Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database | Central repository for biodiversity related research and monitoring data from the Dutch Caribbean

Media Big Live Nature Quiz—Winners on Curaçao, Aruba and Saba

Nederlands, Papiamento and Papiamentu below Fun Online Nature Game for the Dutch Caribbean DCNA’s Big Live Nature Quiz local Host Edrieënna...
Research report Preliminary inventory of key terrestrial nature values of Bonaire

Abstract: A preliminary inventory is given of key terrestrial nature values of Bonaire in order to determine their occurrence in relation to areas...
Media Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance Highlights Nature’s Economic Value

Kralendijk – The recently concluded Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) convention reminded participants that nature is big business. However,...
Media DCNA Launches Bionews Kids – A New Magazine to Empower Youth in the Dutch Caribbean

Nederlands, Papiamento and Papiamentu below. Kralendijk, Bonaire –The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) released the first edition of...
Other resources Nature Policy Plan for The Caribbean Netherlands 2013-2017

Aruba, Curaçao, St. Maarten, Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius form the Dutch Caribbean within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Kingdom of the...
Media Extra budget for nature in the Caribbean Netherlands

Nederlands, Papiamento and Papiamentu below. The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-NL) are pleased...
Media Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance Provides Platform for Youth Engagement in Nature Conservation During Symposium Held in Curaçao

Willemstad – A group of engaged teens and young adults had the opportunity to discuss youth engagement in nature conservation and nature education...
Research report A status report of nature policy development and implementation in the Dutch Caribbean over the last 10 years and recommendations towards the Nature Policy Plan 2012-2017

The National Nature Policy Plan 2001-2005 (NPP-5) and its current status of implementation was assessed as a first step towards a new Nature Policy...
Media Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance Lobbies Internationally for Increased Support for Nature Conservation in the Dutch Caribbean

Nederlands, Papiamento and Papiamentu below. DCNA has been actively promoting a nature focused agenda both within The Netherlands and...
Research report The non-use value of nature in the Netherlands and the Caribbean Netherlands

Since 10 October 2010 Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius (Statia) are part of the Netherlands. These three islands are referred to as the Caribbean...
Other resources Natuurbeleid van de Nederlandse Antillen 2000 – 2005: Aan de dageraad van een nieuw millennium

Executive summary Both in the ocean and on land the Netherlands Antilles possesses an enormous wealth in the diversity of its nature. Biological...
Media Nature in the Dutch Caribbean is critically threatened and intervention is necessary

Wageningen University recently published an alarming report on the threatened natural resources on Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius. The Dutch...
Media The Nature Funding Projects

In the wake of the constitutional change in 2010, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs (now the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature & Food...
Research report Koraalriffen in Nederland

Abstract: The accession of Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba (the BES islands) to the Netherlands has considerably increased the government’s political...
Media Bonaire 2050, a nature inclusive vision

2nd edition (2022) including maps of futures with accompnaying trend projections and indicators. 1st edition (2020). This is a story about one...
Media Special Edition: Safeguarding Nature Projects

In the wake of the constitutional change in 2010, the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature & Food Quality, as part of its Nature Policy Plan for...
Media Blue Marine Foundation launches new partnership with Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance

Nederlands, Papiamentu and Papiamento below Ocean charity makes initial grant of $90,000 to marine parks on six Dutch Caribbean islands. Award will...
Media St. Eustatius: economic value of nature

The Caribbean Netherlands Science Institute (CNSI) hosted two “Economic Value of Nature” workshops on St. Eustatius from 3-6 April 2017. These...
Research report A status report of nature policy development and implementation in the Dutch Caribbean

The National Nature Policy Plan 2001-2005 (NPP-5) and its current status of implementation was assessed as a first step towards a new Nature Policy...
Scientific article Spatio–temporal variation in stable isotope signatures (δ13C and δ15N) of sponges on the Saba Bank

Sponges are ubiquitous on coral reefs, mostly long lived and therefore adaptive to changing environmental conditions. They feed on organic matter...
Media DCNA Junior Ranger Exchange Event 2022

Nederlands, Papiamento and Papiamentu below. The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) is excited to announce the 2022 Junior Ranger Exchange...
Media Bonaire Caves and Karst Nature Reserve

Bonaire has a rich and complex geological history which is reflected in its current geological landscape. While the core of the island is comprised...
Research report Structure and financing of nature management costs in Caribbean Netherlands

The Nature Policy Plan Caribbean Netherlands identifies the need to “Evaluate the financial instruments available for nature conservation in the...
Research report Student essays on economic values of nature of Bonaire

To inform decision makers about the most effective strategies to protect the ecosystems of Bonaire, a full-scale valuation of all ecosystem services...
Other resources Annual Report 2008 Nature Foundation St Maarten

Throughout 2008 the staff and board of Nature Foundation St. Maarten undertook a range of activities addressing both core management of the Marine...
Book The Nature Funding Projects

In the wake of the constitutional change in 2010, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs (now the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature & Food...
Other resources The recreational and cultural value of nature on Saba (policy brief)

Policy Brief The Challenge Local people call Saba ‘The Unspoiled Queen’, showing how proud Saban residents are of their history and the ‘unspoiled...
Media The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba (FPNA) Organise Marine Management Workshop in Aruba

Dutch, Papiamentu and Papiamento below From the 21st to the 23rd of November 2022, the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) together with...
Media The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance will discuss three critical topics at the upcoming DCNA Convention

Kralendijk – The upcoming convention of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) will focus on governance, climate change, and youth engagement in...
Media Aruba’s Value of Nature

There is strong link between economy and nature in the Dutch Caribbean due to our economic dependence on nature-based tourism. TEEB Aruba - The...
Other resources Exciting New Nature Conservation Projects for STENAPA in 2022

From cutting edge 3D models to innovative management techniques, 2022 poses to be an exciting year for St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation (...
Media State Secretary Her Excellency Drs. Alexandra van Huffelen receives an urgent message regarding nature protection in the Dutch Caribbean.

Nederlands, Papiamento and Papiamentu below. On Saturday, June 18th 2022, State Secretary Her Excellency Drs. Alexandra van Huffelen visited the ...
Media BirdsCaribbean Landbird Monitoring Workshop

Nederlands, Papiamento and Papiamentu below. The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) recently supported the attendance of representatives from...
Other resources Dutch non-state actor contributions to biodiversity. Preparing for the CBD action agenda for nature and people.

The report finds that Dutch non-state actors are increasingly involved in biodiversity initiatives, and that those initiatives are well aligned with...
Other resources The recreational and cultural value of nature on St Eustatius (policy brief)

Policy Brief The Challenge Sint Eustatius, or as the local population calls it, Statia, has beautiful dive spots, a rich historical and...
Media FPNA: Transitioning to a Conservation Management Organization

Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba (FPNA) recently highlighted their successes and struggles of 2021 and gave a brief preview of their Multi-Annual...
Media Bonaire 2050, a nature inclusive vision

Results from a series of designs sessions, workshops and interviews describe a vision for Bonaire in 2050. In this vision, measures to combat...
Media Dutch cinema hit “The New Wilderness” gets a Caribbean sequel with WOW!

The unique natural world of the Caribbean part of the Kingdom plays the leading role in a special cinema film entitled WOW!. This was announced...
Research report A nature inclusive vision for Bonaire in 2050

Bonaire, one of the Dutch Caribbean islands, is facing major challenges: managing (mass) tourism and population growth, preventing high erosion rates...
Research report The tourism value of nature on Bonaire

Bonairean ecosystems support touristic activities that depend on the quality of the natural environment, such as diving, snorkelling, kayaking,...
Other resources The tourism value of nature on St Eustatius (policy brief)

Policy Brief The Challenge The tourism industry is an important pillar of the economy of St Eustatius. This is recognized by the Strategic...
Media Caribbean Experts Join Forces for Sea Urchin Restoration

Nederlands, Papiamentu and Papiamento below Last week, the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance hosted a sea urchin (Diadema Antillarum) restoration...
Media Special Edition Bionews: 2021 DCNA Convention

Between November 23rd and the 27th, the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) held its annual Nature Convention on Curaçao. Due to covid-19...
Media Presentations, Workshops and Excursions Provide New Nature Conservation Drive in Participants

During the 2019 edition of the DCNA convention held on Bonaire end of October, biologists from the region met to thoroughly discuss coral restoration...
Other resources State of Nature in the Dutch Caribbean: Saba and the Saba Bank

Wageningen Research recently published an alarming report on the state of nature for the three Dutch Caribbean islands (Bonaire, Saba and St....
Other resources Benefits of valuing nature for the Caribbean Netherlands

The Natural Capital of the Caribbean Netherlands Ongoing developmental pressures in a context of global environmental change and economic...
Other resources Recreational and cultural value of Bonaire’s nature (policy brief)

Policy Brief: This study is part of the “Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity Netherlands” (TEEB NL) study. It is being conducted for the...
Scientific article Co-designing a data platform to impact nature policy and management:experiences from the Dutch Caribbean

To secure the sustainable use of nature, governments track nature’s health and develop regulations and policies.Although there is a seeming abundance...
Research report The Tourism Value of Nature on Saba

Tourism is an important source of income for most Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including Saba. This study aims to value the services...
Other resources The value of citizens in the Netherlands for nature in the Caribbean (policy brief)

Policy Brief The Challenge How important is the unique Caribbean environment for the Dutch citizen? How does one value the worth of these islands’...
Research report The Total Economic Value of Nature on Saba

This study is part of the project “What is Saba’s Nature Worth?” The project is part of the encompassing project The Economics of Ecosystems and...
Media Special Edition Bionews: 2022 Park Updates

The Nature Conservation Network Organization the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) hosted its biannual Board Meeting on Sint Maarten between...
Media DCNA to Hold Subsequent Board Meeting on Sint Maarten

Receives Letter of Support from Royal Patron Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands The Nature Conservation Network Organization the Dutch Caribbean...
Research report The Total Economic Value of Nature on St Eustatius

This study is part of the research project “What is St Eustatius Nature Worth?”, a project that is part of The Economics of Ecosystems and...
Media 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...
Research report Bonaire 2050, putting the vision into numbers

Bonaire is facing major challenges including (mass) tourism, population growth, urban expansion, climate change, biodiversity loss and the unilateral...
Other resources Systematic investigation of the coral-inclusive potential of marine infrastructure

Abstract Ecosystems are under pressure worldwide, due to both natural and anthropogenic stresses. Stresses on ecosystems can cause a decline in...
Other resources Nature conservation ordinance St.Maarten

Island Ordinance from September 1ST, 2003 concerning regulations pertaining to the management and protection of flora and fauna and nature parks in...
Media More than half of Saba’s nature affected by Irma

THE BOTTOM – About 60 percent of Saba’s nature in general was devastated as a result of the recent hurricane Irma. According to Kai Wulf, Park...
Media St. Eustatius: Nature Awareness Project

In October 2016, a two-year project to increase awareness and understanding of nature on St. Eustatius commenced, funded by the Ministry of Economic...
Research report The local recreational and cultural value of nature on Saba

his thesis is part of the project ‘What is Saba’s nature worth?’ a collaboration between the IVM, VU University Amsterdam and Wolfs Company. The aim...
Research report Results of Nature Foundation Marine Mammal Monitoring Project Jan-May 2011

The St. Maarten Nature Foundation conducted a Marine Mammal Census project which lasted from February until May 2011. The goal of this project was to...
Research report The state of cactus fences and kunukus for nature inclusivity on the island of Bonaire

Agriculture on Bonaire does not support the demand for food on the island, and therefore the people are dependent on expensive food importation....
Research report The Tourism Value of Nature on St Eustatius

This study aims to value the services provided by nature to tourists on St Eustatius. The natural landscape, the coastal waters, the tranquillity and...
Research report Sustainable Funding for Nature Parks in the Netherlands Antilles. Feasibility Study of a Protected Areas Trust Fund

In 1998 the Dutch Parliament called for a feasibility study for a trust fund and the Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations agreed, under...
Other resources The tourism value of nature on Saba (policy brief)

Policy Brief The Challenge The tourism industry is the most important source of income for Saba, which is marketed as “the Unspoiled Queen” of the...
Research report The total economic value of nature on Bonaire

Healthy ecosystems such as coral reefs and mangroves are critical to Bonairean society. In the last decades, various local and global developments...
Research report Water Quality Testing July 2012 -St. Maarten Nature Foundation

The Nature Foundation carried out water quality tests on the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of July 2012 at seven sites surrounding St. Maarten. These tests,...
Research report Nature on Bonaire and social media behavior Assessing the spatial distribution of tourism and recreation on Bonaire through social media

Tourism is a very important source of income on Bonaire and forms the most important economic pillar of the island. The tourism numbers are expected...
Media State of Nature: Bonaire

Wageningen Research recently published an alarming report on the natural resources of the three Dutch Caribbean islands Bonaire, Saba and St....
Research report St. Maarten Nature Foundation Lionfish Response Plan

This document serves as a reference for the controlling and management of the invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois miles and P. volitans complex...
Media State of Nature in the Caribbean Netherlands: St. Eustatius

Wageningen Research recently published an alarming report on the natural resources of the three Caribbean Netherlands islands (Bonaire, Saba and St....
Media Ground-breaking Shark Research Conducted in St. Maarten Waters

During the week of April 11, 2021, members from the Nature Foundation St. Maarten, the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA), the Saba Conservation...
Media The Nature Funding projects

With ‘Nature’ funding from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and support of the local governments several projects are now running to maintain...
Media Nature and Environment Policy Plan 2020-2030

The Dutch Ministries of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, Infrastructure and Water Management and Interior and Kingdom Relations released a...
Research report Restoration of Resilience of Nature and Society in the Caribbean Netherlands

The project "Resilience Restoration of Nature and Society in the Caribbean Netherlands" contributes to halting the decline of the coral reefs in the...
Other resources The Junior Ranger Program STINAPA Bonaire

Adetailed program overview. Produced by: Bibi Brongers (intern STINAPA Bonaire), with contributions from Desiree Croes (coordinator Junior Ranger...
Other resources What’s Bonaire’s Nature Worth? (Policy Brief)

Policy Brief The Challenge Healthy ecosystems such as coral reefs and mangroves are critical to Bonairean society. In the last decades, various...
Other resources What is Saba’s Nature Worth? (policy brief)

Policy Brief The Challenge Healthy ecosystems such as the corals reef patches and forests on the characteristic Mount Scenery are critical to the...
Other resources Plan land and water: Nature and environment plan Caribbean Netherlands 2020-2030

The Caribbean Netherlands consists of three islands: Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, all located in the Caribbean Sea. Since 2010 each island is...
Media Exciting Changes for Nature Conservation in 2022 on Saba

From big litigation to renovations for their new sea lab, 2022 promises to be a banner year for the Saba Conservation Foundation (SCF). SCF recently...
Other resources What is St Eustatius’ Nature Worth? (Policy Brief)

Policy Brief The Challenge Healthy ecosystems such as the corals reefs and the forests on the hillsides of Boven and the Quill are critical to the...
Media 2022 promises new nature parks on Curaçao

The Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity (CARMABI) recently highlighted some big changes and impressive achievements for Curaçao during...
Media Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance is Preparing Dutch Caribbean Conservation Organizations to Withstand External Shocks

Kralendijk – The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance’s (DCNA) bi-annual board meeting took place during the recent convention held in Curaçao. Their...
Other resources The value of nature in the Caribbean Netherlands

The Challenge Healthy ecosystems such as the forests on the hillsides of the Quill on St Eustatius and Saba’s Mt Scenery or the corals reefs of...
Media Keys to Building Resilience in the Dutch Caribbean

Dutch below Two new position papers presented to the Dutch Parliament, by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance and Wageningen University and Research...
Media Theme: Nature in the Dutch Caribbean

Articles on STENAPA, CNSI, fauna on St. Maarten, Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance, Nature education Curacao, Bonaire's reefs, STINAPA
Research report 'Nature-based Solutions': essential to safeguard the Dutch Caribbean against the consequences of climate change

This powerpoint walks through the recently published position paper entitled Nature based Solutions’: essential to safeguard the Dutch Caribbean...
Media What motivates people to protect nature on the islands of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba?

That is the research question that, Stacey Mac Donald, a PhD researcher from The Netherlands, is seek- ing to answer through the use of...
Raw data Raw data of shark observation St.Maarten by the Nature Foundation

Raw data of shark observations by the Nature Foundation and St.Maarten dive schools (Dive Adventures, Dive Safaris, Scuba Fun, Ocean Explorers)....
Media Powerpoint- https://www.dcbd.nl/document/%E2%80%98nature-based-solutions%E2%80%99-zijn-noodzakelijk-om-caribische-nederland-te-behoeden-voor-de

Veerkracht tegen klimaatverandering verloren door stapeling van drukfactoren - stijgingen in de lucht - en zeewatertemperatuur - zeespiegelstijging...
Research report Nature Foundation Marine Park, Reef & Marine Research Assessments Post Hurricane Irma

On the 6th of September powerful category five storm Hurricane Irma struck Sint Maarten with 185 MPH winds, causing widespread damage to the island...
Media In loving memory of Paul Hoetjes, a legend in nature conservation

It is with great and profound sadness that we have to say goodbye to Paul Hoetjes, a legend in nature conservation in the Dutch Caribbean and...
Media Financing Nature Conservation

Ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources in the Caribbean Netherlands: a look into the financial needs of Protected Area Management...
Media Combating Erosion and Nature Restoration on Bonaire

Erosion and resulting sediment run-off are big environmental concerns throughout the Caribbean Region and for good reason. Not only does the removal...
Research report Activity Report on the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance Sea Turtle Satellite Tracking Project 2005

In June funding from the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) was confirmed to initiate a satellite tracking project of sea turtles on St Eustatius...
Media BioNews 53 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews 53 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and...
Media St. Maarten: Impact Hurricane Irma on Nature

What started out a week prior as a low pressure system off the Cape Verde Islands ended up as the first ever category 5+ hurricane to hit the...
Research report The local cultural and recreational value of nature on St Eustatius

St Eustatius, is a small island in the Caribbean and a special municipality of the Netherlands. As many other small islands, St Eustatius’ marine and...
Other resources The STINAPA Bonaire Junior Ranger Program

This document contains a detailed program overview The Junior Ranger Program is an out-of-school nature education program run by STINAPA to help ...
Research report ‘Nature-based solutions’ zijn noodzakelijk om Caribische Nederland te behoeden voor de gevolgen van klimaatverandering

Achtergrond Caribisch Nederland (Bonaire, Saba en St. Eustatius) en de Koninkrijkspartners Aruba, Curaçao en Sint Maarten worden nu en in de komende...
Media Grant from the European Union to enhance nature protection and sustainable tourism

Nederlands and Papiamentu below. Lac Bay is a unique tourism hot spot which boasts a wide array of habitats from fringing coral reefs to expansive...
Media Unraveling the Mysteries of the Saba Bank: DCNA Tiger Shark Expedition 2021

July 31st – August 7th, 2021 – For the first time on the Saba Bank, an expedition team was able to successfully assess the shark diversity by...
Research report Recreational and cultural value of Bonaire’s nature to its inhabitants

The global environment is in a relatively bad state and there is growing awareness of its importance to human wellbeing. This study aims to shed...
Media BioNews archive

DCNA produces BioNews*, a free monthly digital newsletter featuring recent nature related news-items about the Dutch Caribbean as well as overviews...
Media Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance facilitates platform for investigation of marine protected areas in the Caribbean

Willemstad – The 2021 Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) Convention began with a workshop on climate change resiliency. The workshop served as a...
Media Marine mammals in the Caribbean: a threatened treasure in our waters

Nederlands and Papiamentu below. Over the last two years, the Caribbean Cetacean Society (CCS) has been studying cetaceans (whales and dolphins) in...
Media Special Edition: State of Nature in the Caribbean Netherlands

Wageningen Research recently published an alarming report on the natural resources of the Caribbean Netherlands islands Bonaire, Saba and St....
Raw data Brown pelican counts on St.Maarten by Nature Foundation St.Maarten

Raw data of brown pelican counts on St.Maarten. Counts from 2010-2012 differ in monitoring method from 2016-2019. The latter includes counts for...
Other resources Mount Scenary Nature Park Management Plan

The Mount Scenery Nature Park management plan consists of four sections as outlined below: Part 1: Background Information. The physical, social and...
Media BioNews 55 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews 55 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and...
Raw data Raw data of turtle nesting monitoring on St.Maarten by Nature Foundation

Raw data of turtle nest observations, including: nest identification, species, false crawls, etc. Please contact Nature Foundation St.Maarten for...
Media BioNews 57

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Research report Results of Nature Foundation Research into invasive Seagrass H. stipulacea in the Simpson Bay Lagoon

Abstract: In February 2013 the St. Maarten Nature Foundation confirmed the presence of Halophila stipulacea, an invasive seagrass, in the Simpson Bay...
Media Nature Funding: Restoring Bonaire’s dry forest

Forest degradation is believed to be driving Yellow-shouldered Amazon parrots (Amazona barbadensis) to forage feed in urban areas, which leads to...
Research report Theory and practice of user fee implementation for nature conservation in the Caribbean, an analysis of success factors and critical obstacles.

User fee systems are effectively utilised in different places throughout the Caribbean and provide sustainable financial resources that successfully...
Media Bonaire Caves and Karst Nature Reserve Update

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...
Other resources What is St Eustatius’ Nature Worth?

Healthy ecosystems such as the corals reefs and the forests on the hillsides of Boven and the Quill are critical to the society of St Eustatius. The...
Media Nature on St. Eustatius Hit Hard by Hurricanes

Nature on St. Eustatius has been heavily affected by hurricane Irma and Maria that struck the island in the early morning of Wednesday 6 September...
Scientific article Inclusiveness in the Caribbean-Locals’ Perceptions about Nature, Tourism and Recreation in Bonaire

Abstract The economies of small tropical islands often benefit from large-scale tourism, attracted by the guarantee of beach facilities, sun and...
Media What's Bonaire's nature worth? 2011-2012

This Initiative draws attention to the economic benefits of biodiversity and highlights the growing costs of biodiversity loss and ecosystem...
Media BioNews 40 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Research report Workshop report: ecosystem services valuation on Curacao

On the 21th and 22st of January 2015, a 2-day workshop was held on Curacao. The workshop was intended to build knowledge and share experiences...
Media BioNews 28-Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Media BioNews 23- Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Media BioNews 24- Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Research report Impact of terrestrial erosion on coral reef health at Bonaire: a plea for nature-inclusive “watershed-to-reef” based coastal management

Coral reefs are rapidly degrading worldwide, due to a combination of global and local stressors. While gloal stressors, such as ocean warming,...
Research report Collaboration tools for land use policy development

HIGHLIGHTS • Web-platforms on nature inform the development of regulations and policies. • Although many data exist, policy makers are constrained by...
Other resources Tourism value of ecosystems in Bonaire (policy brief)

Policy Brief The Challenge Bonairean ecosystems support touristic activities that depend on the quality of the natural environment, such as diving...
Media Successful first in-person summit for the Caribbean Shark Coalition

Nederlands, Papiamento and Papiamentu below. The Caribbean Shark Coalition (CSC) met for their first in-person summit in St. Maarten from September...
Media Call of action to salvage St. Maarten’s coral reefs from new disease

A new coral disease, Stony Coral Tissue Loss disease, is spreading throughout the Wider Caribbean region and causing high mortality amongst a number...
Media DCNA Organizes Junior Ranger Exchange Week 2022

Nederlands, Papiamento and Papiamentu below. The Junior Rangers just wrapped up their annual exchange event. Youngsters from the islands got...
Media Expedition on the Saba Bank to Enhance Tiger Shark Protection

Starting August 1, 2021 a team of researchers will spend a week on the Saba Bank investigating the life-cycle of tiger sharks. Researchers will...
Media Pregnant Tiger Shark Expedition 2021 is well underway!

It’s finally happening! After over a year of corona-related delays the Pregnant Tiger Shark Expedition is finally underway. We just finished our very...
Other resources Sixth National Report of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Background The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international treaty that was initiated by the United Nations Environment Programme (...
Media Kingdom Report Sounds Alarm on Biodiversity Conservation in the Dutch Caribbean

Only Four of Twenty Biodiversity Targets On Track to Achieve Goals in the Dutch Caribbean A recently published report issued by the Kingdom of the...
Other resources Tourism: synergizing people and nature for a better tomorrow (2017-2027)

Impressively, since the 1970’s Bonaire has championed efforts to protect its natural environment and resources. There is no doubt that these efforts...
Other resources Is Whale Watching a Win-Win for People and Nature? An Analysis of the Economic, Environmental, and Social Impacts of Whale Watching in the Caribbean

A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy. Whale watching has been hailed by...
Other resources Tourism: synergizing people and nature for a better tomorrow

Impressively, since the 1970’s Bonaire has championed efforts to protect its natural environment and resources. There is no doubt that these efforts...
Media BioNews 51 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews 51 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and...
Research report Workshop report: St. Maarten Nature Foundation Training and Sea Turtle Assessment
Scientific article Charging for Nature: Marine Park Fees and Management from a User Perspective

User fees can contribute to the financial sus- tainability of marine protected areas (MPAs), yet they must be acceptable to users. We explore changes...
Other resources Nature, cultural and historical values of plantation Onima, Bonaire

Report by CARMABI Natuur-en cultuurhistorische waarden van plantage Onima, Bonaire
Media Restoration of Resilience of Nature and Society in the Caribbean Netherlands

Poster Significance and Relevance Multiple stressors (e.g., pollution, eutrophication, sedimentation, coastal development, overfishing, coral disease...
Media BioNews 48 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews 48- Dutch Caribbean Newsletter BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and...
Research report Activity Report on the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance Sea Turtle Satellite Tracking Project 2006
Raw data shark tagging dataset

Dataset 2016-2022 Harmonized shark tagging dataset of different shark species around Saba and Sint Maarten. This dataset includes variables such...
Research report St. Maarten Nature Foundation coral bleaching response plan
Other resources Carmabi Annual Report 2011

Carmabi’s mission is to work towards a sustainable society, in which the sustainable management of nature leads to benefits that future generations...
Other resources Managing coastal lagoon ecosystems in the Caribbean An economic appraisal of nature-based versus man-made solutions for enhancing ecosystem service provisioning by the Simpson Bay Lagoon, Saint Martin

Power Point Presentation
Media CITES Communication Materials BES

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) CITES is an international agreement between governments (...
Media BioNews 35 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Media BioNews 26-2019 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Media Concerns about building plan in fragile coral reef

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-NL), STINAPA, Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire, The Caribbean Speleological Society, and the Dutch Caribbean...
Media BioNews 13-2018 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter PRINT

BioNews* is a free digital newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) featuring recent nature related news-items about the...
Media BioNews 14-2018 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Media BioNews 13-2018 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Media BioNews 11-2018 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Media BioNews 27 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Media BioNews 25-Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Media BioNews 22- Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Media BioNews 18-2018 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Media Bonairian households not resilient to climate change vulnerabilities and action is highly needed

Nederlands and Papiamentu below. Last May, the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA)‘s research intern Nina Zander requested via (social) media...
Other resources Biodiversity Monitoring on the BES-islands: …Past, Present and Future

Abstract With the transition of the islands of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (BES) from the former Netherlands Antilles to special municipalities...
Research report Mountain biking on Aruba's wild coast

The island of Aruba predominantly has a ‘sun, sea and sand’ tourism destination image. The Arub Tourism Authority (A.T.A.) aims to diversify the...
Media Long-spined sea urchins: not trouble but in trouble

Nederlands, Papiamento and Papiamentu below Since February 2022 there have been reports of Long-spined sea urchin (Diadema) die off from a number...
Research report The Value Natural Capital for the Tourism Industry of Aruba

Governments around the world are taking an interest in the measurement of well-being to improve their policy decisions. Aruba has started the process...
Media 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...
Media Special Edition Bionews: Caribbean Cetacean Society Expedition

Whale and dolphin research expedition 2022 This year, the third and sixth joint scientific expeditions of the Ti Whale An Nou program took...
Media BioNews 50 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews 50 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and...
Other resources BioNews 42 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews 42 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and...
Media BioNews 56

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Media BioNews 58

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Media BioNews 60

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Media BioNews 34-Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Media BioNews 49 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews 49- Dutch Caribbean Newsletter BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and...
Media BioNews 10-2017 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews 10-2017 includes the following news-items: Ecological Restoration Lac Bay and South Coast, Bonaire Bonaire: Roi Sango (EU BEST 2.0) Status of...
Media BioNews 47 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews 47- Dutch Caribbean Newsletter BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and...
Media BioNews 46 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews 46 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and...
Other resources Project rapportage. Regeling Bijzondere Uitkering Natuur voor Bonaire, Sint Eustatius en Saba (2013 – 2019)

The Openbaar Lichaam Bonaire, virtually all nature organizations, private companies and most individuals on Bonaire recognize caves as important...
Media BioNews 45 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews 45 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and...
Other resources Biodiversity Monitoring Strategy - notes from an exploration by parks

Notes from a series of sessions to jointly define a biodiversity monitoring strategy. The sessions were organized by the Dutch Caribben Nature...
Media BioNews 44 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews 44 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and...
Media BioNews 54 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews 54 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and...
Media BioNews 43 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews 43 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and...
Media BioNews 59

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Media BioNews 39 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Media BioNews 52 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews 52 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and...
Media BioNews 37 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Media BioNews 41 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews 41 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and...
Media BioNews 36 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Media BioNews 15-2018 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Media BioNews 30 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Media BioNews 33 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Other resources Associated mangrove aquaculture farms

Expanding shrimp aquaculture has been one of the main drivers of the worldwide loss of mangrove forests. Consequently, tropical mud coastlines have...
Media BioNews 31 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Media BioNews 29 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Media BioNews 32 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Media BioNews 12-2018 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Media BioNews 16-2018 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Media BioNews 20 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Media BioNews 38 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Media BioNews 21- Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Media BioNews 17-2018 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Media BioNews 19-2018 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
Research report Sustainable Finance in EU Overseas Territories

The Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM) and Wolfs Company have composed this report in collaboration with the Joint Nature Conservation...
Research report A National Park for Saba

Options for acquisition and management of the northwestern part of Saba. Since 2004, Saba’s overall economic objective has been to generate growth of...
Research report Evaluation of the Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database: user perspectives

The Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database (DCBD; www.dcbd.nl) is a nature and biodiversity web-platform for the Dutch Caribbean funded by the Dutch...
Media Informational material on protected species (CITES) developed for the Caribbean Netherlands

Informational material for regulations outlined in the Convention of International Trade of Endangered Species of wild flora and fauna (also known as...
Media Second whale and dolphin research program in the Caribbean

Nederlands and Papiamentu below The whale and dolphin research program Ti Whale An Nou started March 25, 2022 and the objective is to study the...
Media Two species of endangered elasmobranch are recommended to receive additional protection in the Caribbean

Thanks to the efforts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the critically endangered largetooth sawfish and the threatened silky shark have...
Other resources Roadmap towards effective fisheries management of the Caribbean Netherlands

For the special municipalities of the Netherlands, Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba, the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality is...
Research report St. Eustatius National Parks - Lionfish Response Plan

This document serves as a reference for the controlling and management of the invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois miles and P. volitans complex...
Other resources Climate Change Predictions for St-Eustatius and its possible impacts on the island

This report was created to highlight the most important climate change predictions for St. Eustatius and to highlight possible impacts on the island...
Media Research Expedition for Lesser Antillean Sperm Whales

The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and World Wide Fund for Nature Netherlands (WWF-NL) are proud to support Caribbean Cetacean Society’s (CCS...
Media Call of action to reduce plastic pollution on St. Maarten

Residents and businesses of St. Maarten are being urged to abandon the use of single-use, non-biodegradable plasticsto help create a cleaner and...
Other resources St Maarten Marine Park Management Plan 2007

The St Maarten Marine Park was first established in 1997. It surrounds the Dutch side of St Martin from the average high water mark to a depth of...
Media St. Maarten: Post Hurricane Coral Assessment

The St. Maarten Nature Foundation scientifically researched the impacts of Hurricane Irma on St. Maarten coral reefs using Global Coral Reef...
Media Sixth Caribbean marine expedition ‘Ti Whale An Nou 2022’ taking place this month

Nederlands and Papiamentu below. Organized by CCS with the support of WWF and DCNA As of August 15th through August 30th, the sixth joint scientific...
Media Saba: Horticultural Project

Thanks to generous funding from The Netherlands Ministry of Economics Affairs through the Nature Fund, the Island Government of Saba is implementing...
Other resources Conservation species for the Dutch Caribbean (2020)

This list of species of conservation interest has been developed as part of a project 'Using management effectiveness to strengthen species...
Media BioNews 4 - April 2013

This month’s issue focuses on the conservation efforts for the Red-billed Tropicbird, which is taking place on the islands of Saba and St. Eustatius...
Media Infographics of the Dutch Caribbean

Three infographics on the Dutch Caribbean (in Dutch): Location and size of the Dutch Caribbean (in comparison to the European Netherlands) Threats...
Media BioNews 8-2017 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews 8-2017 includes the following news-items: Status of Saba Bank’s reefs Economic value of Sharks Annual Shark Conference of the European...
Other resources The analysis of ecological networks: habitat connectivity and population viability on St.Eustatius

This student thesis research is in support of a Tourism Master Plan for Sint Eustatius; this plan is focused on the development of sustainable...
Media Interview with Elsmarie Beukenboom on conservation and tourism on Bonaire

Elsmarie Beukenboom was the first board representative for Stichting Nationale Parken Bonaire (STINAPA Bonaire) when the Dutch Caribbean Nature...
Research report Functional Valuation of Ecosystem Services on Bonaire

Abstract: My thesis research builds on the ‘movement’ to value nature. This movement as I call it started as early as 1970 with a theory to quantify...
Media 68th annual Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) meeting, Panama

Last November (Nov. 9th to Nov.15th), a Dutch Caribbean Delegation attended the 68th annual Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) meeting in...
Media BioNews 5-2017 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews 5-2017 includes the following news-items: Status Of St. Eustatius’s Reef Nature on St. Eustatius Hit Hard by Hurricanes BRUV Work In The...
Media BioNews Special Edition: Sustainable Tourism

Prior to the Corona virus pandemic, the trends for tourism in the Caribbean were pressing for cheaper and more varied options. There was a pressure...
Other resources CITES Brochure Spanish

** This brochure is also available in English, Papiamentu and Dutch ** This brochure is funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food...
Media BioNews 7-2017 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews 7-2017 includes the following news-items: Status of St. Maarten’s Reef St. Maarten: Impact Hurricane Irma on Nature EPIC...
Media BioNews 9-2017 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews 9-2017 includes the following news-items: Bad News For Green Sea Turtles In An Age Of Warming Seas: warmer oceans drive declining growth...
Media BioNews 2-2017 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews 2-2017 includes the following news items: Nature Funding Projects BES islands - P. Hoetjes Restoring Bonaire’s dry forest Tiger shark crosses...
Research report Naturalised and invasive alien plant species in the Caribbean Netherlands: status, distribution, threats, priorities and recommendations

Abstract: The Netherlands are signatories of the international Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). This implies that the nation will protect...
Other resources Parke Marino Aruba 2019-2021 Preliminary Management Plan

In 2016 the Government of Aruba in partnership with TNO Caribbean was awarded the BEST 2.0 Program grant to establish Marine Protected Areas (...
Research report Indicators on the status and trends of ecosystems in the Dutch Caribbean

The Caribbean islands of Bonaire, Saba, St.Eustatius, Aruba, Curacao and St. Maarten are part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The islands have a...
Media BioNews 12-2018 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter PRINT

In BioNews 12-2018 you will find articles on: Aruba Shoco Conservation Project First Silky Shark Sightings by Saba Conservation Foundation! NICO...
Media Coral Restoration Bonaire

The Nature funding from the Netherlands’ Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV) (previously Ministry of Economic Affairs), has helped...
Other resources St Maarten: Adopt a Shark Program

The St Maarten Nature Foundation launched the “Adopt a Shark” program during St Maarten Shark Week in June 2018, but due to the continued demand of...
Media Erosion around Kralendijk, Bonaire

In areas with sparse vegetation, intense rainfall events can loosen the soil material, after which it is transported away towards the ocean by...
Media DCNA Launches Dutch Caribbean Climate Action Plan

May 16th 2022- Today the DCNA launches a Climate Action Plan for the Dutch Caribbean. This plan provide concrete recommendations for all our islands...
Research report Biological Inventory of St. Maarten

St. Maarten is one of the islands forming the inner arc of the Lesser Antilles. It is older than Saba and St. Eustatius. The oldest rock strata date...
Media Two new birds recorded on Bonaire in 2020

In 1983, when the second edition of ‘Birds of The Netherlands Antilles’ by Dr. K.H. Voous was published, the number of birds recorded on Bonaire...
Research report Seagrass as bioindicator for eutrophication and pollution in the coastal bays of Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands

MSc thesis The economy of Bonaire is highly dependent on tourism. Tourists are drawn to Bonaire because of the beautiful nature and biodiversity in...
Media Mas Piska pa Boneiru: Less talk more action

Identifying and overcoming bottlenecks in fisheries management on Bonaire. Fishing is one of the oldest professions in the Dutch Caribbean. Many...
Research report Working paper on the economic valuation of country St. Maarten's coral reef resources

The St. Maarten Nature Foundation conducted an Economic Valuation of St. Maarten’s coral reef ecosystems in the fall of 2010. This attempted to put a...
Other resources Sustainable diving tourism on the Golden Rock - Assessment of the ecological and social carrying capacity of reefs of Sint Eustatius and the potential for artificial reefs

Tropical regions and developing states depend largely on their “blue nature” and related tourism for their potential and economic well-being. Even so...
Research report Cultural Ecosystem Service (CES) for Local Community in Aruba

This research is based on the TEEB framework- The Economics of Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity.TEEB is a branch in United Nations Environment...
Other resources First indication of the abundance and distribution of protected seagrass associated species in the introduced Halophila stipulacea meadows on Sint Eustatius

Student Report The present study investigated the abundance and distribution of protected seagrass associated species within the introduced Halophila...
Other resources Policy Letter: Creating effective, sustainable fisheries management in the Caribbean Netherlands

Throughout the Caribbean, like in the rest of the world, the abundance of marine fish species have been declining over the past decades. The health...
Media Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease Management Update for the Dutch Caribbean

Since 2014, a new coral disease has been spreading through the reefs of the Caribbean. Known as Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD), this disease...
Media New Coral Reef Breeding Nursery on Bonaire

A brand new, innovative floating coral fish breeding nursery is being tested at the Dive Friends Sand Dollar location on Bonaire. This project, led...
Media New Species of Cone Snail Discovered on Aruba

Nederlands and Papiamento below. Researchers from the Florida Atlantic University and University of California recently discovered a new species of...
Media Disappearance of St. Maarten’s Snails

Nederlands Below Land and freshwater mollusks were surveyed over the course of three visits in 2015, 2020 and 2021 on the Dutch and French sides of...
Media Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database: The Future of Data Sharing

A big obstacle in nature- policy, management and research is to access excising long-term data in an environment that experiences a high turnover in...
Media Bionews Diadema Special Edition: Restoration Effects

The Diadema RAAK Project is a collaborative effort between University of Applied Sciences Van Hall Larenstein, Wageningen Marine Research and...
Media Ecological Restoration Lac Bay and South Coast, Bonaire

Lac Bay is the largest semi-enclosed bay in the Dutch Caribbean, offering visitors breathtaking views, white sandy beaches and shallow turquoise...
Media New beetles discovered in the Dutch Caribbean

Nederlands below Two recently published studies document 35 new beetle species for the islands of Saba and St. Eustatius. Even with these latest...
Other resources Unwelcome guests: Stakeholder perspectives on non-native seagrasses and macroalgal ‘nuisance’ species in Bonaire

Unlike coral reef and mangrove forest ecosystems, public recognition and multiple values of seagrass beds have only but recently been gaining...
Media Reef Sharks Move to Deeper Water as They Mature

A new study from Wageningen University & Research (WUR) showed that reef sharks utilize different areas of the reef throughout their lifetime....
Media BioNews 8 - September 2013

This month’s issue focuses attention on the conservation efforts on the Windward side of the Dutch Caribbean. On St. Maarten, these days sharks are...
Research report Ecological values of the 12 miles zone of Bonaire

In 2015 an Expert group assessed the ten Dutch World Heritage candidate sites and advised the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science with regards...
Media BioNews 6-2017 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews 6-2017 includes the following news-items: Saba: hurricane impacts St. Eustatius: rat control program Fieldwork on seagrass ecosystem services...
Media The Netherlands’ Largest National Park

For the longest time, the Saba Bank has been the largest and richest forgotten treasure within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It lies just 5...
Research report Diversity, abundance, distribution and habitat use reef-associated sharks in the Dutch Caribbean

Shark are in serious decline in the Caribbean due to fishing pressure and slow reproductive life-history. The Dutch Caribbean Nature Policy Plan in...
Other resources GCRMN-Caribbean Steering Committee Meeting

Global Coral Reef Monitoing Network-Caribbean Steering Committee Meeting A meeting under the framework of UN Environment-Caribbean Environment...
Media FPNA hosts first coral reef monitoring workshop

Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba (FPNA) is proud to be hosting its first Coral Reef Monitoring Workshop this week, together with trainers – marine...
Research report Mapping the Economic Value of Ecosystems on St Eustatius

This report will specifically focus on the spatial distribution of the ecosystem service values and will eventually visualize these values...
Other resources The impact of competition, predation and disease on fluorescence patterns of RFP and GFP across the surface of scleractinian corals

Globally, scleractinian coral populations are declining, and to fully understand this decline it is important to study potential coral stressors in-...
Media BioNews 3-2017 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews 3-2017 includes the following news items: Status of Bonaire’s reefs Natuurgelden Projects: Coral Restoration on Bonaire and St. Eustatius...
Other resources Preliminary checklist of extant endemic species and subspecies of the windward Dutch Caribbean (St. Martin, St. Eustatius, Saba and the Saba Bank)

Keywords: endemic species, Caribbean, Saba, Saint Eustatius, Saint Marten, Saba Bank Endemic species and subspecies (or “taxa” for short) having...
Other resources 10th Meeting of the Fisheries Commission BES

The Fisheries Commission BES (FCBES) is an advisory body established to enhance the joint management and policy-making of fisheries in the Caribbean...
Other resources The Value of the LVV Site on Bonaire for Birds

Advice on the importance of this area for birds on Bonaire Bonaire is blessed with splendid nature, both above and below water. Due to their special...
Other resources CITES Brochure English

** This brochure is also available in Dutch, Papiamentu and Spanish ** This brochure is funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food...
Other resources Landsbesluit: Nieuwe aanwijzing domeingronden als natuurreservaat

In overweging genomen hebbende: Dat het wenselijk is een aantal domeingronden aan te wijzen als natuurreservaat in de zin van artikel 10 van de...
Research report UAUCU Student Research Exchange Collected Papers 2015 (Vol. 1)

Introduction In this publication you will find papers and reflections that were written by the ten participants in the UAUCU undergraduate research...
Maps and Charts Vegetation map Bonaire

Bitmap file of a vegetation map by the Nature Conservancy. Year, author, methodology and objective unknown.
Other resources CITES Brochure Dutch

** This brochure is also available in English, Papiamentu and Spanish ** This brochure is funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food...
Other resources Landsbesluit: aanwijzing Spaans Lagoen-gebied als natuurreservaat

LANDSBESLUIT, houdende algemene maatregelen, van 10 februari 2017 tot wijziging van het Landsbesluit Parke Nacional Arikok (AB 2000 no. 59) (...
Research report Seed germination methods for native Caribbean trees and shrubs - With emphasis on species relevant for Bonaire

Summary: This paper is intended as a basis for nature restoration activities using seeds of trees and (larger) shrubs native to Bonaire with the aim...
Media Crowdfunding: Tortuga ‘The Survival of Humanity’

Motivation In March 2018 I went to Curaçao for six months. I have been able to take a lot of underwater shots here and have experienced the problems...
Other resources CITES Brochure Papiamentu

** This brochure is also available in English, Dutch, and Spanish ** This brochure is funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality...
Other resources Landsbesluit Parke Marino Aruba

LANDSBESLUIT, houdende algemene maatregelen, van 20 december 2018 houdende instelling van het Parke Marino Aruba (Landsbesluit Parke Marino Aruba) In...
Media Unique shark tagging expedition to the Saba Bank

In October 2016, the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) organized a unique shark tagging expedition to the Saba Bank. Little is currently known...
Other resources Cay Bay Post-Restoration Assessment

The Cay Bay restoration site is located within the Seaside Nature Park (thus it has been referred to as “Seaside Nature Park” in previous reports ...
Other resources Plan voor land en water - beleidsplan natuur en milieu Caribisch Nederland 2020-2030

Caribisch Nederland bestaat uit drie eilanden: Bonaire, Sint Eustatius en Saba, alle gelegen in de Caribische Zee. Sinds 2010 zijn alle eilanden...
Maps and Charts Landscape map Bonaire

Landscape map that depicts the intersections of biophysical, cultural and aesthetic characteristics, delineating landscape types to which coherent...
Other resources Landsbesluit Parke Nacional Arikok

LANDSBESLUIT, houdende algemene maatregelen, van 24 au-gustus 2000 ter uitvoering van artikel 10 van de Natuur-beschermingsverordening (AB 1995 no. 2...
Media Mangrove Restoration Workshop 2021

The Mangrove Restoration Workshop was held between October 25 - 28, 2021. The goal was to bring together researchers, conservationists, park...
Research report Frame Survey Curaçao’s fishing fleet 2016

A brief inventory of the current fishing capacity (frame survey) of the insular fishing fleet of Curacao was conducted. Curacao is part of the...
Media Invasive Species Workshop on St. Eustatius

Twenty-five participants attended an informative workshop on invasive species on November 28th and 29th 2017. The Caribbean Netherlands Science...
Media Sargassum management brief

In light of recent and recurring influxes of sargassum on the islands of the Dutch Caribbean, the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance has drafted a...
Other resources Handhaving Natuur-en milieuwetgeving in Caribisch Nederland

Enforcement Nature and environmental legislation in the Caribbean Netherlands about free roaming feral cattle, waste management and other nature...
Research report Proyecto PUDRENA

Goal of this project was to collect and analyze information available which can be used for planning and sustaible development, with a focus on the...
Other resources CITES Posters- BES islands

* Also available: CITES brochures in English, Dutch, Papiamentu and Spanish Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna...
Media Great news for shark and ray conservation in the Caribbean (SPAW-STAC)

The first cross-border protective management in a Wider Caribbean context for elasmobranch species. In March 2017 it was officially decided to...
Media BioNews 4-2017 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

BioNews 4-2017 includes the following news-items: Status of Curaçao’s Reefs Researchers discover that the three known flamingo tongue snail species...
Media Saba: Goat Buy Back Project

The 2013-2017 Nature Policy for the Caribbean Netherlands flagged the threat of invasive species as a high priority, with recent inventories...
Other resources Yarari Maine Mammal and Shark Sanctuary brochure

Yarari Marine Mammal and Shark Sancuray Brochure Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV).
Media Dutch Caribbean Climate Action Plan

Introduction Caribbean islands are at the forefront of the climate crisis, with effects already starting to become noticeable in the region. Experts...
Media Tiger shark crosses thirteen maritime boundaries in four weeks

A tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) tagged with a satellite transmitter by scientists and researchers from Saba, Sint Maarten and the United States has...
Media Unexpected high number of endemics for the windward Dutch Caribbean Islands

In light of the mounting impact of humans on our planet, there is an urgent need to assess the status of all current living species so as to ensure...
Media Ecology and conservation of sea turtles in the Dutch Caribbean

Early in 2015 the research project “Ecology and conservation of green and hawksbill turtles in the Dutch Caribbean” started funded by NWO. The six...
Portal observado

About us Volunteers, researchers and scientists do a lot of field observations. Including these data into a global digital system creates a powerful...
Media 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...
Other resources Bonaire National Marine Park Management Plan 2022-2028

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Bonaire National Marine Park was established in 1979. The marine park protects 2,700 hectares of coral reefs, seagrass beds and...
Other resources Carimam Project - report on kick'off meeting

The Agoa Sanctuary (named after a Caribbean - Amerindian sea goddess) was established because of the abundance and diversity of cetacean species...
Research report Important Bird Areas in the Caribbean Netherlands

Abstract: The Important Bird Area (IBA) programme is an initiative of BirdLife International aimed at identifying, monitoring and protecting a...
Other resources Harmful invasive alien species (IAS) in the Caribbean Netherlands

Following climate change, IAS are recognised as the second-most serious long-term threat to island ecology, worldwide. Of all IAS issues, by far the...
Media Status of the Red-Bellied Racer on Saba and St. Eustatius

The Red-bellied Racer (Alsophis rufiventris) is a harmless snake species that is native to the St. Christopher and Saba Banks. Today, it...
Research report To what extent are marine conservation and economic development reconcilable in Bonaire National Marine Park?

Bonaire National Marine Park (BNMP) is a marine protected area (MPA) surrounding Bonaire, a small coral island in the Caribbean. Its purpose is to...
Other resources Tubastraea coccinea: Distribution and substratum preference of an exotic coral in Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean

The study of introduced species has gained popularity in recent years. A species introduced to a new area can have negative effects on the native...
Media Rats be Gone: Rodent control begins on St. Eustatius

Sint Eustatius:---The island of Sint Eustatius has initiated an ambitious two-year project to reduce the number of rats on the island. The project...
Research report Biological Inventory of Saba

Abstract: Saba is the smallest of the three Windward Islands in the Netherlands Antilles, with an area of 13 km2. Saba is the northernmost island...
Other resources Significance of boulder shape for the transport of boulders by tsunamis

Physical experiments and numerical models support investigations on the transport of boulders by tsunamis, and based on this, on hydrodynamic...
Research report AN ANALYSIS ON CHLOROPHYLL A AND TURBIDITY IN SABA

MSc internship report The project Restoration of resilience of nature and society in the Caribbean Netherlands aims to improve the resilience of the...
Media The beetles of the Dutch Caribbean

Last December, a beetle catalogue for the Dutch Caribbean was published. This voluminous paper provides the first critical review of the beetle...
Research report Proceedings of the Technical Workshop on Mitigating Sea Turtle Bycatch in Coastal Net Fisheries

Abstract: Sea turtles are adversely affected by a range of factors, some natural and others caused by human activities, such as fishing operations....
Media STENAPA’s protection of Caribbean Sea turtles

Each year, hawksbill and green turtles, and sometimes even leatherback turtles, come to the beaches of Statia to lay their eggs. New protocols,...
Media Special Edition: Transboundary Species

There has been a recent increase in public awareness of environmental issues as the effects of climate change have become ever more noticeable in our...
Research report The impacts of climate change on Bonaire (2022-present)

Small islands are particularly vulnerable to climate change because of their fragile ecosystems, small economies, and often extensive, low-lying...
Media Ants of the Dutch Caribbean

Between 2015 and 2020, researchers from the Naturalis Biodiversity Center updated the local ant species lists for the Dutch Caribbean. A large number...
Media Caribbean Birding Trail training on Bonaire

Twenty-two Caribbean Birding Trail Guides were certified on Bonaire in September 2016 at the end of an intense week long training workshop....
Media 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...
Media The State of the World's Mangroves 2021

MANGROVES ARE VITAL COMPONENTS OF THE PLANET’S COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS. Mangroves sequester carbon at up to four times the rate of terrestrial forests,...
Media Coralita, we’re gonna beat ya!

Having started in 2015, Utrecht University researchers Elizabeth Haber and Jetske Vaas (a.k.a. The Coralita Girls) thought it time to discuss their...
Scientific article Migratory destinations and timing of humpback whales in the southeastern Caribbean differ from those off the Dominican Republic

Humpback whales wintering in the entire West Indies chain are widely treated as comprising a single breeding population. However, most areas outside...
Research report Benthic community composition of the reef on the leeward side of Bonaire; A comparison of water quality with benthic community

MSc internship report The health and abundance of coral reefs are declining worldwide. Coastal development, terrestrial runoff, the temperature rise...
Media New Research on Mangrove Restoration for Bonaire

Nederlands below. Since 2020, the Mangrove Maniacs have planted over 1500 mangroves along the southwest coast of Bonaire. A new collaborative...
Book Butterflies and Moths of Curaçao, Aruba and Bonaire

Foreword Butterflies are a colorful and fascinating group of insects that have attracted a great deal of interest from naturalists in the past. In...
Media Satellites and Sharks: Latest in Saba Bank Shark Research

The Saba Bank is an important habitat within the Yarari Shark Sanctuary. Visited by a variety of different species, little is known about the life...
Media BioNews 1-2017 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter

A dedicated Saba Bank Symposium was organised by the University of Wageningen in December 2016. The Symposium was held in Den Helder and brought...
Media Vegetable cultivation on Bonaire

Vegetable cultivation on Bonaire It seems easy to grow vegetables on Bonaire, with the heat and the sun. However, there are many difficulties, such...
Research report St. Eustatius Sea Turtle Conservation Programme - Annual Report 2006

Abstract: The St Eustatius Sea Turtle Conservation Programme was initiated in 2001 due to concerns that the island’s sea turtle populations were...
Media Bonaire’s Yearly Parrot Count

Every year on Bonaire, dozens of dedicated volunteers wake up before dawn with one simple but important mission: count as many yellow-shouldered...
Media New Insight for Protecting the Future of Queen Conch

A new survey technique provides insight into Queen Conch populations off the islands of Anguilla, St. Eustatius and within the Saba Bank. This...
Media POP Bonaire: Rural Development Program: 2014-2018

Increasing concern over Bonaire’s dependence on dive tourism and the importation of food products has led the government to push for the sustainable...
Research report Funding Protected Areas in the Wider Caribbean. A Guide for Managers and Conservation Organizations

Abstract: This document is an orientation to sources of funding for protected areas and biodiversity conservation. It is designed to serve as a...
Media Two Dutch Caribbean Tagged Tiger Sharks Follow Similar Migration Patterns in the Caribbean

Two years ago the DCNA organized the first of its kind shark tagging expedition to the Saba Bank and St Maarten as part of the Dutch Postcode Lottery...
Media Restoration of Key Biodiversity Areas of St. Maarten

In July 2017, Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) Foundation initiated a project to restore coastal and terrestrial biodiversity by...
Media Health is Wealth: A One Health Approach to control vector-born diseases and promote sustainability

At the Sustainability Conference held on St. Eustatius in December 2017, the panel “Health is Wealth” explored the interrelationship between the...
Research report The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Aruba

Aruba’s natural capital value for tourism, culture, fishing and carbon exceeds US$ 287.3 million per year. ARUBA, an island of 115,000 human...
Media Vegetation Study informs Spatial Planning on Sint Maarten

Commissioned by Sint Maarten’s Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI), a color vegetation map produced...
Media Sea & Learn 2018

This year Sea & Learn celebrated their 16thannual event on Saba. A total of 16 experts provided dynamic hands-on field projects and powerful...
Media Rare nudibranch discovery highlights diversity of Bonaire’s reefs

In exciting news for the Bonaire National Marine Park (BNMP), a sighting of Aegires sublaevis, a rare nudibranch, was documented at the Cliff dive...
Media Sunscreen Awareness Bonaire- Moving towards a oxybenzone free island

Wageningen Marine Research (WMR) and Boneiru Duradero (BD) supported by World Wide Fund for Nature the Netherlands (WWF-NL)organised a Sunscreen...
Media Tiger Sharks and the Saba Bank

Hi everyone. My name is Ayumi Kuramae Izioka and I work as the as the science coordinator and daily operations manager of the Saba Bank Management...
Research report St. Eustatius Sea Turtle Conservation Programme - Annual Report 2007

Abstract: The St Eustatius Sea Turtle Conservation Programme was initiated in 2001 due to concerns that the island’s sea turtle populations were...
Media Shark Handling Techniques

Hi everyone, my name is Giancarlo Nunes and I’m the Research and Conservation manager for Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba. I can be considered a jack...
Media Uncovering the mystery of tiger shark reproduction in the eastern Caribbean

Much of the lives of the most iconic shark species – including the tiger shark – remains a secret, even to shark researchers. This is because these...
Other resources The Impacts of Climate Change on Bonaire - Synthesis Report

Part of the larger report available here. Executive summary Small islands are particularly vulnerable to climate change because of their fragile...
Research report Rare and/or Endangered Land and Freshwater Molluscs of St. Martin

Rare and/or Endangered Land and Freshwater Mollusks of St. Martin. In this article, Sint Maarten means the Dutch part and Saint-Martin the French...
Media Parental Behavior Linked to Declining Nest Success

New Red-billed Tropicbird data suggested declining nest survival rates may be more related to parental behavior than previously thought. A researcher...
Research report St. Eustatius Sea Turtle Conservation Programme - Annual Report 2005

Abstract: The St Eustatius Sea Turtle Conservation Programme was initiated in 2001 due to concerns that the island’s sea turtle populations were...
Media Aruba Shoco Conservation Project

The Dutch Caribbean Islands are a treasure trove of rare and endemic (sub) species. Island endemic (sub) species, that is (sub) species restricted to...
Research report Lac Bonaire - Restoration Action Spear Points, September 2010

Lac Bay, Bonaire is the most important mangrove and seagrass area of Bonaire and has been undergoing steady ecological decline in the last decades....
Scientific article Are infectious diseases really killing corals? Alternative interpretations of the experimental and ecological

Abstract: Emerging infectious diseases are a worldwide problem and are believed to play a major role in coral reef degradation. The study of coral...
Maps and Charts Marine park map of Saba

Marine park map of Saba (GIS)
Other resources Important Bird Areas of the Caribbean - Bonaire

Bonaire’s six IBAs—the island’s international site priorities for bird conservation—cover 23,830 ha (including their marine extensions). They embrace...
Other resources Monkey business 'the socioeconomic impact of the invasive green vervet monkey population on the island of St.Maarten'

Abstract In this student thesis you will find information on the socioeconomic impact of the invasive Green Vervet monkey population on the island of...
Other resources Vibrio communities associated with the azooxanthellate coral Tubastraea coccinea as compared to zooxanthellate shallow sea corals

A coral is made up of key associations between endosymbiotic zooxanthellae, protists, bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi. These microbe-coral...
Media NetBiome meeting, Reunion

Overseas Countries, Territories and Regions (OCT/Ors) of Europe working together for sustainable management and research of biodiversity In June,...
Media SPAW: new protected areas, new species!

In December 2014, the 8th SPAW (Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife) Protocol Conference of Parties (COP8) in Cartagena, Colombia, recognized...
Media Invasive species in the Dutch Caribbean: foreign foes or alien allies?

The aim of Utrecht University’s recently started NWO- funded research project “Invasive species in the Dutch Caribbean: foreign foes or alien allies...
Media Climate change impacts on Caribbean calcifying algae: why it matters

Rising temperatures, ocean acidification and increased storm frequency are threatening coastal Caribbean ecosystems. An important group of organisms...
Media Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network training workshop

Kai Wulf, Tadzio Bervoets, Melanie Meijer zu Schlochtern and Steve Piontek represented the Caribbean Netherlands at the Global Coral Reef Monitoring...
Media Aruba Birdlife Conservation releases new bird checklist: number of bird species for Aruba has increased

News article on: Aruba Birdlife Conservation, Checklist version 2, ABC Birds of Aruba September 5, 2016-254 species This news article was published...
Media Scientific Assessment of Curaçao’s Reefs

Blue Halo Curaçao, a partnership between the Waitt Institute and the Government of Curaçao, in close cooperation with researchers from CARMABI and...
Media 69th Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute Cayman Islands

7 November 2016 - 11 November 2016 The Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) is a non-profit organization that promotes the exchange of...
Research report What is Bonaire’s Cruise Tourism Worth

The ecosystems of the island of Bonaire support a range of activities that depend on the quality of the natural environment. Tourism is one of these...
Media Saba Bank: Sharks

Want to know the best place to see sharks in the Netherlands? Recent studies would seem to indicate that it’s the Saba Bank! Researchers on early...
Media Listening to the Caribbean’s Humpback Whales with CHAMP

In December 2016, after many months of planning, ten recording devices were successfully deployed throughout the Caribbean to listen to the sounds...
Media Status of Curaçao’s Reefs

The island of Curaçao is almost entirely surrounded by narrow fringing reef that covers an estimated area of 7.85 km2 (Vermeij, 2012). These reefs,...
Maps and Charts Marine park map of St. Maarten

Marine park map of St.Maarten
Other resources Proceedings of the 2013 AAUS/ESDP Curaçao Joint International Scientific Diving Symposium, October 24-27, 2013

The American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) and European Scientific Diving Panel (ESDP) Joint International Scientific Diving Symposium in...
Maps and Charts Printable tourist map of Rincon, Bonaire

Rural tourism map for exploration of the Rincon area on Bonaire. The map provides hiking, cycling and driving routes and takes you along breathtaking...
Research report Assessing the impact of Antigonon Leptopus on Saba and St. Eustatius

The spread of invasive species globally has had acknowledged impacts on species extinction, biodiversity and ecosystem services. Gauging the type and...
Scientific article First record on fecundity of an Iguana hybrid and its implications for conservation: evidence for genetic swamping of Iguana delicatissima populations by non-native iguanas

The Lesser Antillean iguana, Iguana delicatissima Laurenti, 1768, is a large herbivorous iguana historically ranging from Anguilla to Martinique (...
Media BioNews special: Yarari Marine Mammal and Shark Sanctuary

The Dutch Caribbean is an important area for marine mammals, sharks and rays. More than twenty marine mammal and thirty shark and ray species are...
Scientific article Light-regulated collective contractility in a multicellular choanoflagellate

Collective cell contractions that generate global tissue deformations are a signature feature of animal movement and morphogenesis. However, the...
Research report Turtles by the numbers-STCB Year Report 2019

Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire’s mission is to ensure that Bonaire’s sea turtles have a secure future, and to connect people to sea turtle...
Research report Saving sharks through a fishermen’s agreement

Background. For the Save our Sharks project of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance, 7Senses conducted Participatory Action Research on Saba for 7...
Media Population Structure and Connectivity of Reef-building Corals in the Southern Dutch Caribbean

A new study will examine the genetic connectivity of corals located around the ABC islands. The goal is to find a link between the spatial...
Other resources Zesde Voortgangsrapportage Natuur in Nederland -Stand van zaken eind 2019 en ontwikkelingen in 2020

Includes information about Caribbean Netherlands
Research report Vegetatie onderzoek Bonaire 2019

This report describes a field visit to the Caribbean island of Bonaire aiming at collection of field data on the arid vegetation, which consists...
Other resources Humpback whales and shipping collisions in the Dutch Caribbean EEZ

Student Report This advisory report is drawn up at the behest of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) who wants to know how to reduce ship...
Media Hurricane Effects on Critically Endangered Reptiles

Caribbean flora and fauna have always coped with the destructive forces of hurricanes. However, climate change leading to an increase in their...
Raw data Raw data of terrestrial bird observation on Bonaire 2019

Raw data of terrestrial bird monitoring on Bonaire. Methodology: DCNA’s Bird Monitoring Handbook: An Introductory Guide to Monitoring Birds (Delnevo...
Scientific article Satellite tracking of sea turtles: Where have we been and where do we go next?

The use of satellite tracking for the fundamental and applied study of marine turtles began in the 1980s but has undergone rapid growth in recent...
Research report Half a century of civil society participation in biodiversity conservation and protected area management: A case study of Bonaire

Abstract: This case study examines several aspects of civil society participation in biodiversity conservation in Bonaire that have been of...
Media BioNews 9 - October 2013

This month’s issue focuses attention on a very important species group – butterflies. Due to their sensitivity to environmental conditions,...
Other resources Important Bird Areas of the Caribbean - Aruba

Aruba’s four IBAs cover just 610 ha, but between them they support over 30,000 seabirds and a number of other significant bird populations. Tierra...
Maps and Charts Zoning plan of Curacao

Received via Curacao ministry of health, environment and nature (Chamberland, V. and Dilrosun, F.). Geo-referenced by van Dorland, G.
Other resources Effects of structural complexity on Sharpnose Pufferfish, Canthigaster rostrata (Tetraodontidae), abundance and size in the shallows of Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean

The Sharpnose Pufferfish, Canthigaster rostrata, as well as other species within the Tetraodontidae family are common reef fish found in tropical and...
Media Association of Marine Laboratories of the Caribbean meeting, Curaçao

18 to 22 May 2015, the Association of Marine Laboratories of the Caribbean (AMLC) held its 37th Scientific Conference on Curaçao. The conference was...
Media Shark Tracking on Saba

News article on: Winter, H.V., D. Vink, I.J.M. van Beek (2015) Pilot study on behaviour of sharks around Saba using acoustic telemetry – Progress...
Media Effect of invasive predators on breeding success of threatened Red-billed Tropicbirds

Update on one of the world’s largest nesting population on Saba and St. Eustatius. This news articles was published in BioNews 20 BioNews is...
Media The Humpbacks are Back!

We have some wonderful news to share! The magnificent humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) have returned for their four-to five-month long stay...
Media Science director and staff of CARMABI

News items on: Research Station CARMABI, Curacao This news article was published in BioNews 24. BioNews is produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature...
Media Climate change impacts within the Dutch Caribbean

The most recent climate change predictions for the Caribbean region (2013/2014) by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) are alarming...
Media Naturalis Expedition to St. Eustatius: discovering a new species of land snail

Since 2010 the tiny island of Sint Eustatius, or Statia, as it is known locally, has been a special municipality of the Netherlands. And despite...
Media Florida Keys Sea Turtle Workshop

December 2nd – December 4th 2016 Since its inception, the annual Florida Keys Sea Turtle Rehabilitation workshop, in partnership with the Wider...
Media UV- filters in sun care products as an emerging risk for Caribbean coral reefs

Researchers from the Wageningen Marine Research, under the leadership of water quality specialist and ecologist Dr. Diana Slijkerman, have been...
Media Researchers discover that the three known flamingo tongue snail species are in fact just one species

Two researchers at Naturalis and Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Bastian Reijnen and Sancia van der Meij, recently carried out research...
Media Saba: Hurricane Impacts

Since the passage of hurricanes Irma and Maria through the windward islands, the staff of the dive operators on Saba, comprising Saba Divers, Sea...
Other resources Trends in the Caribbean Netherlands 2017

How large was the population of Bonaire, Saba, and St Eustatius on 1 January 2017? How did the economy of each island develop in 2015? What were the...
Research report Widely resented yet neglected: latent environmental problems : The case of an invasive alien vine on Saba and Statia

The invasive alien Coralita vine (Antigonon leptopus) overgrows large parts of Saba and St. Eustatius, posing a threat to agriculture and the unique...
Media A Critically Endangered Palm Found Only on Bonaire

A recent report describes, for the first time in its history, the critically endangered Bonaire Palm. Although first documented in 1979, it took...
Research report Reforestation in Bonaire: a species suitability study in exclosures in the Washington-Slagbaai National Park

Student Report he nature organisation Echo aims to conserve the Yellow-Shouldered Amazon parrot on Bonaire. They have established two exclosures for...
Media Orange Tail Mollies In Dutch Waters?

Have you ever seen an orange tail molly in Dutch waters? If not, you should go to the ABC Islands. That’s an abbreviation for Aruba, Bonaire, and...
Scientific article Abundance of coral-associated fauna in relation to depth and eutrophication along the leeward side of Curaçao, southern Caribbean

A B S T R A C T Coral-associated invertebrates contribute much to the biodiversity of Caribbean coral reefs. Although the nature of their symbiotic...
Raw data Raw data of terrestrial bird observation on Saba 2019,2021

Raw data of terrestrial bird monitoring on Saba collected for the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and Saba Conservation Foundation. ...
Research report Shark protection plan for the Dutch Caribbean EEZ

Summary: Shark populations have steeply declined worldwide due to unsustainable overexploitation and in this the Caribbean region is no exception....
Research report Roaming livestock distribution, densities and population estimates for St. Eustatius, 2013.

Abstract The problem of roaming livestock is a major impediment to agricultural development and nature conservation on St. Eustatius, as it also...
Maps and Charts RAMSAR map of Curacao

RAMSAR areas mapped for the Curacao ministry of health, environment and nature with the help of K.Wenzel of the RAMSAR convention secretariat....
Other resources Good fences make good neighbors: Habitat partitioning by spinyhead (Acanthemblemaria spinosa) and secretary (Acanthemblemaria maria) blennies.

Spinyhead blennies (Acanthemblemaria spinosa) and secretary blennies (Acanthemblemaria maria) are abundant, tube-dwelling fishes on the reefs of...
Media Birds Caribbean Conference, Jamaica

BirdsCaribbean held its 20th international conference in Kingston Jamaica from 25 to 29 July 2015. The theme of the meeting was “Birds—Connecting...
Media Mangroves and seagrass beds as nurseries

News article on: Hylkema, A., W. Vogelaar, H.W.G. Meesters, I. Nagelkerken, A.O. Debrot (2014) Fish Species Utilization of Contrasting sub-Habitats...
Media Oct. 2015: Third Saba Bank expedition

A select group of researchers from IMARES and several other institutions came together from October 17th to October 31st 2015 to conduct the third...
Media Sea and Learn: An innovative Approach to Raising Environmental Awareness

This past October marked the 13th consecutive month-long Sea and Learn event on Saba. This award- winning event, organized each October since 2003 by...
Media Marine Species discoveries Curaçao

Curaçao has a remarkably long and rich history of marine species discoveries. This is reflected by a high number of species descriptions in which...
Media Dutch Caribbean sharks celebrated throughout the Kingdom

During Dutch Caribbean Shark Week that was scheduled from June 18th thru 26th, the entire Dutch Kingdom celebrated sharks, both as important ocean...
Media Climate change impacts on sea turtle nesting within the Dutch Caribbean

The effect of climate change on fragile populations of endemic and endangered species has become a topic of special concern, with one creature that...
Media Naturalis Marine Expedition: Results marine biodiversity of St. Eustatius

In September, a report on the preliminary results of the Statia Marine Biodiversity Expedition (from June 2015) was published. This expedition served...
Media Box Jellies of Bonaire

This news item focuses on three of the well-documented box jellies of Bonaire: - Tamoya ohboya. The Bonaire Banded Box Jelly - Alatina alata. The...
Media Saba Bank: coral status and trends

The University of Wageningen (IMARES) has participated in research voyages to the Saba Bank in 2011, 2013 and 2015. Monitoring of coral reefs has...
Other resources Exploring the occurrence of and explanations for nighttime spikes in dissolved oxygen across coral reef environments

Primary production due to photosynthesis results in daytime oxygen production across marine and freshwater ecosystems. However, a prevalent, globally...
Media Volunteers will count endangered species in St. Eustatius (Anemoon)

The ANEMOON Foundation is a Dutch volunteer organization of citizen scientists who are interested in sea life. The Foundation has started a project...
Media Biodiversity of Dutch Caribbean Reefs

The coral reefs of the Dutch Caribbean have recently received much attention in the scientific journal Marine Biodiversity. The first issue of 2017...
Media St. Eustatius: rat control program

Introduced predators such as cats, dogs, and rats can be found all over St. Eustatius and are a primary threat to the island's biodiversity. Rats,...
Other resources Caribbean tourism and agriculture: linking to enhance development and competitiveness

This study examines current trends in tourism and agriculture in Caribbean countries and the strategy for linking them in order to facilitate their...
Research report Caribbean Netherlands Science Institute Annual Report 2017

CNSI’s Annual Report 2017 includes articles on: Statian Invasions Invasive Alien Species Rodent Control Conch Chronicles Outreach and Education...
Research report Effect of shade on Antigonon leptopus (Corallita) growth and germination rate

MSc. thesis An experimental research conducted in Saba (Dutch Caribbean) as a potential control method for Corallita Non-native species can cause...
Other resources St. Eustatius joins Yarari Marine Mammal and Shark Sanctuary

Excellent news: St. Eustatius has now become part of the “Yarari” Marine Mammal and Shark Sanctuary. St. Eustatius joined Bonaire and Saba when the...
Research report Landschapspark Rincon

MSc thesis In het natuurbeleidsplan Bonaire 1999-2004 is een aantal projecten geformuleerd, waarvan het behud van het gebied rondom het...
Research report Erosiebestrijding en natuurherstel

Een gezond koraalrif is cruciaal voor Bonaire. De economie is voor 80% afhankelijk van het toerisme. De twee grootste bedreigingen voor het koraalrif...
Media At least ten reef-associated shark species in the Dutch Caribbean

Wageningen Marine Research reported ten reef-associated shark species in the Dutch Caribbean in a recent published study as part of Dutch Caribbean...
Scientific article Neogene–Quaternary tectonic evolution of the Leeward Antilles islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao) from fault kinematic analysis

Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao are islands aligned along the crest of a 200-km-long segment of the east–west-trending Leeward Antilles ridge within the...
Scientific article Green ammonia enables sustainable energy production in small island developing states: A case study on the island of Curaçao

Abstract Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have a high dependency on fossil fuels for energy, water, and food production. This has negative...
Other resources Raw data of terrestrial bird observations on St.Eustatius from 2018-2022

Raw data of terrestrial bird monitoring on St.Eustatius by St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation (STENAPA) and Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (...
Research report Assessing the Relationship between Coastal Currents and Water Quality Indicators on Bonaire: ADCP & CTD approach

MSc internship report 75% of coral reefs worldwide experience degradation of which 60% is caused by local (anthropogenic) stressors. The human...
Research report Preliminary overview of exotic and invasive marine species in the Dutch Caribbean

The marine exotic species of the Dutch Caribbean are less well-known than its terrestrial exotics. So far, only 27 known or suspected marine exotic...
Media BioNews 6 - June/July 2013

This month’s issue focuses on the development of the Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database, which addresses one of the biggest gaps for nature...
Other resources Bonaire National Marine Park—Algal Survey and Inventory

The Littler’s team [including Barrett Brooks, Don Hurlbert, Barbara Watanabe and Larry Gorenflo (Conservation International)] traveled to the island...
Other resources Species dependent aggression in bicolor damselfish during reproductive and non-reproductive cycles

Bicolor damselfish, Stegastes partitus, are well known for their aggressive nature. They are known to attack almost any species threatening their...
Book Saba Bank Research 2011-2016

This book will let you dive into the underwater worl of the Saba Bank and gives you an introduction to its amazing biodiversity. At the same time you...
Media Sea Turtle Convention, Mexico

The Inter-American Sea Turtle Convention (IAC) convened its seventh Conference of Parties (COP 7) in Mexico City in June this year. Two resolutions...
Media Boa constrictor

The Boa constrictor was first documented on Aruba in 1999 and they have since rapidly expanded their population size and distribution across the...
Media Island biogeography meets the Anthropocene - The first expedition.

Many modern human activities result in environmental problems such as pollution, overfishing and deforestation, which have a considerable impact on...
Media Coral Reef Rehabilitation in the Dutch Caribbean

The Dutch Caribbean islands are recognized worldwide for their healthy reefs and outstanding dive sites. Nevertheless, while these reefs are showing...
Media Post-breeding migration routes of marine turtles from Bonaire and Klein Bonaire

News items on: Becking, L.E.; Christianen, M.J.A.; Nava, M.I.; Miller, N.; Willis, S.; van Dam, R.P. (2016) Post-breeding migration routes of marine...
Media Exploring the Saba Bank

Overview of expeditions to the Saba Bank. This news article was published in BioNews 31. BioNews is produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance...
Media Sustainable Island Management students visit Statia in a 2-week fieldtrip

In November 2016 10 students and 2 lecturers from Van Hall Larenstein, University of Applied Sciences exchanged Leeuwarden for a 2-week fieldtrip to...
Research report Human induced dust in Aruba. An assessment of the transport and spatial deposition dynamics of dust from off-road driving in Aruba and the effect of driving speed and traffic density.

Off-road driving has a range of impacts on the environment and human health. In Aruba, traffic on dirt roads and recreational off-road driving has...
Scientific article Genome-wide survey of single-nucleotide polymorphisms reveals fine-scale population structure and signs of selection in the threatened Caribbean elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata.

The advent of next-generation sequencing tools has made it possible to conduct fine-scale surveys of population differentiation and genome-wide scans...
Scientific article Stable and sporadic symbiotic communities of coral and algal holobionts

Coral and algal holobionts are assemblages of macroorganisms and microorganisms, including viruses, Bacteria, Archaea, protists and fungi. Despite a...
Other resources Staat van instandhouding van de natuur van Caribisch Nederland

Sinds de staatkundige herstructurering van het Koninkrijk in 2010, maken de Caribische eilanden van Bonaire, Saba en St. Eustatius als speciale...
Other resources 9th Meeting of the Fisheries Commission BES - open summary

The Fisheries Commission BES (FCBES) is an advisory body established to enhance the joint management and policy-making of fisheries in the Caribbean...
Media Dutch Government Announces New International Shark Strategy

The Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV) has recently published a strategy to manage and protect sharks and rays within...
Media Evaluation of vegetation development on the Dutch Caribbean islands

In November 2019, vegetation scientists from Wageningen Environmental Research and Carmabi visited Bonaire, to study the succession of the vegetation...
Scientific article Brown Boobies (Sula leucogaster) roosting at Washington-Slagbaai National Park, Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands

Brown Boobies (Sula leucogaster) are known to roost on the northwestern coast of Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands. A published account from the 1950s...
Other resources Bonaire national marine park management plan 2006

The Bonaire National Marine Park was first established in 1979. It surrounds the island of Bonaire and includes the satellite island and the waters...
Research report UAUCU Student Research Exchange Collected Papers 2019

This volume presents academic papers and personal reflections written by the participants of the UAUCU student research exchange project 2019. These...
Media Caribbean Shark Coalition Launched to Promote Training, Impact, and Collaboration around shark protections in the Greater Caribbean Region

The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and Beneath the Waves (BTW) have launched the Caribbean Shark Coalition (CSC), an innovative, new...
Scientific article The Reef Fish Assemblage of Bonaire Marine Park: An Analysis of REEF Fish Survey Data

Abstract: The REEF/TNC Fish Survey Project is a volunteer fish monitoring program developed by the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF)...
Media BioNews 7 - August 2013

This month’s issue focuses attention on three successful conservation efforts of local NGOs, which are using monitoring to guide their field-based...
Scientific article Molecular phylogeny, analysis of character evolution, and submersible collections enable a new classification of a diverse group of gobies (Teleostei: Gobiidae: Nes subgroup), including nine new species and four new genera

The Nes subgroup of the Gobiosomatini (Teleostei: Gobiiformes: Gobiidae) is an ecologically diverse clade of fishes endemic to the tropical western...
Other resources Abundance and size distribution of the bearded fireworm Hermodice carunculata on sand flats and coral reefs in Bonaire

Hermodice carunculata the bearded fireworm is abundant in Bonaire‘s coral reefs. The corallivorous fireworm is a voracious eater, and a generalist...
Media Save our Sharks project

The Dutch Caribbean is poised to benefit from a new funding initiative provided by the Dutch Postcode Lottery aimed at an essential conservation...
Media Yarari Sanctuary established

During her visit to Saba and Bonaire at the beginning of September 2015, State Secretary of Economic Affairs, Mrs. Sharon Dijksma, publicly announced...
Media Statia Marine Expedition

In June 2015, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, in collaboration with “Anemoon Foundation”, launched a new initiative in the Dutch Caribbean with the...
Media First sighting of a pied water tyrant within the Kingdom of the Netherlands

This news article was published in BioNews 21 BioNews is produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance and funded by the Ministry of Economic...
Media 8th meeting of the Dutch Caribbean Committee for Marine Biodiversity and Fisheries

On November 24th 2015, the Committee for the joint management of Marine Biodiversity and Fisheries (CMBF) of the Dutch Caribbean (aka EEZ Committee)...
Media Shark sightings around the SSS Islands

Shark sightings around the SSS islands (Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten) are currently being recorded to provide information on the occurrence of...
Media Have you recently seen -or not seen- long-spined sea urchin Diadema antillarum on Caribbean reefs?

The early 80’s die-off of Diadema antillarum and the subsequent reef degradation is by now a well-discussed and studied topic throughout the...
Media Expert meeting on the management of sharks in the Caribbean Netherlands

On October 3rd and 4th the Ministry of Economic Affairs, in cooperation with the Dutch Elasmobranch Society, organized an expert meeting on the...
Media Saba Bank: Fisheries

The Saba Bank supports a vibrant local fishing industry. Fishing effort focuses mainly on a trap fishery, targeting lobster and deep water red fish (...
Other resources Initial Inventory of 3D Cadastre Use Cases in the Caribbean

As argued in many earlier FIG publications, the potential benefits of 3D Cadastre are huge. This is especially true in the Caribbean setting with...
Media Natuurgelden projects: coral restoration on Bonaire and St. Eustatius

This news article was published in BioNews 3-2017. BioNews is produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance and funded by the Ministry of Economic...
Research report Assessing the viabiliy of the groasis waterboxx for dry forest restoration and reforestation projects.

Extensive deforestation of dry tropical forests is globally impeding the ecosystem services and functions that the forests provide, which millions of...
Media Annual Shark Conference of the European Elasmobranch Association

For three days in October 2017, Amsterdam became the shark capitol of Europe, as 150 scientists, policymakers and nature conservationists from all...
Research report Living Blue Planet Report: Species, habitats and human well-being

Living Planet Report WWF’s Living Planet Report, released every two years, is a leading science-based analysis on the health of our planet and the...
Other resources 8th Meeting of the Fisheries Commission BES

The Fisheries Commission BES (FCBES) is an advisory body established to enhance the joint management and policy-making of fisheries in the Caribbean...
Other resources Stoney Coral Tissue Loss Disease Management Letter for the Dutch Caribbean

DCNA's Management Letter Purpose • Provide background information on Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) outbreaks and current status within...
Other resources BioNews special: Climate Change

Conditions all around the world are changing due to climate change. These changes can be felt throughout all environments, from changing water ...
Other resources Using Sound to Track Marine Mammals in Saba Bank

Since 2011, the Saba Bank noise logger research project has been collecting acoustic data of marine mammals, fish and man-made noises within the Saba...
Monitoring protocol WSNP Monitoring Protocol

This document contains the written guidelines of the monitoring project in the Washington-Slagbaai National park of Bonaire. These monitoring...
Research report Monitoring water quality parameters of the coastal waters of Saba and the possible effects on the coral reef

MSc intership report Coral reef systems have been declining all over the world. The project “Restoration of resilience of nature and society in the...
Research report St. Eustatius National Marine Park Management Plan 2007

Abstract: The St. Eustatius Marine Park was created in 1996 and extends around the entire island from the high water line to 30m depth contour. St....
Research report A Management Capacity Assessment of Selected Coral Reef Marine Protected Areas in the Caribbean

Abstract: This report presents the findings of an assessment of capacity building needs for the management of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the...
Other resources Benthic Habitat Mapping in the coastal waters of Saba Dutch Caribbean

In this research benthic habitats of the Saba Marine Park were mapped. There were several reasons for an updated benthic habitat map: (1) to compare...
Other resources Baited Remote Underwater stereo0Video (stereo0BRUV) survey as a basis for elasmobranch conservation and management on Sint Maarten, Dutch Caribbean

Elasmobranch populations (sharks, rays and skates) worldwide have declined drastically over the past decades and the situation in the Dutch Caribbean...
Media Radar surveys of Audubon’s Shearwater

To better protect Audubon’s Shearwaters, Adam Brownfrom Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC), in partnership with the Saba Conservation...
Media Recreational SCUBA Diver impact in Bonaire

Recent research by CIEE Research Station Bonaire led by Dr. Patrick Lyons examined the effects of recreational SCUBA divers on the abundance of...
Media Endangered Dutch Iguana species put on the map

With the accession of the islands of Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius as special municipalities of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the list of ‘Dutch...
Media Upcoming Shark Tagging Expedition on the Saba Bank

Little is known about the current state of shark populations in the Dutch Caribbean, even less is known about their behavior and which areas they use...
Media Alarm bells ring as turtle growth rates decline

An unprecedented regional study of turtle growth rates by Bjorndal et al, compiled scientific data on hawksbill turtle growth rates collected over a...
Other resources Report on observations of coral bleaching St Eustatius Marine Park, Saba Marine Park, St Maarten Marine Park

Coral bleaching has been observed in the Windward Islands since late August 2005. Reports and observations have been received from marine parks and...
Media Managing the Saba Bank

This news item is based on presentations given at the Saba Bank Symposium in December 2016. It was published in BioNews 31. BioNews is produced by ...
Media Conference – Coastal Dynamics and Ecosystem Change: Caribbean, Quo Vadis?

This news article was published in BioNews 3-2017. BioNews is produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance and funded by the Ministry of Economic...
Maps and Charts Terrestrial park map of Aruba

Aruba National Parks, created from coastline and traced from image files.
Other resources Monitoring Statia’s marine ecosystems

CNSI continues to monitor the vulnerable ecosystems of St. Eustatius coordinated by Data Monitoring Officer (DMO) Kimani Kitson-Walters. Coral reef...
Media 71st annual conference of the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute

The 71st annual conference of the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) was held in San Andres, (Colombia) from 5–9 November 2018. This...
Other resources 7th Meeting of the Fisheries Commission BES

The Fisheries Commission BES (FCBES) is an advisory body established to enhance the joint management and policy-making of fisheries in the Caribbean...
Scientific article Hurricanes, climate change, and social welfare: evidence from the Caribbean

We examine whether Caribbean islands will be worse off as hurricane activity alters under climate change. To this end, we construct island level...
Media Tracking Sharks around Sint Maarten

The St. Maarten Nature Foundation recently retrieved acoustic receivers (loggers) to learn about the movement patterns and home ranges of Caribbean...
Raw data Raw data of terrestrial bird observation on Curacao from 2018-2021

Raw data of terrestrial bird monitoring and vegetation description on Curacao collected for the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and Carmabi. ...
Research report Spatial and temporal variability of chlorophyll-a in coastal waters of Sint Eustatius

MSc report Land based nutrient input from anthropogenic sources is a worldwide issue and a threat to coral reef health. Corals found in high nutrient...
Research report A Willingness to Pay Study for Park Fees: Quill/Boven National Park, St. Eustatius Marine Park, St. Eustatius, Netherlands Antilles

Abstract: Organisations designed to manage and maintain Protected Areas are often faced with limited financial resources to maintain and monitor...
Scientific article Geographic coupling of juvenile and adult habitat shapes spatial population dynamics of a coral reef fish

Abstract: Marine spatial population dynamics are often addressed with a focus on larval dispersal, without taking into account movement behavior of...
Maps and Charts Yarari Marine Mammal and Shark Sanctuary

The populations of sharks worldwide are in sharp decline and therefore in urgent need of protection from illegal fishing and fisheries by-catch.The...
Other resources Cruise report RV Pelagia 64PE414 Saba Bank

This research expedition is part of the project “Caribbean Coral Reef Ecosystems”, funded within NWO’s Caribbean Research Program. This project...
Other resources Identifying the cultural value of Bonaire’s marine resources

The island of Bonaire in the lesser Antillean islands is economically dependent on the tourism industry. A majority of tourists who visit the island...
Media Port Sampling as a cost-effective method to monitor cetaceans within the Caribbean Netherlands

Cetacean monitroing in the Dutch Caribbean This news article was published in BioNews 17. BioNews is produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature...
Media Invasive Alien Species strategy

News article on: Smith, S.R., W.J. van der Burg, A.O. Debrot, G. van Buurt, J.A. de Freitas (2014) Key elements towards a Joint Invasive Alien...
Media Dutch Caribbean Research Institutes

News items on: Research Station CARMABI Caribbean Netherlands Science Institute (CNSI) CIEE Research Station Bonaire These news articles were...
Media Where have all the crinoids gone?

Colorful feather stars (comatulid crinoids, Phylum Echinodermata) were plentiful on the reefs of Curaçao and Bonaire in the late 1960s when David...
Media Science directors and staff of CIEE and CNSI

News items on: Caribbean Netherlands Science Institute (CNSI), St. Eustatius CIEE Research Station Bonaire This news article was published in ...
Media Lionfish Culling: the Solution to Managing Lionfish Populations in the Dutch Caribbean?

One of the most talked about fish in the Caribbean Region is an exotic looking fish with eye-catching stripes and remarkable feathery pectoral fins:...
Media Sunscreens and Corals: Oxybenzone

Coral reefs face innumerable human-induced threats including climate change, sedimentation, pollution and destructive fishing practices all of which...
Media NIOZ Saba Bank Expedition: Environmental impacts on carbon metabolism of reef ecosystems

NIOZ organised an expedition to the Saba Bank aboard the research vessel “Pelagia” from 19th August to 8th September 2016. Thirteen scientists from...
Media Sharks around Saba

News item on high tech acoustic telemetry research on sharks around Saba. This news article was published in BioNews 30. BioNews is produced by ...
Media Saba Bank: marine mammals

The Northern Caribbean is a well-known breeding and calving ground for North Atlantic humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) and considerable ...
Media Dutch Caribbean Species Register

On December 5, 2017, the launch of the Dutch Caribbean Species Register took place: www. dutchcaribbeanspecies.org. This website is intended to...
Scientific article One-Third of Reef-Building Corals Face Elevated Extinction Risk from Climate Change and Local Impacts

The conservation status of 845 zooxanthellate reef-building coral species was assessed by using International Union for Conservation of Nature Red...
Media International Meeting on Protection of Sharks

From November 20-24th, 2017 a group of international shark experts gathered at Captain Don’s Habitat on Bonaire to discuss measures for the...
Media ROADMAP TOWARDS EFFECTIVE FISHERIES MANAGEMENT ON THE CARIBBEAN NETHERLANDS

EXCERPT FROM: MAS PISKA PA BONEIRU: A SOCIAL MAPPING STUDY OF THE FISHERIES SECTOR OF BONAIRE, ST. EUSTATIUS AND SABA. For the special...
Scientific article Tropical Biogeomorphic Seagrass Landscapes for Coastal Protection: Persistence and Wave Attenuation During Major Storms Events

The intensity of major storm events generated within the Atlantic Basin is projected to rise with the warming of the oceans, which is likely to...
Media Sustainable Tourism: Current State

Each of the six Dutch Caribbean islands have their own unique draw, enticing visitors from around the world each year. From environments ranging from...
Media Watershed-to-Reef: New Approach for Coral Reef Management

Results from a 2020 study highlight the interconnectivity between watershed areas and neighboring coral reefs on the island of Bonaire. This study...
Raw data Areal survey- Bait balls East Coast Bonaire

Aerial survey by the DCNA recording data and taking photos of almost 30 bait balls. Species observed include: skipjack tuna, various seabirds,...
Research report An Assessment of the Impacts of Climate Change on Coastal Inundation on Bonaire

Part of the larger The impacts of climate change on Bonaire (2022-present) report available here - https://www.dcbd.nl/document/impacts-climate-...
Raw data Raw data of terrestrial bird observation on Curacao 2022

Raw data of terrestrial bird monitoring on Curacao collected for the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and Carmabi. Methodology: ProAlas ...
Research report Tropical Americas Coral Reef Resilience Workshop Report

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) assumed leadership of the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) in 2010 with...
Scientific article Coastal stratigraphies of eastern Bonaire (Netherlands Antilles): New insights into the palaeo-tsunami history of the southern Caribbean

Abstract: A sediment record of three alluvial sites along the east- and northeast-oriented shore of Bonaire (Netherlands Antilles) provides evidence...
Research report Use of satellite data for the monitoring of species on Saba and St. Eustatius.

Abstract: On 10 October 2010 Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius became ‘special municipalities’ of the Netherlands, making the Dutch government...
Maps and Charts Terrestrial park map of Saba

Terrestrial park map of Saba (GIS)
Portal Plants and Lichens of St. Eustatius. A Virtual Herbarium of the New York Botanical Garden

St. Eustatius, also informally known as "Statia" is an 11.8 square mile (30.6 square km) island with about 3,200 permanent inhabitants located off...
Other resources Large scale, medium scale, and small scale patterns of benthic cyanobacteria & the possibility of groundwater association on a coral reef

Cyanobacteria presence in the marine ecosystem is biologically significant due to its versatile nature. This phylum is responsible for destructive...
Media Caribbean biodiversity on-line

Many publications on the Caribbean Flora and Fauna have recently become accessible online via a new database at the Naturalis Biodiversity Center in...
Media Dermal parasites on coral reef fish

In 2013 Dr. Martin de Graaf from IMARES noted an unusually high number of coral reef fish at the Salt Pier on Bonaire, infected with dermal parasites...
Media Agoa Sanctuary Management Board Meeting, St. Martin, November 5, 2015.

In 2012 France established a marine mammal sanctuary, named Agoa after “Maï d’Agoa”, Mother or Spirit of the Water in Amerindian mythology. The Agoa...
Media Beach Debris on Aruba

A large-scale study of beach debris on Aruba has shown just how much marine debris pollution there is on the island’s beaches. The study also locates...
Media Waterbird monitoring in Curaçao

Following the Caribbean Waterbird Census Monitoring Training workshop given by Lisa Sorenson (BirdsCaribbean) and Je Gerbracht (Cornell) at Carmabi...
Media The Smithsonian Institution’s Deep Reef Observation Project (DROP)

Compared to shallow coral reefs there has been very little scientific research on reefs below 45 meters largely due to limitations imposed by SCUBA...
Media Baited Remote Underwater Video monitoring: what's all the fuss?

Researchers from the University of Wageningen under the leadership of sheries biologist Dr. Martin de Graaf and Twan Stoffers, have been working for...
Media Saba Bank: recommendations

This news item comes from the Saba Bank Symposium in December 2016 (Becking & Meesters, 2017) . This news article was published in BioNews 31....
Scientific article The toxic exposure of flamingos to per-and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from firefighting foam applications in Bonaire.

In 2010 an oil terminal next to nature reservation Saliña Goto (Bonaire) caught fire. Firefighting resulted in elevated per- and polyfluoroalkyl...
Media This Little Island is a Haven for Migratory Shorebirds

Fernando and I are at our one of our “high density” points (counting stations) on the Cargill Salt Production Facility in southern Bonaire. We are...
Media Milieuramp op Sint-Maarten

Door de orkaan Irma lekt bij Sint-Maarten diesel in zee en is koraal zwaar beschadigd. Het duurt jaren voor de palmen terug zijn. Orkaan Irma heeft...
Maps and Charts Printable tourist map of Bara di Karta, Bonaire

Rural tourism map for exploration of Bara di Karta on Bonaire. The map provides hiking, cycling and driving routes and takes you along breathtaking...
Other resources Spaans Lagoen Species List

Species List IMPORTANT NOTICE The species list in this document is not all-inclusive, meaning that not all species which can be found in the "Spaans...
Media Innovative Artificial Reef Structures “IntelliReefs” to Improve Denuded Coral Reefs

Beginning of February 2020, the Ocean Science Team of Reef Life Foundation was on Sint Maarten to assess and research the 14 month performance of the...
Scientific article Baseline Study of Submerged Marine Debris at Beaches in Curaçao, West Indies

The objective of this study was to quantify the extent and nature of submerged debris at beaches in Curacao.
Other resources STENAPA Game Lesson Plan
Media The path to Coral Recovery: Scientific Foundations and Practical Lessons

During the 2019 edition of the DCNA Convention on Bonaire, biologists from local protected area management organizations including Aruba National...
Other resources CITES Signs airport and harbors

* Also available: CITES brochures in English, Dutch, Papiamentu and Spanish * Also avaiable: CITES posters Convention on International Trade in...
Media Hurricane Impact on Statia

Sint Eustatius was hit by two major hurricanes, Irma and Maria, during the high-intensity season of 2017. Two new studies aid our understanding of...
Research report Protecting Bonaire against Coastal Flooding A participatory multi-criteria analysis of coastal adaptation options

Part of the larger The impacts of climate change on Bonaire (2022-present) report available here. Summary Coastal hazards pose a significant threat...
Raw data Raw data of terrestrial bird observation on Aruba 2022

Raw data of terrestrial bird monitoring on Aruba collected for the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and Aruba National Park Foundation. ...
Book Zakboek Handhaving Natuurbeheer Bonaire

Dit zakboek handhaving Natuurbeheer Bonaire is ontworpen om de belangrijkste wettelijke regels toegankelijk en overzichtelijk te maken, met als...
Media Klimaat Actieplan voor het Nederlands Caribisch Gebied

Introductie De eerste effecten van de klimaatcrisis zijn nu al zichtbaar in het Caribische gebied en de verwachting is dat dit in de komende jaren...
Media How does ecosystem functioning change now sea turtles are returning?

Dutch below Sea turtles have been overharvested in the past, resulting in their endangered population status. But since two decades, their...
Other resources The suburbanization of the Aruban landscape

This paper is part of a series on the developments that relate to the Aruban landscape. To bring perspective to current environmental threats and...
Media St. Eustatius: Bridled Quail-Dove Population Continues Declining

In the December 2017 edition of BioNews, we provided an overview of the results of two population assessments of the Bridled Quail-dove (Geotrygon...
Scientific article New Records of the Cryptogenic Soft Coral Genus Stragulum (Tubiporidae) from the Eastern Caribbean and the Persian Gulf

Abstract The monotypic soft coral genus Stragulum van Ofwegen and Haddad, 2011 (Octocorallia: Malacalcyonacea: Tubiporidae) was originally described...
Scientific article Establishing a marine conservation baseline for the insular Caribbean

Abstract Marine protected areas are a primary strategy for the conservation of marine habitats and species across the globe. In small island...
Research report MAP MANGROVE PLANTING SITES & COMPARE AND EVALUATE MANGROVE RESTORATION TECHNIQUES

Abstract This thesis assignment consists of two parts: mapping mangrove planting sites along the southwest coast of Bonaire, and comparing and...
Other resources Intervention Needed to Save the endemic Sabal Palm of Bonaire

An update to a 40-year-old Sabal palm survey for the islands of Bonaire and Curaçao highlighted the striking differences between the two islands....
Research report Monitoring Coral Reef Marine Protected Areas. A practical guide on how monitoring can support effective management of MPAs

Abstract: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are an important tool for marine conservation and management; monitoring plays a critical role in managing...
Research report The impact of invasive species on tourism

Since the first sightings of the lionfish in the Caribbean, the local marine ecosystems have experienced severe problems due to predation and...
Scientific article Controversies and consensus on the lionfish invasion in the Western Atlantic Ocean

This study investigates how the lionfish (Pterois sp.) invasion of the Western Atlantic Ocean has been socially constructed by natural scientists,...
Media Coral Reef Mapping using hyperspectral imagery

The Dutch Caribbean island Bonaire has been protecting its marine resources for more than 35 years and is ranked as one of the Caribbean’s top dive...
Research report UAUCU Student Research Exchange Collected Papers 2018 (Vol. 4)

Introduction to the fourth edition of the UAUCU Student Research Exchange Collected Papers This volume presents academic papers and personal...
Media First Caribbean cultured Diadema sea urchins are great news for coral reef restoration

On October 22st, 2021, the first ever recorded Diadema sea urchins in the Caribbean were cultured on Saba. Diadema sea urchins are important grazers...
Media Ocean acidification and global warming impacts on sharks

Sharks have populated our oceans for millions of years, but in just a few decades a slew of anthropogenic pressures have caused shark populations...
Research report Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire - Progress Report 2005

2005 was a very successful year for Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire as we built upon the accomplishments of 2004. In all the program areas, staff and...
Research report Sponge density increases with depth throughout the Caribbean

Mesophotic coral reefs (MCEs) are ecologically unique components of coral reef ecosystems that occur at depths from ~30 to 150 m where they support a...
Research report Management plan for the natural resources of the EEZ of the Dutch Caribbean

On the 10th of October 2010 the governmental entity known as the Netherlands Antilles is scheduled to cease to exist. Each island will aquire a new...
Media WWF Policy Brief: CREATING EFFECTIVE, SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES MANAGEMENT IN THE CARIBBEAN NETHERLANDS

Throughout the Caribbean, like in the rest of the world, the abundance of marine fish species have been declining over the past decades. The health...
Media Importance of Native Seagrass in the Fight Against Erosion

A recent study worked to quantify seagrass’s ability to minimize erosion in shallow water of Lac Bay, Bonaire. In addition, this study examined how...
Media The value of sharks

My name is Francois Mille, I am a Marine Park Ranger at STENAPA in Sint Eustatius. Sint Eustatius is a small volcanic island, 21km2, that belongs to...
Scientific article Population structure and connectivity of the mountainous star coral, Orbicella faveolata, throughout the wider Caribbean region,

As coral reefs continue to decline worldwide, it becomes ever more necessary to understand the connectivity between coral populations to develop...
Scientific article Range expansion of Marinomyxa marina, a phytomyxid parasite of the invasive seagrass Halophila stipulacea, to the Caribbean

Abstract Halophila stipulacea, a small seagrass species native to the Indo-Pacific, is a Lessepsian migrant and a high-profile invader that has...
Other resources St Maarten Proposed Land Parks Management Plan 2009

NAFSXM would like to secure a long term management agreement to protect the environment of the entire Dutch side of the island. The proposed St....
Scientific article Conservation status of Caribbean coot Fulica caribaea in the Netherlands Antilles and other parts of the Caribbean

Abstract: In 2005 to 2006 we assessed the status of the Caribbean coot Fulica caribaea in the Netherlands Antilles, largely semi-arid islands in the...
Research report Small Islands – Large climate change challenges. Household resilience to climate change vulnerabilities - a case study of Bonaire

Main Findings The main climate change vulnerabilities for Bonaire are: an increase in the intensity of hurricanes and tropical storms, an increase in...
Research report Future of Bonaire: Greenpeace review on the impacts of climate change on the Dutch Caribbean island Bonaire

Bonaire or Boneiru, as it is known in Papiamentu, is a Dutch Caribbean island. An island full of heritage, gorgeous sunset views and a place that...
Research report Mas Piska pa Boneiru: A social mapping study of the fisheries sectors of Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius

Why is it so difficult to manage the fisheries sector on Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius and how should this be tackled in the future in order to...
Other resources Archaeological excavations at Schotsenhoek plantation, St. Eustatius, Caribbean Netherlands

In May 2012, the St. Eustatius Center for Archaeological Research was contracted to carry out an excavation on the NuStar property locally known as ‘...
Research report Flamingos on Bonaire and in Venezuela

Results of a three year study (1975-1978) of Flamingos on Bonaire and in Venezuela, including population size, food availability, migration and...
Scientific article Cell turnover and detritus production in marine sponges from tropical and temperate benthic ecosystems

Abtsract This study describes in vivo cell turnover (the balance between cell proliferation and cell loss) in eight marine sponge species from...
Other resources Important Bird Areas of the Caribbean - St. Maarten

St Maarten’s IBAs—the country’s international site priorities for bird conservation—cover 815 ha (including marine areas), and about c.36% of the...
Media Status of Bonaire’s reefs

While the coral reefs around Bonaire have suffered in recent decades from regional phenomena such as repeated bleaching events, urchin die-off, coral...
Other resources Circadian rhythms and food entrainment of lionfish (Pterois volitans)

Circadian rhythms are common in many organisms and provide an organism synchrony with its environment, which is vital for survival. Entraining...
Media Sea Turtle Conservation on Bonaire in 2020

Bonaire might have been on lockdown in 2020, but that didn’t keep Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire from working hard. Their recently published annual...
Research report The ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of Saba (Netherlands Antilles)

In 1937, 1949 and 1963 P. Wagenaar Hummelinck collected vertebrates with some co-operators. The ants of these expeditions were selected and stored (...
Scientific article Damage to the leeward reefs of Curac¸ao and Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles from a rare storm event: Hurricane Lenny, November 1999

Fringing reefs along the southwestern shores of the Caribbean islands of Curaçao and Bonaire (12°N), located outside the most frequent hurricane...
Scientific article Metal concentrations in coastal sharks from The Bahamas with a focus on the Caribbean Reef shark

Over the last century anthropogenic activities have rapidly increased the influx of metals and metalloids entering the marine environment, which can...
Research report Towards sustainable management of the Saba Bank

Findings: The main conclusion from this study is that the Saba Bank is particularly important for several reasons: It is an important and unique...
Monitoring protocol Marine Animal Monitoring Form

In an effort to gather much needed information on local populations of whales, dolphins, manatees, sharks, rays and large groupers STINAPA Bonaire...
Media Worth Its Salt: Bonaire’s Cargill Salt Ponds Designated a Shorebird Site of Regional Significance

Worth Its Salt: Bonaire’s Cargill Salt Ponds Designated a Shorebird Site of Regional Significance Imagine a vast expanse of rectangular saline ponds...
Research report Baseline survey of anthropogenic pressures for the Lac Bay ecosystem, Bonaire

Findings: The main conclusion from this study is that the combined levels of anthropogenic impact on the bay currently exceed sustainable levels. Lac...
Other resources Spawning behaviour of the stoplight parrotfish Sparisoma Viride Bonnaterre, on Bonaire and Saba (Netherlands Antilles)

Student Report- University of Groningen The reproductive behaviour of the stoplight parrotfish, Sparisoma viride Bonnaterre, was studied on two...
Other resources Tropical dry forests The state of global knowledge and recommendations for future research

This discussion paper assesses the state of knowledge on tropical dry forests as it relates to CIFOR’s strategy and identi es research opportunities...
Media Statian invasions

This news-item was published in the Caribbean Netherlands Science Institute Annual Report 2017 Introduced predators such as cats, dogs, and rats are ...
Research report Land cover classification Bonaire

Mapping the land cover of Bonaire based on very high resolution PLEIADES satellite data of 2014-2016 Bonaire is rich in natural terrestrial...
Research report A landscape ecological vegetation map of the island of Bonaire, southern Caribbean

A semi-detailed landscape-based vegetation map (scale 1:50,000) is presented for the southern Caribbean arid island of Bonaire (mean annual...
Research report Generic ecological assessment framework for coastal ecosystems in the Caribbean Netherlands

Abstract: The aim of this study was to draft a generic ecological assessment framework for coastal systems in Caribbean Netherlands (CN) that offers...
Scientific article Thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the critically endangered Kemp's Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) revealed by double-digest restriction-associated DNA sequencing: opportunities for previously elusive conservation genetics research

THOUSANDS OF SINGLE NUCLEOTIDE POLYMORPHISMS IN THE CRITICALLY EN- DANGERED KEMP’S RIDLEY SEA TURTLE (LEPIDOCHELYS KEMPII) REVEALED BY DOU- BLE-...
Research report Better environmental management of the Simpson Bay Lagoon pays off

Similar to many other Caribbean coastal wetlands, the Simpson Bay Lagoon suffers from heavy development, wastewater pollution, and overexploitation....
Research report Staat van de natuur van Caribisch Nederland 2017

Sinds de staatkundige herstructurering van het Koninkrijk in 2010, maken de Caribische eilanden van Bonaire, Saba en St. Eustatius als speciale...
Media AlgaePARC: Bringing Innovation to Bonaire

A collaborative effort between private, government and university partners, has been working to develop a microalgae production test facility on...
Portal Birds Caribbean

BirdsCaribbean is the largest regional organization dedicated to the conservation of wild birds and their habitats in the insular Caribbean (...
Research report Feasibility study of a new harbour on the island of St. Eustatius

St. Eustatius is a small island in the Caribbean that belongs to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Its existing harbour is due for upgrades and repairs...
Research report Research and Monitoring Results for the Size Class Distribution and Abundance of the Queen Conch, Strombus gigas, and Seagrass Characterization in Lac Bay, Bonaire

Executive Summary This report provides a comprehensive coverage of accomplishments completed to date by Environics for the Lac Bay queen conch (...
Research report Priorities in management implementation for marine mammal conservation in the Saba sector of the Yarari sanctuary

The Yarari Marine Mammal Sanctuary (hereafter simply referred to as the Yarari Sanctuary, or Yarari) was formally established on September 2, 2015....
Media Half a year after hurricane Irma, St.Maarten

Zes maanden geleden raasde Irma, een orkaan van de zwaarste categorie, over Sint Maarten. De verwoesting was gigantisch. De bewoners pakken sindsdien...
Research report Turn the Tide: A dive into the possibilities of sustainable water sports

Abstract This report will give an in depth view on the technical feasibility of placing an offshore platform from which watersports can be practiced...
Media 12th meeting of the Scientific Committee of the Inter- American Sea Turtle Convention (IAC)

The Scientific Committee (SC) of the IAC meets annually to discuss the annual reports of the member countries, and threats and impacts on sea turtles...
Research report Status and trends Saba Bank fisheries: 2015

The Saba Bank is a 2200 km2 shallow bank area that lies fully within the Dutch Kingdom’s Caribbean exclusive economic zone (EEZ) waters. In recent...
Media Obituary – Dr. Walter (Wòti) Bakhuis, Carmabi/Stinapa director 1981-2006

On the 25th of March this year, Dr. Walter L. (Wòti) Bakhuis passed away at the ripe old age of 80 in Maarssen, The Netherlands. With his passing,...
Research report St. Eustatius invasive alien Green Iguana : Case study of a Rapid Response Extermination Campaign (RREC)

The Lesser Antillean Iguana, Iguana delicatissima is the largest extant native land vertebrate of St. Eustatius and was recently lost (~1990s) from...
Other resources Evolutionary ecology of sea turtles

Summary PHD Thesis The genetic diversity and structure of natural populations is the product of past and present ecological and evolutionary ...
Research report Introduced agricultural pests, plant and animals diseases and vectors in the Dutch Caribbean, with an “Alert species” list

A review of the introduced agricultural pests and animal and plant diseases and vectors for the Dutch Caribbean in which a total of 47 exotic pests,...
Media The Pros and Cons of non-native Seagrass Explosive Expansion

A new study from the Caribbean Netherlands Science Institute and Utrecht University investigated the sediment stabilizing ability of non-native...
Research report Key Elements Towards a Joint Invasive Alien Species Strategy for the Dutch Caribbean

Summary: Recent inventories have documented no less than 211 exotic alien species in the wild for the Dutch Caribbean. These amount to no less than...
Media 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...
Media 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...
Media NICO Expedition: Mapping the Sea Bottom

Researchers aboard the Pelagia research vessel have been collecting invaluable data on marine biomes in the Caribbean since January as part of the “...
Media Global Defaunation and Plant Invasion: cascading effects on seagrass ecosystem services

Ecosystems have been providing our society with useful services to sustain us in our livelihood, survival and health for as long as we exist....
Media Tree Adoption website to help heal Bonaire’s dry forests

Echo is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the Yellow-shouldered Amazon parrot (Amazona barbadensis) on Bonaire, and the unique dry-...
Research report Monitoring the Saba Bank Fishery

Findings The main conclusion from this study is that no new fishing permits should be issued until a long-term fishery monitoring program is in place...
Book Status of Dutch Caribbean Reefs

Following the Royal Palace Symposium in the Netherlands in December 2016, and the harsh call to action by Professor Jeremy Jackson (Scripps...
Media Sharks found with dangerously high levels of heavy metals in The Caribbean

In a new study, researchers from the non-profit research institute Beneath the Waves (BTW) documented and revealed alarmingly high levels of 12 heavy...
Other resources Restoring the dry ecosystem of Bonaire

The dry forest ecosystem of Bonaire has been decimated over the last 500 years by human intervention. Uncontrolled deforestation by early European...
Research report WIDECAST Sea Turtle Recovery Action Plan for the Netherlands Antilles

Abstract: The Netherlands Antilles consists of five Caribbean islands. The leeward islands are Curaçao and Bonaire, close to the mainland of...
Media 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...
Media Citizen Scientists Needed to Identify Local Manta and Devil Rays

DCNA is partnering with the Caribbean Islands Manta Conservation Program, an affiliate project of the Manta Trust, and Observation.org to track local...
Research report Status and Trends of Bonaire’s Reefs in 2017: Clear signs of resilience

The “resilience” of coral reef ecosystems has been an important goal of managers and policy makers for decades. At its most basic level, resilience...
Media 40-year study: Changes on the Coral Reefs of Bonaire and Curaçao

Although it’s now becoming widely accepted that coral reefs are degrading quickly on a global scale, there have been very few long-term studies where...
Media The struggle is real for the Bridled Quail-Dove on St. Eustatius

Two years ago we shared the worrying news that the Bridled Quail-dove population had suffered a significant decline on St. Eustatius (Statia)...
Research report A landscape ecological vegetation map of Sint Eustatius (Lesser Antilles)

Abstract: A semi-detailed landscape-based vegetation map (scale: 1: 37,500) based on field data from 1999 has been available as an update of Stoffers...
Media Coral Monitoring Finds Annual Coral Bleaching on Bonaire

A recent report released by STINAPA notes the occurrence of coral bleaching on Bonaire between 2016 and 2020. During this study, coral bleaching was...
Research report An Inventory of the Geographical Distribution and Conservation Status ofMarine Turtles and Sharks in the Wider Caribbean andRelationship to Fisheries

Findings on Marine Turtles · Migration routes to and from nesting sites (typically index beaches) are variously known in the Caribbean,...
Media Bonaire Welcomes Back Indiana University

A group of students from Indiana University (IU) recently visited Bonaire. Since 2015, IU has been sending students to Bonaire as part of their...
Media Mapping and Studying Changing Coral Reefs: Is the Saba Bank still growing?

Researchers aboard the Pelagia research vessel have been collecting invaluable data on the Windward islands in the Caribbean during the sixth leg of...
Other resources Dust on Bonaire

Student Report Introduction The main goal of this research report is to shed light on the problems surrounding dust on Bonaire, and to give...
Book Biology of Parrotfishes

Content: Chapter 1: Cranial Specializations of Parrotfishes, Genus Scarus (Scarinae, Labridae) for Scraping Reef Surfaces By Kenneth W. Gobalet The...
Other resources 71st annual conference of the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) Book of abstracts

Abstracts: TOURISM IN THE CARIBBEAN: CHALLENGES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF FISHERIES & CORAL REEF ECOSYSTEMS (Sponsored by CORALINA & GCFI) Kyne,...

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