An international research team has investigated the marine biodiversity of Bonaire from 21 October to 9 November. Although Bonaire’s reefs have been well monitored by researchers and documented by underwater photographers, its marine biodiversity has been poorly explored. In previous decades, more research was performed on the neighboring island Curaçao, which resulted in many new species discoveries from there. Therefore, it was assumed that Bonaire also has a high potential for the discovery of undescribed species. The preliminary results from the expedition suggest that this assumption was correct. These results will be formally published in scientific journals and on the internet, where they will be accessible to all who want to learn more about the marine biodiversity of Bonaire.

Article originally published in BioNews 30

For more information:

Hoeksema, B.W.; García-Hernández, J.E.; van Moorsel, G.W.; Olthof, G.; ten Hove, H.A. Extension of the Recorded Host Range of Caribbean Christmas Tree Worms (Spirobranchus spp.) with Two Scleractinians, a Zoantharian, and an Ascidian. Diversity 2020, 12, 115.

Hoeksema, B.W.; García-Hernández, J.E. Hostrelated Morphological Variation of Dwellings Inhabited by the Crab Domecia acanthophora in the Corals Acropora palmata and Millepora complanata (Southern Caribbean). Diversity 2020, 12, 143.

A 2004-2005 study led by a researcher from the California Academy of Science worked to catalog arachnid species (such as spiders and scorpions) on Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. This is the first study of its kind in over 100 years. The recently published results in the Caribbean Journal of Science showed 25 new species, which have not been previously described for the islands, and 20 new species to science. Understanding the local arachnid population is important as they represent a vital part of the ecosystem, crucial for maintaining balance by controlling insect populations.

Article originally published in BioNews 30

More Information: Crewsn S.C., Debrot, A.O. (2019). The Arachnids (Arachnida) of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. Caribbean Journal of Science. 

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean. BioNews provides regular updates on science and nature projects as well as overviews of on-going research and monitoring efforts, long term projects, recent reports and publications.

In BioNews 30 you will find articles on:

• First Survey of Arachnids on ABC Islands in over 100 years
• New marine biodiversity discoveries from Bonaire
• Rise of a new reef coral species on Curaçao
• Changes in Curaçao’s Fish Population Over the 20th Century

You will also find up to date overviews of:

• Recent reports and publications
• Current research, monitoring and long term programs

Download the full color version of BioNews 30

You can sign-up here or send an email to research@DCNAnature.organd we will be happy to add you to our mailinglist.

Note:

To read BioNews you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer and to enjoy it to the fullest we recommend you to open it in full screen mode.

For previous issues check the BioNews archive.

*This newsletter was published by DCNA and funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV).

The Bonaire Caves and Karst Nature Reserve is an ongoing project aiming to ensure the sustainable use and protection of Bonaire’s cave system, using as main tools scientific research, education and sound management. These caves provide crucial habitat for several important animal species, especially five species of the island’s only native terrestrial mammals, the bats.

Article originally published in BioNews25

Sea turtle season has officially started and each of the Dutch Caribbean Islands has reported their first hatchlings of the year. Officially running between April and December, with slight variances between the islands, a variety of different species of sea turtles use these islands to lay their nests. Although there are officially 5 different species which call these waters home, only 4 have been known to nest here: loggerhead, leatherback, green and hawksbill turtles. 

Article orginially published in BioNews25

The Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV) has recently published a strategy to manage and protect sharks and rays within waters of the Netherlands, Caribbean Netherlands and international waters. This new strategy officially makes fishing for or possessing shark parts punishable by law in Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba.

Article originally published in BioNews25

Wageningen Marine Research reported ten reef-associated shark species in the Dutch Caribbean in a recent published study as part of Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA)’s Save Our Sharks Project. The most common species are the nurse shark and the Caribbean reef shark. Overall, more sharks were observed in conservation areas than in unprotected areas, highlighting the importance of these zones in shark conservation. 

Article originally published in BioNews25

More information: Winter, H.V., de Graaf, M. (2019). Diversity, abundance, distribution and habitat use reefassociated sharks in the Dutch Caribbean. Wageningen University & Research report C105/18.

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean. BioNews provides regular updates on science and nature projects as well as overviews of on-going research and monitoring efforts, long term projects, recent reports and publications.

In BioNews-25 you will articles on:

• At least ten reef-associated shark species in the Dutch Caribbean
• Dutch Government Announces New International Shark Strategy
• Kick off for the 2019 Sea Turtle Nesting Season
• Crowdfunding: movie Tortuga ‘The survival of humanity’
• Bonaire Caves and Karst Nature Reserve Update

You will also find up to date overviews of:

• Recent reports and publications
• Current research, monitoring  and long term programs
• Upcoming events

Download the full color version of BioNews 25

Also available: BioNews graphics free print version.

You can sign-up here or send an email to research@DCNAnature.organd we will be happy to add you to our mailinglist.

Note:

To read BioNews you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer and to enjoy it to the fullest we recommend you to open it in full screen mode.

For previous issues check the BioNews archive.

*This newsletter was published by DCNA and funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV).

The Caribbean Humpback Acoustic Monitoring Program (CHAMP) used acoustic recorders to gain insight on local humpback whale populations, expanding previous coverage and encouraged collaboration between many organizations. This study took place between December 2016 and June 2017 around the islands of the Dominican Republic, St. Maarten, Guadeloupe east and west, Martinique, Aruba and Bonaire. 

This article was published in BioNews29

For more information: Heenehan, H.L., Stanistreet, J.E. (2017). Caribbean Humpback Acoustic Monitoring Programme: 2016-2017 Report. 

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean. BioNews provides regular updates on science and nature projects as well as overviews of on-going research and monitoring efforts, long term projects, recent reports and publications.

In BioNews 29 you will find articles on:

• Invasive Seagrass and its effects on Juvenile Queen Conch
• New Study on Red-Bellied Racer Populations on St. Eustatius
• Human disturbance impedes growth of coral reefs around Bonaire
• New Study Sheds Light on Marine Traffic’s Impact on Whales

You will also find up to date overviews of:

• Recent reports and publications
• Current research, monitoring and long term programs
• Upcoming events

Download the full color version of BioNews 29

You can sign-up here or send an email to research@DCNAnature.organd we will be happy to add you to our mailinglist.

Note:

To read BioNews you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer and to enjoy it to the fullest we recommend you to open it in full screen mode.

For previous issues check the BioNews archive.

*This newsletter was published by DCNA and funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV).