical hurricanes, as was evident during the disastrous 2017 Hurricane Season. All of the Dutch Caribbean’s marine and terrestrial ecosystems and the species that inhabit them will be affected, to varying degrees. Coral reefs are predicted to be especially vulnerable as higher ocean temperatures and ocean acidification will undoubtedly result in mass coral bleaching events, among other things.

Hurricane Irma, whose unforeseen rapid intensification and whose impacts as one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded was a direct result of climate change. Source: NOAA

The economy of the Dutch Caribbean Islands is also largely dependent on tourism and it is expected that this single economic pillar will also be drastically impacted: increase in storms and hurricanes may result in tourists’ perception of destination as unsafe; beach erosion and coral bleaching may negatively impact perceptions of destination attractiveness; there will be an increased risk of damage to coastal resort properties by violent hurricanes and other storms and of damage to tourist attractions; on Bonaire, beach erosion due to loss of shallow reefs leaves historic plantation buildings like those of Washington Slagbaai Park vulnerable.

The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) released a special edition of their free digital newsletter BioNews highlighting the challenges facing the Dutch Caribbean in the fight against climate change.  Using internationally accepted climate change predictions and (research) reports, impacts both above and below water have been defined for all six islands, stressing the need for immediate action to build resilience against the effects of climate change. Loss of nature has far reaching negative consequences for the local population since nature serves as both one of the most important sources of income and offers protection against extreme weather conditions. However, it will take a concerted effort to ensure that nature, lives and livelihoods are not lost due to inaction by decision-makers.

 

https://www.dcbd.nl/document/bionews-special-climate-change

 

Article published in BioNews 48

Date
2021
Data type
Media
Theme
Education and outreach
Research and monitoring
Geographic location
Aruba
Bonaire
Curacao
Saba
Saba bank
St. Eustatius
St. Maarten
Author

New Technique to Enrich Genetic Diversity of Elkhorn Corals

Using cryopreserved reproductive cells of elkhorn corals, researchers have crossbreed individuals from Florida and Puerto Rico with those of Curaçao in an important first step to creating more heat tolerant populations. The goal is to increase genetic diversity within at-risk populations of corals to help build resilience for future generations.

Genetic evolution allows entire populations to adapt, over many generations, to their local environments. However, environmental conditions are now changing at an accelerated rate, and in some cases, outpacing the ability of species to adapt. This is where Assisted Gene Flow (AGF) comes into play; this conservation intervention involves directly introducing genetic diversity into at-risk populations. In other words, researchers can now influence the reproductive process of threatened species in order to introduce new genetic diversity and thus facilitate faster evolution.

Elkhorn coral. Photo credit: Hans Leijnse

Elkhorn Coral

Corals are excellent candidates for the Assisted Gene Flow technique, especially the IUCN “critically endangered” elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata). Estimates place the decline in their populations around 95% since the 1980s. Further, they’ve struggled to keep up with changing water conditions and have documented reproductive issues. Mature corals are difficult to relocate for the purposes of AGF and coral gametes (reproductive cells) lose viability within a few hours. Researchers have therefore used cryopreservation to achieve AGF in this species.

Within the region, there are two distinct populations of elkhorn coral, one from the northwestern Atlantic and one from the Caribbean. A central, mixed zone exists near Puerto Rico. Over time, these populations have evolved to their unique thermal and oceanographic environments.

New Techniques

A recently published report highlighted the successful demonstration of using AGF to fertilize elkhorn corals. This research was a collaborative effort by CARMABI, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Penn State University, Florida Aquarium Center for Conservation, and Mote Marine Laboratory. Using cryopreserved sperm from eastern and central Caribbean (Florida and Puerto Rico) elkhorn corals, researchers were able to fertilize eggs from western Caribbean (Curaçao). By mixing these genetic pools, researchers may be able to accelerate region-wide adaptations to climate change.

Elkhorn coral. Photo credit: Duncan MacRae

Future of Conservation

In addition to achieving the highest ever survival rate for elkhorn coral juveniles, these researchers were able to generate the largest living wildlife population ever created from cryopreserved cells. This research proved the viability of using cryopreserved genetic material to increase genetic diversity. The future of coral conservation will require innovative techniques, such as AGF, to help keep pace with the accelerated changed due to climate change. By identifying and cryopreserving genetic material for threatened corals, crossbreeding with more tolerant populations may be the key to preserving these species in the future.

To read the full report, please use the DCBD link below.

https://www.dcbd.nl/document/assisted-gene-flow-using-cryopreserved-sper...

 

Article published in BioNews 48

Date
2021
Data type
Media
Theme
Education and outreach
Research and monitoring
Geographic location
Curacao
Author

Using Satellite Imagery to Map St. Eustatius Coralita Invasion

Coralita is an invasive plant species, rapidly spreading across St. Eustatius.  A recently published report highlighted the ability to use satellite imagery to systematically map Coralita’s distribution over the island.  The approach could provide key insights into how habitat and vegetation are changing over time to aid in conservationists’ efforts to minimize the negative effects of Coralita and similar invasive species.

Coralita overgrowth (Source: Achsah Mitchell)

Coralita is a fast-growing, climbing vine with beautiful pink or white flowers. Originally from Mexico, Antigonon leptopus started out as a popular garden plant, but has expanded its territory and is now aggressively invading natural areas. Its fast-growing nature means it can outcompete most native species for terrain, quickly making it the dominant species, and reducing overall diversity. This is especially the case on St. Eustatius, where ground surveys indicate the plant already appears on 15-33% of the island.

Mapping Techniques

One of the biggest issues in controlling invasive species is accurately accounting for its presence, particularly if data needs to be collected over a wide area. This is where satellite imagery can help by providing an affordable, high spatial resolution option. A new collaborative study from the Utrecht University, University of Zurich, Wageningen University, and the Technical University of Braunschweig provided key insight by using such satellite imagery to identify Coralita. The method is successful, as areas dominated by Coralita emit a relatively distinct electromagnetic signal that can be detected by satellites. Once the distribution of Coralita has been mapped using this technique, it is possible to identify the environmental conditions associated with Coralita’s presence. This approach provides a relatively low-cost solution that is powerful, accurate and repeatable; key in identifying and monitoring its spread in the future.

“In creating this map,” said Elizabeth Haber, first author of this study, “it was my hope to produce something that could be useful for those who are caring for and protecting the incredibly special nature on Statia.”

Results

Using this method, researchers sampled 162 locations across St. Eustatius and estimated that Coralita was the dominant canopy cover (>50%) on over 3% of the island (64 ha). Perhaps more importantly, this map also showed that Coralita was not randomly distributed but generally found, for example, in areas of water accumulation, near roads or near drainage channels. Furthermore, Coralita was often found in grasslands and areas of development and is relatively rare in natural forests, highlighting how human disturbances can promote the spread of Coralita. It is important to note that data filtering and physical limitations of using satellite imagery means that Coralita growing under trees or shrubs or in smaller patches is likely underrepresented in this study.

Map of the distribution of Coralita on St. Eustatius (Haber et al., 2021)

 

Conservation Implications

Even with the physical limitations, the fact that this study is cost effective and repeatable means that consistent comparisons of Coralita’s distribution can be made over time. These comparisons are vital in understanding how populations and habitats are shifting, granting conservationists a fantastic tool in forecasting the spread of invasive species. Arguably the greatest asset of the Caribbean is its vast biodiversity. Already threats of climate change, habitat loss, invasive species and urban development are upsetting this fragile balance. St. Eustatius, although small, is home to several endemic plant species, two of which are the Statia morning glory and Statia milkweed, along with the critically endangered Lesser Antillean Iguana which could all be threatened by the habitat alterations of Coralita growth.

To read more, please find the full report on the Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database using the link below.

https://www.dcbd.nl/document/high-spatial-resolution-mapping-identifies-...

 

Article published in BioNews 48

 

Date
2021
Data type
Media
Theme
Education and outreach
Research and monitoring
Geographic location
St. Eustatius
Author

Two new nonnative reptiles identified on Saba

Wageningen University and Research and the University of Applied Sciences Van Hall Larenstein researchers have recently identified two new nonnative reptiles on Saba. The smooth-scaled tegulet and Brahminy blindsnake are both able to reproduce asexually, so their populations could expand quickly. Understanding the impact of their introduction will be key in protecting the biodiversity of Saba.

The island of Saba is home to five native species of reptiles, one snake (red-bellied racer) and four lizards (Saban anole, Saban black iguana, Saban least gecko, and the turnip-tailed gecko). Recently, two additional non-native species were identified, the smooth-scaled tegulet (Gymnophthalmus underwoodi) and Brahminy blindsnake (Indotyphlops braminus).  Exactly how these two species arrived on Saba is still unknown, however its likely they hitched a ride over from St. Maarten, since almost everything that arrives on Saba must go through St. Maarten first.

Smooth-Scaled Tegulet 

Photo credit: Thijs van den Burg

The smooth-scaled tegulet (Gymnophthalmus underwoodi) has been identified across the island and was first spotted in May 2020. Researchers from Wageningen University and Research and the University of Applied Sciences Van Hall Larenstein were able to capture five individuals from a variety of different life stages. These lizards have been observed on over 50% of the island, in habits which vary between gardens, dry forest and rocky slopes.  The wide spread dispersal of this species suggests it’s been on the island for a while.  These populations are expected to continue to increase as these lizards are very quick to reproduce.

Brahminy Blindsnake

More recently, a local resident has encountered at least two different Brahminy blindsnakes (Indotyphlops braminus) in her garden along the Windward side between May and July of 2021. Although no other observations have been made, this species is widely introduced on neighboring islands, so it’s presence on Saba is not surprising. Although there are currently no known documented native blindsnakes on Saba, it is possible for these species to go undetected, as was recently noticed on St. Eustatius with the discovery of the native blindsnake (geomotus) in 2020.

Island Impact

There had previously been two known nonnative amphibians and reptiles on Saba, so the addition of these two now doubles that list. Furthermore, currently 40% of all terrestrial reptiles and amphibians on Saba are nonnative species. Although direct competition between these two new species and native species is not expected, invasive species are considered among the top drivers of biodiversity loss and ecosystem change around the world. Understanding and addressing this issue will be key in preserving the unique biodiversity on Saba.

Report your sightings

If you happen to spot either one of these new reptiles while on Saba, you can report it on https://dutchcaribbean.observation.org. This is a free website and app which allows local citizens to report sightings of important plants and animals. These tools are available in over 40 languages and can be used by biologists and citizens and tourists alike. Species reports by local communities are invaluable for nature conservation efforts to help increase public awareness and overall species protection.

Read the full report entitled “Establishment of two nonnative parthenogenetic reptiles on Saba, Dutch  Caribbean: Gymnophthalmus underwoodi and Indotyphlops braminus” using the link below

 

https://www.dcbd.nl/document/establishment-two-nonnative-parthenogenetic...

 

Article published in BioNews 48

 

Date
2021
Data type
Media
Theme
Education and outreach
Research and monitoring
Geographic location
Saba
Author

State of the World’s Mangroves 2021

The Global Mangrove Alliance’s recent report on the State of the World’s mangroves served as a call to action for mangrove conservation and restoration projects.  Although many of the trends centered around mangroves have looked bleak, new research shows that these areas are highly restorable meaning quick action can have significant, positive effects.

Global Mangroves

Mangroves are vital ecosystems providing coastal defense against sea level rise and worsening storms, creating critical habitats including nursery and breeding grounds, and can serve as carbon sinks making them a vital link in achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.  It is estimated that nearly 15% of the world’s mangroves can be found between North and South America, mostly within the Caribbean. Unfortunately, many of the world’s mangroves have been lost or are severely degraded due to coastal development, the expansion of shrimp farming and human pollution.

Red Mangrove. Photo credit: Christian König

Luckily the Global Mangrove Alliance has been tracking the state of the world’s mangroves since it’s creation in 2018.  Through influencing local policies and public awareness on the importance of these habitats, there has already been some improvements in trends.  Overall, they found that the rate of mangrove loss has slowed worldwide since 2016. Furthermore, nearly 42% of all remaining mangroves are within protected areas. A number of recent projects have also demonstrated that mangrove area loss is highly restorable, meaning it’s not too late to save these critical ecosystems.

Dutch Caribbean Mangroves

Within the Dutch Caribbean, four of the islands have mangrove forests: St. Maarten, Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire.  Of these, Bonaire has the largest of the mangrove forests, of which, nearly all fall within the designated National Marine Park. STINAPA along with other local NGOs have been diligently working to restore these mangrove areas. In fact, one of these restoration projects recently received international recognition with an IUCN BEST 2.0+ grant which funds restoration, reforestation, and scientific monitoring efforts on Bonaire through February 2023.  Additionally, groups such as the Mangrove Maniacs dedicate countless volunteer hours maintaining important water circulation channels to ensure the mangroves of Lac Bay stay healthy and thriving.

Call to Action

Red Mangrove. Photo credit: Marjolijn Lopes Cardozo

There is an urgent need to understand the extent of local mangrove areas and preserve and restore where possible. Governments need to include mangrove management into policy and planning. The private sector can benefit by recognizing mangroves as an investment opportunity, through options such as carbon markets, blue bonds and insurance-based investments. NGO’s and local groups can work to increase awareness and spearhead projects.  Academia and research communities can prioritize projects which help improve available data and modeling tools. Lastly, you, the individual can be involved by advocating for mangroves by spreading knowledge and looking for opportunities to get involved.

Want to get involved?

This Sunday, October 3rd, the Mangrove Maniacs of Bonaire will be hosting a mangrove outplanting event.  Volunteers will be planting mangroves along the southern coast to increase the natural mangrove fringing forest of this area.  These fringing forests are vital for minimizing coastal erosion and serving to protect this area from increased storm activity. Learn more by following along on the Mangrove Maniacs’ Facebook page.

You can find a link to the full State of the World’s Mangroves using the DCBD button below.

https://www.dcbd.nl/document/state-worlds-mangroves-2021

 

Article published in BioNews 47

 

Date
2021
Data type
Media
Theme
Education and outreach
Research and monitoring
Geographic location
Aruba
Bonaire
Curacao
St. Maarten
Author

New Research Improves on Traditional Reef Survey Techniques

Researchers from University of Amsterdam and CARMBABI Foundation implemented 3-dimensional reef surveying techniques to improve representation of species found within hidden cavities previously overlooked by 2D methods. 12 sites along the coast of Curacao were selected and analyzed. Improved surveying techniques will increase overall understanding of the complexities of these vital ecosystems.

Photo Source: Niklas Kornder

Coral reefs are one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet.  Coral’s beautiful skeletal structure plays an important role in providing reef habitat, nursery and hunting ground while also protecting coastal zones.  Climate change continues to be a significant threat to these areas, making the need for accurate mapping and surveying techniques vital to researchers’ ability to detect change. Traditional mapping techniques use a 2D approach to project surface cover estimates throughout a 3D structure.  Unfortunately, this technique misses hidden habitats, such as overhangs and cavities, which can result in an under representation of biomass estimates.

Photo Source: Eric Mijts

2D versus 3D

New research from the University of Amsterdam and CARMBABI Foundation compared 2D versus 3D survey techniques. Traditionally, organism abundance was calculated as the percentage of projected reef cover.  Previously, this was done by 2D surveys, however a new strategy hopes to improve on this technique through the combination of photograph analysis, diving surveys and computer modeling. Researchers surveyed 12 coral areas on the island of Curacao, then compared 3D benthic community estimates against traditional 2D projected surface cover analysis.

The Results

During this research, scientists found that while using 2D techniques, the relative contribution of organisms which grow vertically (gorgonians and massive sponges) was up to two times and 11 times lower, respectfully, than their contribution to reef biomass.  In addition, hidden areas represented nearly half of all total reef substrate, meaning two thirds of all coralline algae and almost all encrusting sponges are not included within traditional surveying techniques.

Using a variety of different metrics, this research presents adjustments to current monitoring techniques, highlighting the importance of evaluating the ecological contributions of previously disregarded or underrepresented species.  These metric conversions can be used to complement traditional survey techniques to provide improved estimates for biovolume, biomass and element composition (stocks of organic carbon and nitrogen) within coral reef communities.

Implications

Photo source: Francesco Ungar

Understanding the true composition of coral reefs is vital for designing and implementing effective conservation strategies. Coral’s unique ability to create complex habitats is vital to maintaining high community diversity and abundance in shallow water environments.  It is estimated that nearly 75-90% of coral reef ecosystems are hidden under the surface skeleton.  This means that for every m2 that can be seen, there is up to 8m2 of additional habitat underneath. This study suggests that 2D approaches may be useful to produce relatively fast estimates of reef ‘health’ but a 3D approach is needed to understand coral reef’s true composition.

https://www.dcbd.nl/document/implications-2d-versus-3d-surveys-measure-a...

 

Article published in BioNews 47

Date
2021
Data type
Media
Theme
Education and outreach
Research and monitoring
Geographic location
Aruba
Bonaire
Curacao
Saba
Saba bank
St. Eustatius
St. Maarten
Author

Action required to curb Statia’s invasive green iguana threat

A new study by Wageningen Marine Research, St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation and Caribbean Netherlands Science Institute highlights the need for a continuation of the rapid response removal campaign to control the invasive green iguana population. Through displacement and hybridization, the green iguana threatens to wipe out the endemic Lesser Antillean Iguanas of St. Eustatius.  

The Lesser Antillean Iguana, , is an IUCN Red List Critically Endangered species, which has disappeared from most of its habitat, including St. Maarten. This species is endemic to St. Eustatius and is the largest native vertebrate on the island. Its main threat comes from displacement by and hybridization with the invasive species green iguana, Iguana iguana.  In fact, St. Eustatius is one of the last three major islands where this species was (until recently) still free from hybridization.  Biological invasions can create several issues which threaten biodiversity, the environment, agriculture, livelihoods, health, and local culture. 

Photo credit: Philippa King

Rapid Response 

In February of 2016, an adult female green iguana was caught in Princess Estates on St. Eustatius. Green iguanas and their hybrid offspring can be most easily distinguished from the native iguana based on their banded tail and the large scale on their cheek (see figure).  It was unknown how long this individual had been on the island and if she had already laid eggs, potentially introducing additional iguanas to the area. In response, the Ministry of Economic Affairs agreed to fund a limited Rapid Response Removal Campaign (RC) on the island.  

During the RC, three visual surveys were conducted throughout key risk areas.  In total, 409.5 hours were spent over 40 days, resulting in a single detection.  This low detection rate suggested that the RC occurred early in the invasion process and highlighted the need to stay vigilant. Luckily, local publicity via newspaper and radio programs led to a number of publicly reported sightings. Among these reports and opportunistic encounters by park management staff, an additional five green iguanas and their hybrids were captured before the campaign ended in January 2017, and an addition eight have been captures since. 

Research 

As part of the RC, a study was conducted by Wageningen Marine Research, St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation and Caribbean Netherlands Science Institute (CNSI) to learn more about this invasion. In addition to tracking population data during the surveys, they also worked to identify introduction events, points of entry and likely points of origin.  The harbor of St. Maarten was identified as the source of the most recent 2020 introductions, as this harbor serves as a major inter-island transshipment hub within the Lesser Antilles.  This recent study highlights four apparently distinct green iguana introduction events between 2013 and 2020, one of which was likely intentional and three of which were from incidental stowaways arriving on container ships. 

Photo credit: Dolfi Debrot

Moving Forward 

Luckily even four years after the RC the numbers of green iguanas and their hybrids appears to be limited.  This gives researchers hope that it is not too late to stop the invasion before it heavily interbreeds with and thus effectively wipes out the island’s critically endangered Lesser Antillean iguana.  Research alone will not be enough to control this issue. Investment both in finances and in capacity necessary to prevent introduction and spread of these iguanas will be required.  RCs are significantly lower in cost than full invasive species removal projects, so the early detection and active management provides a unique opportunity for the island to eradicate this threat while still possible and affordable.   

Report your sightings 

If you happen to spot a green iguana while on St. Eustatius, you can report it to the local park authority STENAPA (+599 318 2884) or CNSI (+599 318 2040) as well as on https://dutchcaribbean.observation.org. This is a free website and app which allows local citizens to report sightings of important plants and animals. These tools are available in over 40 languages and can be used by biologists and citizens and tourists alike. Species reports by local communities are invaluable for nature conservation efforts to help increase public awareness and overall species protection.  

 

Read the full report on the Case Study of a Rapid Response Removal Campaign for St. Eustatius on the Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database. 

https://www.dcbd.nl/document/st-eustatius-invasive-alien-green-iguana-ca...

 

Article published in BioNews 47

Date
2021
Data type
Media
Theme
Education and outreach
Research and monitoring
Geographic location
St. Eustatius
Author

Special Edition Tiger Shark Expedition 2021

The Dutch Caribbean waters are home to more than thirty species of sharks and rays. With the creation of the Yarari Marine Mammal and Shark Sanctuary in 2015, these species have received increased attention and protection.  The intention of this sanctuary was to create a network of protected habitats stretching across the Caribbean.  Currently this sanctuary includes the waters around the islands of Saba, St. Eustatius and Bonaire.

Saba Bank

A recent expedition to the Saba Bank focused on learning more about tiger sharks and how they use this habitat.  Saba Bank, located 11 kilometers from Saba, is a submerged atoll world renown for its rich biodiversity.  This seamount rises 1800 meters from the sea floor and is topped with over 100 square kilometers of coral reef. This area is the largest national park within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The Expedition

Photo credit © Daniel Norwood (all rights reserved)

The Tiger Shark Expedition was the first of its kind for the Saba Bank.  During this project five satellite tags were attached and researchers confirmed the pregnancy stages via ultrasound for two different species of sharks.  In total, 56 sharks, including 16 tiger sharks, were identified.

This project was a collaborative effort by the Protected Area Management Organizations of the Dutch Caribbean: Saba Conservation Foundation (SCF)Nature Foundation St. Maarten (NFSXM), St. Eustatius National Parks (STENAPA)STINAPA Bonaire, the Aruba National Parks Foundation (FPNA), the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and World Wildlife Fund for Nature- The Netherlands (WWF-NL), Arizona State UniversityUniversity of GroningenBeneath the Waves and funded by the Biodiversity Fund of the World Wildlife Fund for Nature- The Netherlands (WWF-NL) and Dutch Postcode Lottery.

 

Photo credit © Daniel Norwood (all rights reserved)

 

This special edition BioNews is the culmination of these efforts.  Understanding the shark species that utilize the Dutch Caribbean waters is crucial step in improving conservation measures moving forward.

 

 

 

The full special edition can be found here: https://dcnanature.org/tiger-shark/

 

 

Date
2021
Data type
Media
Theme
Education and outreach
Research and monitoring
Geographic location
Saba
Saba bank
St. Eustatius
St. Maarten
Author

Importance of Yarari Sanctuary for Minke Whale

A new collaborative study provides new insight into how two species of minke whales utilize the Caribbean and neighboring Atlantic waters throughout their life cycle. The findings add further conservation value and significance to the relatively new Yarari marine sanctuary of the Netherlands. By combining scientific, citizen science and public information, this study provides key information which will help guide conservation efforts moving forward.

Minke whales are the smallest of the “great whales” and can be found in waters world-wide. There are actually two different species of Minke whale, the common minke whale, or northern minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and the Antarctic minke whale, or southern minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis).

Yarari Sanctuary

Minke whales are known to migrate over long distances, with both species using the warm waters of the Caribbean to breed and calf during the winter months. Within the Caribbean, there are a number of marine protected areas, such as the Yarari Marine Mammal and Shark Sanctuary, which includes the territorial waters around Bonaire, Saba, and St. Eustatius. In addition to providing vital protection of the marine ecosystem, the Yarari Sanctuary is used to help focus research for greater insight into the life cycles and migration patterns of both resident and migratory species. Understanding how these species travel during the year and use Caribbean waters is critical in designing effective conservation plans in the future.

New Study

A recent study brought together a wide array of researchers and conservation groups including the Institute of Environmental Sciences from Leiden University and the Aruba Marine Mammal Foundation. This study reviewed literature, citizen science and scientific records to compile spatial and temporal data for both species of minke whales. The goal of the study was to learn more about how these species use the Wider Caribbean Area throughout their life cycles.

In total, 130 records were collected, most of which were from scientific studies (100) and the rest from citizen science (30). Minke whales are notoriously inquisitive, frequently approaching boats, which makes them the perfect species to be spotted by citizen scientists. Improvements in civilian camera equipment, and increased initiatives to record and share biodiversity observations on social networks and public databases have led to a recent surge in citizen science reports for all species.

Findings

Photo credit: Hans Verdaat

This study was able to integrate scattered species records to provide new insights that point to the importance of the Yarari Sanctuary which lies in the center of an Eastern Caribbean wintering area for the common minke whale and thus add conservation value and significance to this relatively new marine sanctuary of the Netherlands. These new insights are in large part thanks to two previous studies conducted by Wageningen University & Research together with the Saba Bank Managing Unit and were generously funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV). These latter results were aligned with similar studies and were found to be consistent with large-scale seasonal migration routes of the Minke whales.

Interestingly, this study highlighted that although it was previously believed that only the northern minke whale used the Gulf of Mexico, there were confirmed stranding incidents involving both species. Furthermore, the fact that there were strandings of minke whales throughout the year suggested that some whales stay year-round within the Gulf.

Report your Sightings

Every sighting can provide useful data that can contribute to the understanding needed to protect these species. Help further conservation efforts by reporting your (minke) whale (or other species) sightings and photos on the website Observation.org or download the free app (iPhone (iObs) & Android (ObsMapp)). These tools are available in over 40 languages and can be used by biologists, citizens and tourists alike.

For more information you can find the full report on the Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database by clicking the button below.

https://www.dcbd.nl/document/spatial-temporal-distribution-minke-whales-...

 

Article published in BioNews 46

 

Date
2021
Data type
Media
Theme
Education and outreach
Research and monitoring
Geographic location
Aruba
Bonaire
Curacao
Saba
Saba bank
St. Eustatius
St. Maarten
Author