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Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database

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

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  • The Marine Algal Vegetation of St. Martin, St. Eustatius and Saba
    Although algology deals with a large group of plants, widespread and of great morphological diversity, the history of this branch of botany is fairly...
  • Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems
    Bonaire and Curaçao are oceanic islands surrounded by coral reefs on their leeward sides extending steeply down to mesophotic depths (30–150 m). Easy...
  • Towards reef resilience and sustainable livelihood: : A handbook for Caribbean coral reef managers
    The project has produced a handbook that aims to provide reef managers with tools, information and recommendations on management of coral reef...
  • 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...
  • The Saba Bank
    Until recently the Saba Bank remained a mysterious and largely unexplored off shore atoll falling mostly within the water of the Exclusive Economic...
  • Sargassum management brief
    Golden Times: Management Best Practices for Influxes of Sargassum in the Caribbean with a focus on clean-up. The purpose of this management brief is...
  • 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....
  • Influence of habitat on defecation behavior of queen (Scarus vetula) and princess (Scarus taeniopterus) parrotfish
    Herbivores are important structuring agents for ecosystems worldwide. While effects of grazing by herbivorous fish are well studied, their roles in...
  • Research and Monitoring of Bonaire's Sea Turtles: 2017 Technical Report
    Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB) has been protecting sea turtles on Bonaire since 1991, so this year represents the 26th Anniversary of our...
  • Reef fish recruitment to coral reef versus mangrove and seagrass habitats in Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles
    Recent studies show that late stage pelagic larval fish are not simply drifting with the currents as formerly believed, but are in some cases strong...
  • Zoantharia of St. Eustatius
    Research on the order Zoantharia (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Hexacorallia) has a long history in the Caribbean Sea, with the first species, Zoanthus...
  • Patterns in Caribbean Coral Spawning
    Student Report Most corals worldwide are broadcast spawners that rely on synchronous gamete release for successful fertilization. Spawning synchrony...
  • Small populations on small islands: what chance does an orchid have?
    Premise of research. Small populations on small islands are intrinsically more vulnerable to population decline and extinction. Nevertheless, small...
  • Nutrient Enrichment and Eutrophication on Fringing Coral Reefs of Bonaire and Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles, 2006-2008
    Land-based nutrient pollution is a major stressor on coral reef communities around the Caribbean region and globally. To assess the status of...
  • 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...
  • 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’...
  • Sargassum Management Brief
    Executive Summary “In 2011, the shores of several Caribbean islands and West African countries were inundated by unprecedented quantities of pelagic...
  • 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...
  • Researchers explored deepest and largest underwater sinkholes in the world
    From 5 to 20 December 2019, the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) and Wageningen Marine Research organized an expedition to the...
  • 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...
  • GENETIC DIVERSITY, CONNECTIVITY AND DEMOGRAPHIC HISTORY OF BONAIRE SEA TURTLES
    with a discussion on sampling mixed aggregations for demographic inferences Student Report  Climate change is threatening sea turtles globally, and...
  • Blue carbon in the Dutch Caribbean
    Recently, the Dutch state of play regarding blue carbon in the Netherlands was reviewed (Tamis & Foekema 2015)1. Since the review was focussed on...
  • Caribbean parrotfish foraging: An interspecific comparison of algal preferences
    In recent decades, reduced grazing pressure caused by a die-off of Diadema antillarum and the overexploitation of herbivorous fishes have facilitated...
  • Algal cover and the effects of various nutrient levels on Bonaire's coral reefs
    A reoccurring problem facing a majority of the coral reefs in the Caribbean for the past few decades has been the fear of a changing community...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • Ballast Water Best Management Practices to Reduce the Likelihood of Transporting Pathogens That May Spread Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease
    The Coast Guard and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as participants of the Caribbean Coral Reef Partnership, were recently provided...
  • Reconstructing the former Netherlands Antilles marine catches from 1950 to 2010
    The former Netherlands Antilles consisted of Aruba, which became a distinct state in 1986, Curaçao and Sint Maarten, which became countries in 2010...
  • Human leptospirosis: guidance for diagnosis, surveillance and control
    Why were these guidelines written? Leptospirosis is a worldwide public health problem. In humid tropical and subtropical areas, where most developing...
  • Protecting Saba Bank’s Red Hind and Queen Triggerfish Populations
    Wageningen Marine Research and the Saba Bank Management Unit (SMBU) recently published an evaluation of the effectiveness of the seasonal fishing...
  • 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...
  • Diet preference of roaming goats (Capra hircus) on columnar cacti in Bonairian scrublands
    The introduction of goats to Bonaire in the 17th century, caused direct and indirect changes in both terrestrial and marine ecosystems and has led to...
  • Incidence of disease in Acanthurus bahianus population, Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean
    Disease in the ocean is difficult to study because of the logistics involved in conducting marine research. This in turn has resulted in a lack of...
  • Trends in the Caribbean Netherlands
    As of 10 October 2010, Statistics Netherlands (CBS) is responsible for the collection and publication of statistical data on the three islands of the...
  • Expedition Discovers Marine Treasures
    An underwater mountain that forms the world's third-largest atoll has some of the richest diversity of marine life ever found in the Caribbean,...
  • Beleidsnota cultuur Bonaire
    Sinds 1993 is de algemene economische visie van Bonaire: groei met behoud van natuur en cultuur. Bij deze visie hoort een beleid gericht op het...
  • National report of Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire 1993–2004
    The first FAD in the Netherlands Antilles was deployed on 9 March 1993 in Curaçao. In June, 2002 the programme was extended to Bonaire and in...
  • Invasive seagrass mega herbivore interactions
    Invasive seagrass mega herbivore interactions a study on the invasion of seagrass Halophila stipulacea in a Southern Caribbean lagoon affected by C....
  • Caribbean - GCRMN Coral Reef Monitoring started in St. Eustatius
    Brief description of the recently started (Feb 2015) coral reef monitoring program in St. Eustatius using the guidelines agreed upon by the Caribbean...
  • 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....
  • Multi-Hazard Risk Assessment due to Hurricane Activity: Case Study of St. Martin, the Caribbean
    Student Report Every year hundreds of thousands of people are affected by natural disasters that occur due to various physical phenomenon. They...
  • The effects of Stegastes planifrons gardening on the prevalence of yellow band disease in the Montastrea annularis species complex
    Yellow band disease (YBD) is a bacterial infection affecting corals of the Montastrea annularis species complex. Recent mortality rates of M....
  • Coral decline, causes and effects: local variables, regional issues. What can be done?
    Abstract: In a recent dissertation (Vermeij, 2002) it is stated that with no action by the Curaçao government, the coral reefs will have disappeared...
  • Research and Monitoring of Bonaire ’s Sea Turtles: 2014 Technical Report
    Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB) was initiated in the early 1990s to protect the island’s marine turtle populations. Our current research and...
  • Multivariate ENSO Index (MEI)
    This webpage consists of seven main parts, three of which are updated every month: 1. A short description of the Multivariate ENSO Index (MEI); 2....
  • Populatieonderzoek naar de ezels (Equus asinus) van Bonaire
    Dit rapport is het resultaat van een in de maanden mei tot en met augustus 1994 gehouden onderzoek naar de verwilderde huisezel (Equus asinus) op...
  • Research Note: Fish Records from the Saba Bank Commercial Fishery
    Recent investigations of Saba Bank, Netherlands Antilles, have sought to develop inventories of marine biodiversity from this large, submerged coral...
  • Using relative brain mass to better understand trophic interactions and phenotypic plasticity of invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans)
    Understanding predator-prey relationships gives greater insight into coral reef health. A recent study on predator-prey relationships linked the...
  • Potential for transmission of yellow band disease between colonies of Montastrea annularis through common research techniques
    This study investigates the relationship between yellow band disease (YBD) infected Montastrea annularis coral colonies and its potential to spread...
  • A Social-Ecological perspective on the invasive creeper Coralita (Antigonon leptopus) on St. Eustatius, Dutch Caribbean: a review
    Student Report Relevance:  Invasive species and habitat destruction are seen as the biggest threats to biodiversity worldwide, especially on small...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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 ...
  • The effects of ultraviolet radiation on the covering behavior of the sea urchin Tripneustes ventricosus
    Recent studies have indicated that levels of solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) are increasing globally as ozone is depleted. Ultraviolet radiation...
  • The environmental impact of the reverse osmosis desalination plant on the immediately surrounding water and coral reef ecosystem in Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean
    One of the most promising solutions to the growing shortage of potable water is the tapping of the oceans through desalination. Until recently the...
  • Determining Global Distribution of Microplastics by Combining Citizen Science and In-Depth Case Studies
    Microplastics (<5 mm) are contaminants of emerging global concern. They have received considerable attention in scientific research, resulting in...
  • Elasmobranchs in the Dutch Caribbean: current population status, fisheries and conservation
    In the Dutch Caribbean EEZ, at least 27 elasmobranch species have been documented. Of these, 9 are listed as “critically endangered” and 8 as “near...
  • 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...
  • Sharks, rays and marine protected areas: A critical evaluation of current perspectives
    Marine protected areas (MPAs) are increasingly advocated for the conservation and management of sharks and rays. However, substantial uncertainty...
  • Summary of Queen Conch (Lobatus gigas) research undertaken in Anguilla and the implications for current management practices
    Prior to 2014 little research had been conducted on the Anguilla conch fishery aside from indirect data collected by the Department of Fisheries and...
  • 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...
  • Position Statement of the IUCN SSC Iguana Specialist Group on Non-Native Invasive Iguanas
    The purpose of this Position Statement is to highlight the pest status that non-native iguanas can attain when introduced to tropical and sub-...
  • BEST 2.0 Regeneration Study
    Habitat degradation and destruction, as well as the introduction of invasive species re-main amongst the key threats to the world’s biodiversity (...
  • Management of moored fish aggregation devices (FADs) in the Caribbean
    Humans have used fish aggregation devices (FADs) for centuries to attract fish. Technological advances in recent decades have made FADs more...
  • Can the lionfish, Pterois spp., differentiate between colors?
    Since the invasion of red lionfish, Pterois spp., in the Western Atlantic and Caribbean, many studies have evaluated the predatory behavior of the...
  • Traditional datu cactus (Ritterocereus griseus) fences reduce runoff rates and transport of sediment and nutrients on hillsides in Bonaire, N.A.
    Most hard corals require seawater with low nutrients and sediment loads to thrive. Unfortunately, on a global scale, increases in both are currently...
  • Stony corals of St. Eustatius
    Previous surveys of the coral fauna of St. Eustatius were usually of short duration and part of a larger research that included all of the windward...
  • Iguana delicatissima. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T10800A122936983
    Taxon Name: Iguana delicatissima Laurenti, 1768 Common Name(s): • English: Lesser Antillean Iguana, West Indian Iguana • French: Iguane des Petites...
  • 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...
  • Research and Monitoring Report 2013 - Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire
    We observed green turtles and hawksbills along the west coast of Bonaire, around Klein  Bonaire, and adjacent to Lac during snorkel surveys. Green...
  • 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,...
  • Recent Developments in CITES Concerning the International Trade in Queen Conch (Strombus gigas)
    Despite years of regional discussions and trade regulation under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), most queen...
  • 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...
  • 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 (...
  • Expansion of invasive seagrass inhibited by nutrient and grazing stress; a case study in Aruba
    Student Report Seagrass ecosystems are rapidly declining around the world as human pressures are increasing. To build the resilience of seagrass...
  • Historic Caribbean flora and fauna publications
    Many publications on the Caribbean Flora and Fauna are accessible online. During the last decades, biologists of Naturalis Biodiversity Center and...
  • Plants of the Eastern Caribbean - Online Database
    The aim of this website is to serve as an accessible resource for identifying the plants of the archipelago and to provide a forum for sharing...
  • AGRRA - Atlantic & Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment
    The Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) Program champions coral reef conservation and empowers those who protect these diverse ecosystems...
  • Varicus lacerta, a new species of goby (Teleostei, Gobiidae, Gobiosomatini, Nes subgroup) from a mesophotic reef in the southern Caribbean
    We describe a new species of goby, Varicus lacerta sp. n., which was collected from a mesophotic reef at Curacao, southern Caribbean. The new species...
  • A post-hurricane rapid assessment of reefs in the Windward Netherlands Antilles (stony corals, algae and fishes)
      Reefs of the windward Netherlands Antilles (Saba, Saba Bank, St. Eustatius, St. Maarten) were assessed at 24 sites in the late 1999. The...
  • Consumption of benthic cyanobacterial mats on a Caribbean coral reef
    Herbivory is an important process in the general structuring of coral reef benthic communities. However, evidence of its ability to control coral...
  • Marine debris in mangroves and on the seabed: Largely-neglected litter problems
    While the scarcity of up-to-date data on beach litter contamination in the Caribbean has been stressed in several recent studies, we here point to...
  • Octopods of deep reefs off Curaçao, southern Caribbean, including description of one newly discovered species
    Recent exploratory research on poorly studied deep reefs in the Caribbean Sea has yielded substantial new information about the diversity of deep-...
  • The effects of partial mortality on the fecundity of three common Caribbean corals
    The recent intensification of human disturbances in the Caribbean has increased the prevalence of partial mortality on coral colonies. Partial...
  • Reconciling Genetic Lineages with Species in Western Atlantic Coryphopterus (Teleostei: Gobiidae)
    Abstract: Species identification of western Atlantic Coryphopterus can be problematic because some of the species are morphologically similar, there...
  • Large-scale invasion of western Atlantic mesophotic reefs by lionfish potentially undermines culling-based management
    The detrimental effects of invasive lion- fishes (Pterois volitans and Pterois miles) on western Atlantic shallow reefs are well documented,...
  • An Annotated List of Orthoptera from St Eustatius and Saba, Dutch West Indies, with Descriptions of Two New Cricket Species (Trigonidiidae, Mogoplistidae)
    Orthopteran species on the Lesser Antilles islands of St Eustatius and Saba are poorly known. Recent field surveys and examinations of museum...
  • 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...
  • First records of the mourning gecko (Lepidodactylus lugubris Duméril and Bibron, 1836), common house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus in Duméril, 1836), and Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko Linnaeus, 1758) on Curaçao, Dutch Antilles, and remarks on their Caribbean di
    Globally, geckos (Gekkonidae) are one of the most successful reptile families for exotic species. With the exception of the widespread invader, ...
  • 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...
  • Potential and limits of combining studies of coarse- and fine-grained sediments for the coastal event history of a Caribbean carbonate environment
    The coastal deposits of Bonaire, Leeward Antilles, are among the most studied archives for extreme-wave events (EWEs) in the Caribbean. Here we...
  • Genetic evidence supports larval retention in the Western Caribbean for an invertebrate with high dispersal capability (Ophiothrix suensonii: Echinodermata, Ophiuroidea)
    Abstract The brittle star Ophiothrix suensonii is a com- mon coral reef sponge commensal with high dispersal potential. Here, we utilize COI sequence...
  • Assessing the preservation of biogenic strontium isotope ratios (87Sr/86Sr) in the pars petrosa ossis temporalis of unburnt human skeletal remains: A case study from Saba
    Rationale:Strontium isotope (87Sr/86Sr) analysis of skeletal remains has become apowerful tool in archaeological studies of human migration and...
  • Cerion uva gouldi, a new fossil subspecies from Aruba (Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Cerionidae)
    Cerion uva gouldi is described as a new subspecies to include only fossil and subfossil Cerion uva from Aruba. The name Cerion uva arubanum Baker,...
  • Nutritional properties of the invasive lionfish: A delicious and nutritious approach for controlling the invasion
    Lionfish, Pterois volitans and P. miles, are native to the Indo-Pacific and have recently invaded the Western Atlantic Ocean. Strategies for control...
  • First Occurrence of Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) on the Caribbean Island of Curaçao
    Abstract The predatory ladybird species, Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius), is native to Asia and Australia but has established populations outside...
  • Range‐wide population genetic structure of the Caribbean marine angiosperm Thalassia testudinum
    Many marine species have widespread geographic ranges derived from their evolu-tionary and ecological history particularly their modes of dispersal....
  • Can a thermally tolerant symbiont improve the future of Caribbean coral reefs?
    The detrimental effect of climate change induced bleaching on Caribbean coral reefs has been widely documented in recent decades. Several studies...
  • Recent brachiopoda from the Snellius and Luymes Expeditions to the Surinam-Guyana Shelf, Bonaire-Curacao, and Saba Bank, Caribbean Sea, 1966 and 1969-1972
    Recent brachiopods collected by the Snellius and Luymes expeditions to the Surinam-Guyana shelf, Bonaire-Curacao region and Saba Bank area in 1966...
  • Documentation of the Impact of Hurricane Ivan on the Coastline of Bonaire (Netherlands Antilles)
    Situated just north of the Venezuelan coast around 12° to 13° N, the Netherlands Antilles are normally well outside the hurricane belt. Nevertheless...
  • New bird records for the island of St. Eustatius, Dutch Caribbean, with notes on other significant sightings
    The avifauna of the Dutch Caribbean island of St. Eustatius has been little studied. We document 22 new bird species for the island and update the...
  • Management of moored fish aggregation devices (FADs) in the Caribbean
    Humans have used fish aggregation devices (FADs) for centuries to attract fish. Technological advances in recent decades have made FADs more...
  • Climate change and temperature-linked hatchling mortality at a globally important sea turtle nesting site
    The study of temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) in vertebrates has attracted major scientific interest. Recently, concerns for species...
  • Coralline algae disease reduces survival and settlement success of coral planulae in laboratory experiments
    Disease outbreaks have been involved in the deterioration of coral reefs worldwide and have been par- ticularly striking among crustose coralline...
  • Introduction to the Special Issue on the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii)
    The Kemp’s ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) is an iconic Gulf of Mexico species and an enduring symbol of restoration and recovery. Its...
  • The Quaternary volcanogenic landscape and volcaniclastic sediments of the Netherlands Antilles: markers for an in-active volcanic arc
    Abstract: The Quaternary volcanogenic landscape and the volcanogenic sediments of the Netherlands Antilles (NA) (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao) reflect the...
  • Status and trends of moored fish aggregating device (MFAD) fisheries in the Caribbean and Bermuda
    The use of moored fish aggregating devices (MFADs) has greatly expanded in the Caribbean region in recent decades. States vary widely in the size,...
  • Spatially explicit removal strategies increase the efficiency of invasive plant species control
    Effective management strategies are needed to control expansion of invasive alien plant species and attenuate economic and ecological impacts. While...
  • The invasive sun coral Tubastraea coccinea hosting a native Christmas tree worm at Curaçao, Dutch Caribbean
    Interspecific relationships of invasive species hosting a native associated species are noteworthy, particularly if the invasive does not have a...
  • Field Evaluation of DNA Based Biodiversity Monitoring of Caribbean Mosquitoes
    Mosquito borne diseases pose a threat to human health worldwide. Disease risk is primarily determined by presence and abundance of vector species. A...
  • Loss of coral reef growth capacity to track future increases in sea level
    Sea-level rise (SLR) is predicted to elevate water depths above coral reefs and to increase coastal wave exposure as ecological degradation limits...
  • Caribbean-wide decline in carbonate production threatens coral reef growth
    Global-scale deteriorations in coral reef health have caused major shifts in species composition. One projected consequence is a lowering of reef...
  • Multilocus phylogeny, species age and biogeography of the Lesser Antillean anoles
    Highlights • A multilocus study provides a resolved phylogeny for Lesser Antillean anoles. • Dense phylogeographic sampling within-species indicates...
  • Preliminary Assessment of Sponge Biodiversity on Saba Bank, Netherlands Antilles
    Abstract Background: Saba Bank Atoll, Netherlands Antilles, is one of the three largest atolls on Earth and provides habitat for an extensive coral...
  • New species, taxonomist’s delight and faunist’s plight. On the variation range in Loxosomella vivipara Nielsen, 1966 (Entoprocta: Loxosomatidae)
    The Entoprocta Nitsche, 1870, or Kamptozoa Cori, 1929, are a small animal class with only two orders, Solitaria Emschermann, 1972, and Coloniales...
  • Extirpation of the Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) on St. Martin, West Indies
    Abstract: Recent surveys for the Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) on St. Martin reveal that the species is no longer a resident on the island...
  • Deep-water sponges (Porifera) from Bonaire and Klein Curaçao, Southern Caribbean
    Four submersible dives off the coast of Bonaire (Caribbean Netherlands) and Klein Curaçao (Curaçao) to depths of 99.5–242 m, covering lower...
  • Révision et mise à jour taxonomique de la liste et de la distribution des orchidées des Petites Antilles [An updated catalogue of Lesser Antilles Orchids and of their distribution]
    Since the publication of a checklist of Lesser Antilles’ orchids not far of twenty years ago, the orchid family has been the subject of many studies...
  • Climate change impact on Balearic shearwater through a trophic cascade
    A recent study showed that a critically endangered migratory predator species, the Balearic shear- water Puffinus mauretanicus, rapidly expanded...
  • Global analysis of the effect of local climate on the hatchling output of leatherback turtles
    The most recent climate change projections show a global increase in temperatures along with precipitation changes throughout the 21st century....
  • A Historical Perspective of the Biology and Conservation of the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle
    The history of the critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) has presented scientists and conservationists with a variety...
  • Wrangelia gordoniae, a new species of Rhodophyta (Ceramiales, Wrangeliaceae) from the tropical western Atlantic
      Abstract On the basis of comparative morphological and molecular analyses, a new red algal species in the genus Wrangelia(Wrangeliaceae, Ceramiales...
  • A catalogue of the Coleoptera of the Dutch Antilles
    Little has changed since Wallace (1876) and almost a century later Geijskes & Wagenaar Hummelinck (1951) wrote that only few have occupied...
  • A Rapid Sustainability Assessment of Wild Plant Extraction on the Dutch Caribbean Island of St. Eustatius
    The Caribbean islands are considered a biodiversity hotspot, with high levels of endemism but also extreme levels of habitat loss. One factor causing...
  • A review of the sponge increase hypothesis for Caribbean mesophotic reefs
    Sponges are major components of benthic ecosystems, particularly on Caribbean reefs, where their importance in carbon cycling and ecosystem function...
  • Predictors of bat species richness within the islands of the Caribbean Basin
    Several mechanisms have been shown to influence species richness among island ecosystems, yet most studies limit their focus to a few predictor...
  • Coral community decline at Bonaire, Southern Caribbean
    We assessed the status of coral reef benthic communities at Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, in December 2008 and January 2009 through ~5 km of photo...
  • Below the Mesophotic
    Mesophotic coral ecosystems, which occur at depths of ~40 to 150 m, have received recent scientific attention as potential refugia for organisms...
  • Deep and concordant subdivisions in the self-fertilizing mangrove killifishes (Kryptolebias) revealed by nuclear and mtDNA markers
    We use extensive geographical sampling and surveys of nuclear microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA loci to investigate the phylogeographic structure...
  • Chemical defenses and resource trade-offs structure sponge communities on Caribbean coral reefs
    Abstract: Ecological studies have rarely been performed at the community level across a large biogeographic region. Sponges are now the primary...
  • Trends in Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) Relative Abundance, Distribution, and Size Composition in Nearshore Waters of the Northwestern Gulf of Mexico
    Long-term monitoring of in-water life history stages of the critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) is essential for...
  • Marine molluscs from the island of St. Eustatius, Eastern Caribbean: results of the Statia Marine Biodiversity Expedition 2015
    A baseline record of the marine fauna of St. Eustatius, Caribbean Netherlands, was established during the Statia Marine Biodiversity Expedition in...
  • A blueprint for blue carbon: toward an improved understanding of the role of vegetated coastal habitats in sequestering CO2.
    Recent research has highlighted the valuable role that coastal and marine ecosystems play in sequestering car- bon dioxide (CO2). The carbon (C)...
  • Four-year-old Caribbean Acropora colonies reared from field-collected gametes are sexually mature
    Rehabilitating populations of Caribbean coral species that have declined in recent decades has become a management priority throughout the region,...
  • The Chlorophytes of Curaçao (Caribbean): a revised checklist for the south-west coast
    The global trend of unprecedented losses in coral reefs is particularly striking in the Caribbean, where dense algal assemblages are commonly...
  • Development of a Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle Stock Assessment Model
    We developed a Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) stock assessment model to evaluate the relative contributions of conservation efforts and other...
  • The marine fishes of St Eustatius Island, northeastern Caribbean: an annotated, photographic catalog
    Sint Eustatius (Statia) is a 21 km2 island situated in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The most recent published sources of information on that...
  • Feeding on Feces: The nutritional value of fish feces to Caribbean Parrotfishes
    Parrotfishes can often be observed consuming fish feces on coral reefs. Our recent study highlights the nutritional value of these feces to...
  • Adding insult to injury: Effects of chronic oxybenzone exposure and elevated temperature on two reef-building corals
    Abstract: Coral bleaching due to global warming currently is the largest threat to coral reefs, which may be exacerbated by altered water quality....
  • First record of Fraser’s dolphin Lagenodelphis hosei for the Dutch Caribbean
    A dead dolphin found on Bonaire in August 2011 is identified as adult Fraser’s dolphin Lagenodelphis hosei, a new species for the Dutch Caribbean. A...
  • Exploring changes in Caribbean hurricane-induced wave heights
    During recent decades there has been open debate about a possible increase in the number and magnitude of more energetic hurricanes in the Atlantic,...
  • Evolutionary history of Caribbean species of Myotis, with evidence of a third Lesser Antillean endemic
    Currently, four species of Myotis are known from the islands of the Caribbean (Myotis dominicensis, M. martiniquensis, M. nesopolus, and M. nigricans...
  • Assessment of the Distribution of Seed Plants Endemic to the Lesser Antilles in Terms of Habitat, Elevation, and Conservation Status
    The Lesser Antilles is part of the Caribbean biodiversity hotspot and a priority for conservation of its flora is its endemic taxa. Using data from...
  • Nemocephalus monilis (Fabricius, 1787) (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea: Brentidae), an Apparently Recent Arrival and Effective Colonizer of the Oceanic Island of Saba, Dutch Caribbean
  • Holocene tsunamis in the southern Caribbean: Evidence from stratigraphic archives and the coarse-clast record
    Abstract: We present sediment cores from seven coastal geoarchives on Bonaire, southern Caribbean, containing layers of high- energy sedimentation....
  • Range-wide population genetic structure of the Caribbean marine angiosperm Thalassia testudinum
    Many marine species have widespread geographic ranges derived from their evolutionary and ecological history particularly their modes of dispersal....
  • Wave-swept coralliths of Saba Bank, Dutch Caribbean
    During a recent reef coral survey at the submarine Saba Bank (Eastern Caribbean), an uncommon and diverse assemblage of unattached scleractinian...
  • Long-term movements of an adult male Kemp's Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico
    LONG-TERM MOVEMENTS OF AN ADULT MALE KEMP’S RIDLEY SEA TURTLE (LEPI- DOCHELYS KEMPII) IN THE NORTHWEST- ERN GULF OF MEXICO—Despite recent insights...
  • Terrestrial molluscs of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao in the Dutch Caribbean: an updated checklist and guide to identification
    A review is given of the terrestrial malacofauna of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao in the Dutch Caribbean. The most recent reviews of these islands were...
  • Ecological solutions to reef degradation: optimizing coral reef restoration in the Caribbean and Western Atlantic
    Reef restoration activities have proliferated in response to the need to mitigate coral declines and recover lost reef structure, function, and...
  • The Superior Colonizing Gecko Hemidactylus mabouia on Curaçao: Conservation Implications for the Native Gecko Phyllodactylus martini
    ABSTRACT We used nightly surveys to monitor the status of building-dwelling gecko species on the southern Caribbean island, Curac ̧ ao. Two gecko...
  • Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) Nesting on the Texas Coast: Geographic, Temporal, and Demographic Trends Through 2014
    Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) is the world’s most endangered sea turtle species, and nests primarily on the Gulf of Mexico coast in Mexico. In...
  • A taxonomist‘s nightmare – Cryptic diversity in Caribbean intertidal arthropods (Arachnida, Acari, Oribatida)
    Abstract There has been a long controversy about what defines a species and how to delimitate them which resulted in the existence of more than two...
  • Same but different? Zoantharian assemblages (Anthozoa: Hexacorallia) in Bonaire and Curaçao, southern Caribbean
    Abstract Marine community datasets are key to the effective management and conservation of marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, which are...
  • Environmental DNA reveals tropical shark diversity in contrasting levels of anthropogenic impact
    Sharks are charismatic predators that play a key role in most marine food webs. Their demonstrated vulnerability to exploitation has recently turned...
  • Black spot syndrome in reef fishes: using archival imagery and field surveys to characterize spatial and temporal distribution in the Caribbean
    Recently, observations of black spot syndrome (BSS) in Caribbean fishes have been linked to infection by a digenean trematode parasite, ...
  • Saving Saba Bank: Policy Implications of Biodiversity Studies
    Abstract: This paper provides a context for the results of recent biodiversity surveys of Saba Bank. Recent biological surveys of corals, fishes, and...
  • New Sea Turtle Nesting Records for the Netherlands Antilles Provide Impetus to Conservation Action
    Until the early 1990s, information on sea turtle nesting in the Netherlands Antilles amounted to little more than a few anecdotal accounts and sea...
  • Diet choice in a generalist predator, the invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans/miles)
    Diet choice in marine species is typically derived from indirect methods such as stomach contents and stable isotope analysis, while choice...
  • How much time can herbivore protection buy for coral reefs under realistic regimes of hurricanes and coral bleaching?
    Abstract: Coral reefs have been more severely impacted by recent climate instability than any other ecosystem on Earth. Corals tolerate a narrow...
  • Adding insult to injury: Effects of chronic oxybenzone exposure and elevated temperature on two reef-building corals
    Coral bleaching due to globalwarming currently is the largest threat to coral reefs,which may be exacerbated by altered water quality. Elevated...
  • New plant records for Bonaire and the Dutch Caribbean islands
    Abstract: Although the flora of Bonaire has been well studied three previously undocumented species have been found for Bonaire. Two of these three...
  • Assessment of the Distribution of Seed Plants Endemic to the Lesser Antilles in Terms of Habitat, Elevation, and Conservation Status
    Abstract - The Lesser Antilles is part of the Caribbean biodiversity hotspot and a priorityfor conservation of its flora is its endemic taxa. Using...
  • The state of the world’s mangroves in the 21st century under climate change
    Concerted mangrove research and rehabilitation efforts over the last several decades have prompted a better understanding of the important ecosystem...
  • New Seeding Approach Reduces Costs and Time to Outplant Sexually Propagated Corals for Reef Restoration
    The use of sexually propagated corals is gaining popularity as an approach for reef restoration. However, manually attaching substrates with recently...
  • Global synchrony of an accelerating rise in sea surface temperature
    The oceans have shown a recent rapid and accelerating rise in temperature with, given the close link between temperature and marine organisms,...
  • Taxonomic review of tropical western Atlantic shallow water Drilliidae (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Conoidea) including descriptions of 100 new species
    A review of the literature and examination of over 3,200 specimens of shallow water (<200 m) tropical western Atlantic (TWA) Drilliidae Olson,...
  • Caldora penicillata gen. nov., comb. nov. (Cyanobacteria), a pantropical marine species with biomedical relevance
    Many tropical marine cyanobacteria are prolific producers of bioactive secondary metabolites with ecological relevance and promising pharmaceutical...
  • A review of bottom-up vs. top-down control of sponges on Caribbean fore-reefs: what’s old, what’s new, and future directions
    Interest in the ecology of sponges on coral reefs has grown in recent years with mounting evidence that sponges are becoming dominant members of reef...
  • Taxonomy, ecology and distribution of the mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) of the Dutch Leeward Islands, with a key to the adults and fourth instar larvae
    Abstract Assessing mosquito biodiversity is important for disease surveillance and ecosystem health assessments. Such studies are particularly needed...
  • Impacts of wetland dieback on carbon dynamics: A comparison between intact and degraded mangroves
    Mangroves are effective blue carbon sinks and are the most carbon rich ecosystems on earth. However, their areal extent has declined by over one-...
  • Tracking the origin of the smearing behavior in long-nosed bats (Leptonycteris spp.)
    A unique and novel stereotypic ‘smearing’ behavior and the formation of an odoriferous dorsal patch have been recently described in two species of...
  • Synthesis of coral reef health indicators for the Western Atlantic: Results of the AGRRA program (1997-2000)
    Abstract: The Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) sampling strategy is designed to collect both descriptive and quantitative information...
  • The Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) in the southern Caribbean: A compilation and review of records for the Dutch Leeward islands and the central Venezuelan coast
    The Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) is a subspecies of the West Indian manatee and is found from Mexico and the Bahamas south to...
  • Recent invasion of a Florida (USA) estuarine system by lionfish Pterois volitans / P. miles
    The invasion by lionfish Pterois volitans and P. miles throughout the western Atlantic and Caribbean is emerging as a serious ecological problem....
  • Status of Western Atlantic coral reefs in the Lesser Antilles
    The Lesser Antilles include high volcanic islands with a limited marine shelf, and low coralline islands with a more extensive shelf. Withinthe group...
  • Damages caused by hurricane Irma in the human-degraded mangroves of Saint Martin (Caribbean)
    In early September 2017, Irma was the most powerful hurricane that struck the northern Caribbean over the last 100 years. In the 21stcentury, the...
  • Recent Occurrence and Dietary Habits of Boa constrictor on Aruba, Dutch West Indies
    Boa constrictor was first documented on the island of Aruba in April of 1999. By the end of December, 2003, 273 B. constrictor had been captured....
  • A review of Caribbean Copepoda associated with reef-dwelling cnidarians, echinoderms and sponges
    This review of copepod crustaceans associated with reef-dwelling cnidarians, sponges and echinoderms of the Greater Caribbean is based on published...
  • 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...
  • Host species, range extensions, and an observation of the mating system of Atlantic shallow-water gall crabs (Decapoda: Cryptochiridae)
    Coral-associated invertebrates dominate the biodiversity of coral reefs. Some of the associations involving symbiotic invertebrates remain unknown or...
  • Variability in size at maturity and reproductive season of queen conch Lobatus gigas (Gastropoda: Strombidae) in the Wider Caribbean Region
    Queen conch (Lobatus gigas), is an economically and culturally important marine gastropod. The species is subject to extensive exploitation...
  • 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 (...
  • Extension of the Recorded Host Range of Caribbean Christmas Tree Worms (Spirobranchus spp.) with Two Scleractinians, a Zoantharian, and an Ascidian
    Caribbean Christmas tree worms (Annelida: Polychaeta: Serpulidae: Spirobranchus) are considered host generalists in their associations with anthozoan...
  • Inconclusive evidence of sexual reproduction of invasive Halophila stipulacea: a new field guide to encourage investigation of flower and fruit production throughout its invasive range
    The dioecious seagrass species Halophila stipulacea reproduces mainly through fast clonal growth, underlying its invasive behavior. Here, we provide...
  • First visual record of a living basking shark Cetorhinus maximus in the Caribbean Sea
    The occurrence of basking sharks in the Caribbean Sea is only recently documented by satellite tagging studies, which show that some individuals...
  • A review of records of the Black-capped Petrel Pterodroma hasitata in the Caribbean Sea
    The Black-capped Petrel Pterodroma hasitata is a pelagic seabird with a dangerously small population size. Remaining breeding sites are threatened by...
  • 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...
  • A review of Caribbean Copepoda associated with reef-dwelling cnidarians, echinoderms and sponges
    This review of copepod crustaceans associated with reef-dwelling cnidarians, sponges and echinoderms of the Greater Caribbean is based on published...
  • The marine mammals of the Dutch Caribbean: a comparison between EEZ sectors, contrasts and concerns
    We here provide a synoptic overview and preliminary update of the marine mammals of the Dutch Caribbean EEZ based on 279 cetacean sighting and...
  • Anthropogenic Mortality in the Critically Endangered Lesser Antillean Iguana (Iguana delicatissima) on St. Eustatius
    The Lesser Antillean Iguana, Iguana delicatissima (Laurenti 1768) is a Lesser Antillean endemic (Anguilla to Martinique, with the exception of Saba...
  • Multiyear Sampling Reveals an Increased Population Density of an Endemic Lizard after the Establishment of an Invasive Snake on Aruba
    The island of Aruba is home to several endemic species, and has been colonized recently by the invasive boa, Boa constrictor. We present data for a...
  • First records of the mourning gecko (Lepidodactylus lugubris Duméril and Bibron, 1836), common house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus in Duméril, 1836), and Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko Linnaeus, 1758) on Curaçao, Dutch Antilles
    and remarks on their Caribbean distributions Abstract Globally, geckos (Gekkonidae) are one of the most successful reptile families for exotic...
  • On the relationship between native grouper and invasive lionfish in the Caribbean
    Abstract: The Indo-Pacific lionfish, Pterois volitans, has invaded most of the Tropical Western Atlantic in the last few years. The degree to which...
  • Population stock structure of leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) in the Atlantic revealed using mtDNA and microsatellite markers
    Abstract: This study presents a comprehensive genetic analysis of stock structure for leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea), combining 17...
  • The reproductive phenology of three sympatric species of columnar cacti on Curacao
    The phenological response by three sympatric species of columnar cacti of the semi-arid island of Curaçao (Stenocereus griseus, Subpilocereus...
  • Patrimoine marin caribéen et perspectives écotouristiques : vers un développement durable des petites îles?
    The Caribbean Sea is home to a diversity of coastal habitats that support the installation of three rich and complex ecosystems - coral reefs,...
  • Reproductive natural history and successful juvenile propagation of the threatened Caribbean Pillar Coral Dendrogyra cylindrus
    Background The Caribbean pillar coral Dendrogyra cylindrus was recently listed as a threatened species under the United States Endangered Species Act...
  • A review of Computational Intelligence techniques in coral reef-related applications
    Studies on coral reefs increasingly combine aspects of science and technology to understand the complex dynamics and processes that shape these...
  • Dissolution of a submarine carbonate platform by a submerged lake of acidic seawater
    Abstract. Submarine sinkholes are found on carbonate platforms around the world. They are thought to form and grow when 15 groundwater interactions...
  • Impacts of parrotfish predation on a major reef-building coral: quantifying healing rates and thresholds of coral recovery
     Parrotfishes are important Caribbean herbivores that are believed to indirectly benefit corals by grazing algae; yet, some species also feed on live...
  • Bromeliad Invertebrate Communities on Saba, Netherlands Antilles
    We sampled tank bromeliads and censused their invertebrate fauna at four elevations on the small Caribbean island of Saba. We expected that...
  • Fieldguide Halophila stipulacea reproductive structures
    Seagrasses are marine flowering plants that can reproduce both sexually (through flowering and subsequent seed formation) and asexually (through...
  • DCNA GIS User Manual
    The goal of this user manual is to enable park managers to efficiently and accurately work with the GIS data recently collated as part of the DCNA...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • BioNews 1 - Last quarter 2012
    This first issue presents you with an overview of the on-going research and monitoring efforts focusing on the last quarter of 2012. In future issues...
  • 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....
  • 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....
  • 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....
  • 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....
  • Bad News For Green Sea Turtles In An Age Of Warming Seas: warmer oceans drive declining growth rates
    A number of studies have investigated the effect of climate change on sea turtles, such as the loss of nesting beaches from sea level rise (Fish et ...
  • 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...
  • Fishery Trends for St. Eustatius
    Wageningen Marine Research and Caribbean Netherlands Science Institute released an updated report on the fishery trends for St. Eustatius between...
  • 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...
  • 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....
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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)...
  • Recovery of Orbicella annularis corals from parrotfish predation
    Orbicella annularis is an important reef-building coral and an endangered species. Previous studies suggest it is also one of the most intensely...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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 ...
  • 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...
  • 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....
  • 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....
  • BioNews 2 - January/February 2013
    This issue of BioNews profiles the research and monitoring efforts for January and February 2013 and highlights a new monthly feature, called ‘...
  • Exciting Rare Sighting in the Dutch Caribbean: the Antillean manatee
    Exciting Rare Sighting in the Dutch Caribbean: theAntillean manatee Last month STINAPA’s ranger Luigi Eybrecht was diving near Playa in Bonaire when...
  • 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....
  • How to Respond to a Sargassum Influx
    In May 2018 the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) launched a new infographic guide for the tourism sector on to how to respond to the...
  • 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,...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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....
  • Rat Invaders: Islands Fighting Back Against Killer Rodents
    Since the furry stowaways landed here aboard sealing and whaling ships in the 19th century, they've been wreaking ecological havoc on the island and...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • Genetic Testing to Measure Sea Turtle Conservation Success
    Researchers from University of Groningen recently used genetic testing to identify the geographical birthplaces of green sea turtles foraging within...
  • 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...
  • Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire: A Year in Review
    Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB) recently published their 2019 annual report. Last year marked an important year as new research provided...
  • 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...
  • Comparative Study on Artificial Reefs of the Caribbean
    University of Applied Sciences Van Hall Larenstein and Wageningen University and Research recently conducted a comparative study of artificial reefs...
  • 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....
  • State of the World’s Mangroves 2021
    The Global Mangrove Alliance’s recent report on the State of the World’s mangroves served as a call to action for mangrove conservation and...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • Sunscreens and Corals: Oxybenzone
    Coral reefs face innumerable human-induced threats including climate change, sedimentation, pollution and destructive fishing practices all of which...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • Bats of St. Eustatius
    In 2015, Naturalis Biodiversity Center set out to create a baseline study of St. Eustatius’ marine and terrestrial fauna and flora in collaboration...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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....
  • 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....
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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....
  • 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...
  • 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....
  • New field guide on invasive seagrass flowers
    Seagrasses are marine flowering plants that can reproduce both sexually (through flowering and subsequent seed formation) and asexually (through...
  • 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....
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • New Bird Records for Bonaire 2016-2017
    The island of Bonaire has achieved worldwide recognition for its rich and diverse marine life, but the island is rapidly gaining momentum as a...
  • 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....
  • 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...
  • 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....
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • Coral Restoration Bonaire
    The Nature funding from the Netherlands’ Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV) (previously Ministry of Economic Affairs), has helped...
  • New Research in the Conservation of Sea Turtles on Their Nesting Beaches
    New research led by Swansea University’s College of Scienceand recently published in Scientific Reportshas reported effective conservation strategies...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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....
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • Millions of sightings by citizens contribute to mapping Biodiversity
    Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) provides a global platform for citizen scientists to upload biological observations from anywhere in...
  • 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...
  • 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....
  • 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....
  • 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....
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • Molluscs of the Dutch Caribbean Islands
    The journal of the Netherlands Malacological Society, Vita Malacologica, dedicated its December 2017 edition to the malacofauna of the Dutch...
  • 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...
  • 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....
  • 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....
  • 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...
  • Dutch Caribbean: “home” of unique, and likely vulnerable, populations of Bryde’s and humpback whales
    During the last decade several marine areas in the Wider Caribbean have been awarded extra protection as “marine mammal reserves”, such as the the...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • Survey of Free Roaming Livestock on St. Eustatius
    The Caribbean Netherlands Science Institute (CNSI) recently conducted surveys of free-roaming livestock on St. Eustatius, highlighting population...
  • 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...
  • Sunscreen increases the damaging effects of climate change on coral reefs
    In recent years, there has been an increase in the detection of UV filters from sunscreens in coastal waters. A new study by Wageningen University...
  • Recommendations for avoiding collisions with humpback whales in the Dutch Caribbean
    A new study from the Aeres University of Applied Sciences combined expert knowledge and an analysis of historical data concerning whale ship strikes...
  • Curacao’s New Underwater Research Station
    Plans for a cutting edge, underwater research station ‘PROTEUS™’ have recently been released.  The modular design, inspired by coral polyps, will...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • New Technique to Enrich Genetic Diversity of Elkhorn Corals
    Using cryopreserved reproductive cells of elkhorn corals, researchers have crossbreed individuals from Florida and Puerto Rico with those of Curaçao...
  • 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....
  • 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....
  • Urgent Conservation Action Needed to Save the Lesser Antillean Iguana
    The Lesser Antillean Iguana is an endangered endemic reptile found in the Lesser Antilles whose population is rapidly decreasing. Although once also...
  • 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...
  • 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....
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • First Survey of Arachnids on ABC Islands in over 100 years: 25 new records and 20 species new to science
    A 2004-2005 study led by a researcher from the California Academy of Science worked to catalog arachnid species (such as spiders and scorpions) on...
  • 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...
  • Status of St. Maarten’s Reef
    Last September, major category 5+ Hurricane Irma caused widespread damage to St. Maarten. This was a strong reminder of the urgency to preserve the...
  • 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...
  • Three new exotic gecko species identified on Curaçao
    As part of the Caribbean Island Biogeography meets the Anthropocene project, researchers initiated their surveys for exotic reptile and amphibian...
  • 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...
  • 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,...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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....
  • Healthier Mangrove Key in Managing Our Carbon Footprint
    Healthy mangroves act as carbon sinks, storing a variety of greenhouse gases.  As mangroves degrade this ability is lost, but to what extend is still...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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....
  • BioNews archive
    DCNA produces BioNews*, a free monthly digital newsletter featuring recent nature related news-items about the Dutch Caribbean as well as overviews...
  • New Sea Turtle Monitoring Methods
    Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB) has worked tirelessly since 1991 to protect Bonaire’s sea turtle population and to ensure a safe, protected...
  • 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...
  • Environmental DNA reveals tropical shark diversity in contrasting levels of anthropogenic impact
    Increased and targeted fishing pressure has led to the collapse of shark populations around the world. According to worldwide estimates, a staggering...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • Changes in Curaçao’s Fish Population Over the 20th Century
    A recently published study looked to compare Curaçao’s historical records of fish catches between the years 1905 and 2016. This study highlights...
  • Marine Protected Areas - a new interactive online map
    The Dutch Caribbean has a new way to access marine protected area (MPA) information focused on ease of use for boaters, fishermen, and the public....
  • 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....
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • Seagrass: Vital for a Healthy Environment and Economy
    Recently the World Seagrass Association with the help of GRID-Arendal, United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and UNEP World Conservation and...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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....
  • New Food Source Identified for Caribbean Corals
    A student of University of Amsterdam and a staff researcher of Naturalis Biodiversity Center and University of Groningen recently published the first...
  • 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....
  • 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....
  • 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...
  • NICO expedition: eddies
    NICO expedition: eddies Rising ocean temperatures associated with global warming are changing our oceans and are projected to have a considerable...
  • 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...
  • Invasive Seagrass and its effects on Juvenile Queen Conch
    As invasive seagrass continues to expand and replace native species, populations such as the queen conch are seeing significant changes to their...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • Caribbean Marine Park Managers Dive into Fisheries Management
    Representatives from 15 Caribbean marine national parks recently met on the island of Saba in the Caribbean Netherlands to focus on their role in...
  • Status of Saba Bank’s reefs
    The Saba Bank remained an unexplored and mysterious offshore submerged carbonate platform until very recently. Research on the Saba Bank was first...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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....
  • 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...
  • New discoveries on relationships between host corals, crabs and christmas tree worms
    A series of recent surveys worked to highlight the important relationships between host corals, crabs and christmas tree worms. Studies were...
  • Exploring species and functional diversity of coral reef benthic cyanobacterial mats
    Benthic cyanobacterial mats, at low cover, are an important benthic component of coral reefs, but have recently drastically proliferated on reefs...
  • Is there a future for artificial reefs?
    Manmade structures such as seawalls, breakwaters, and jetties are increasing in frequency in marine coastal environments. Overtime, these structures...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • Predation threats to the Red- billed Tropicbird breeding colony of Saba: focus on cats
    Summary: Feral domestic cats (Felis catus) are recognized as one of the most devastating alien predator species in the world and are a major threat...
  • UV filter pollution Bonaire by tourism - Lac Bay monitoring and survey results 2017
    Chronic stressors such as water pollution, overfishing, and ocean warming are major threats to the resilience of coral reefs as they influence...
  • A Report on the Status of the Coral Reefs of Bonaire in 2005 with Advice on a Monitoring Program
    This report characterizes the state of Bonaire’s reefs as of March 2005. We pay particular attention to structural and functional attributes of reefs...
  • Status and trends in Saba Bank fisheries: Analysis of fisheries data collected over the period 2011-2020
    This report is an update of earlier published reports on the status and trends in the of Saba Bank fisheries (Graaf et al. 2017, Brunel et al. 2018...
  • UAUCU Student Research Exchange Collected Papers 2017 (Vol. 3)
    Introduction to the third edition of the UAUCU Student Research Exchange Collected Papers This volume presents academic papers and personal...
  • Caribbean Pelagic Seabird Map Project September 2020 Status Report
    Even though there are very many scattered seabird sighting records for the pelagic waters of the wider Caribbean Sea, only few studies bring these...
  • A Proposal Towards a Dutch Caribbean Marine Mammal Sanctuary
    Abstract: Based on the goals set forth in the Dutch Biodiversity Policy Programme, The Netherlands has a traditionally strong commitment to protect...
  • Description of the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the Proposed Marine Nomination Properties of the Bonaire and Curaçao Marine Parks (BCMP
    This report describes the possible Outstanding Universal Value of the potential World Heritage nomination that combines the Bonaire National Marine...
  • The current state of Cuaçao's Coral Reefs
    Abstract: The coral reefs of Curaçao represent one of the best reef systems left in the Caribbean at present. However, this does not mean that these...
  • Growth, mortality and recruitment rates of the brown alga Lobophora variegata in relation to herbivory and nutrients on Bonaire
    Abstract: Declines in herbivory and increases in nutrient concentrations on tropical coral reefs are considered two of the major drivers of coral-...
  • A review of coral reef restoration techniques
    In this review the following three reef restoration techniques are discussed: 1. Coral gardening, 2. Larval seeding, and 3. Reef balls. These...
  • Research and Monitoring of Bonaire’s Sea Turtles: 2013
    Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB) was initiated in the early 1990s to protect the island’s marine turtle populations. Our current research and...
  • 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...
  • Status and Trends of Bonaire's Coral Reefs in 2015: Slow but steady signs of resilience
    Bonaire’s coral reefs remain among the healthiest in the Caribbean. Although the island’s reefs have suffered bleaching disturbances similar to those...
  • Status and Trends of Bonaire’s Reefs, 2011. Cause for grave concerns
    Unusually warm ocean temperatures surrounding Bonaire during the late summer and fall of 2010 caused 10 to 20 % of corals to bleach (Fig. 1)....
  • 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...
  • Investigation of subsurface freshwater flow from southern Bonaire into Lac bay
    Abstract In recent decades, concern about mangrove die-back has intensified. One of the last remaining mangrove areas in the Dutch Antilles is the...
  • UAUCU Student Research Exchange Collected Papers 2016 (Vol. 2)
    Introduction to the second edition of the UAUCU Student Research Exchange Collected Papers In this publication you will find papers and reflections...
  • Sea level rise and its spatial variations
    This report was written at the request of Dirk Jan Sloot (Ministerie van Infrastructuur en Waterstaat, Directoraat-Generaal Water en Bodem). It aims...
  • Climate change effects on the biodiversity of the BES islands
    In this report we review and assess possible consequences of climate change for the biodiversity of the Dutch BES islands (Bonaire, Saba and St....
  • The Lesser Antillean Iguana on St. Eustatius: 2012 status update and review of limiting factors
    Abstract: The endangered Lesser Antillean Iguana, Iguana delicatissima, is an emblematic species for the island of St. Eustatius and in Caribbean...
  • The influence of goats on soil hydrological properties on semi-arid Bonaire
    Invasive species are known to alter ecosystems all over the world. On the island of Bonaire, domestic goats (Capra hircus) were introduced in the...
  • Een natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek gericht op het behoud van het Lac op Bonaire
    After news was received that the Netherlands Antilles' largest and as yet almost unspoiled lagoon would be involved in development plans, a...
  • CONDITION OF CORAL REEFS OFF LESS DEVELOPED COASTLINES OF CURAÇAO (PART 1: STONY CORALS AND ALGAE)
    Coral reefs at 10-20 m depth off eastern and western Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles had high abundance and high cover (25-50%) of stony corals,...
  • A Guide to Assessing Coral Reef Resilience for Decision Support
    Coral reef resilience is the capacity of a reef to resist or recover from degradation and maintain provision of ecosystem goods and services (Mumby...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • Coral Reefs Baseline Study for Aruba 2019
    Background There is almost no systematic information about the state of marine ecosystems in Aruba. A recent report commissioned by the United...
  • Seagrasses and coastal protection: The role of Halophila stipulacea in sediment stability at the coast of St. Eustatius, Dutch Caribbean
    Abstract Seagrasses are increasingly being recognized for their potential in protecting the coastlines from flooding and erosion. As ecosystem...
  • 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...
  • 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 (...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • A review of the small pelagics fishery resources of the Dutch Caribbean and adjacent areas
    This deskstudy gives a review of small pelagic fish species and fisheries in the Dutch Caribbean, specifically species which distributions exceed the...
  • Opportunities for valorisation of pelagic Sargassum in the Dutch Caribbean
    Since 2011, unprecedented beaching events of Sargassum seaweed have caused major environmental, health and economic problems in the Caribbean, Gulf...
  • 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....
  • 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...
  • Environmental Impact Report for Off Road Driving (ORD) in Parke Nacional Arikok
    Aruba has overstretched its resources beyond sustainable levels (ATA 2018). One of numerous factors putting pressure on Aruba’s natural resources is...
  • A landscape ecological vegetation map of Saba (Lesser Antilles)
    A semi-detailed landscape-based vegetation map (scale: 1: 37,500) is presented for the 13 km2 Lesser Antillean steep volcanic island of Saba,...
  • Research and Monitoring of Bonaire’s Sea Turtles: 2015 Technical Report
    Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB) was formed in 1991 in order to protect the island’s marine turtle populations. In 2002 we standardized our...
  • The Saba Bank- A large atoll in the northeastern Caribbean
    Findings Abundant coral growth within the Saba Bank is restricted mainly to the two large windward reefs. These two reefs carry a very rich reef...
  • Tracking digital footprints in Bonaire's landscapes - spatial distribution and characterisation of tourists on Bonaire using social media
    Introduction and aims With the introduction of smart phones that also take photos combined with GPS tracking applications, more tourists are able to...
  • 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....
  • 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...
  • 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...
  • Chapter 12. Status and trends of coral reefs of the Caribbean region
    Regional Context: The Caribbean Region represents only 1% of Earth’s marine surface but hosts 10% of the world’s coral reefs, including fringing...
  • Testing a biodegradable engineering product for mangrove restoration along a high wave-energy coastline
    Abstract Human development, extreme weather events and rising sea levels are driving the loss anddegradation of many of the world’s mangrove...
  • An Atlas of Sea Turtle Nesting Habitat for the Wider Caribbean Region. WIDECAST Technical Report No.6
    Abstract: Six species of sea turtle nest in the Wider Caribbean Region (WCR). In partnership with more than 120 Data Providers, the spatial database...
  • 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...
  • Draft Business Plan for U.S. Coral Reefs
    The Coral Reef Ecosystem business plan describes a comprehensive 10 year strategy to guide NFWF’s conservation investments to achieve measurable...
  • 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...
  • ‘Quick scan’ to assess the prevalence of dermal parasites among coral reef fishes of Bonaire.
    In the past, diseases and infections have had dramatic impacts on Caribbean coral reef ecosystems (e.g. white band disease in corals (Pantos and...
  • Quantifying the state of the coral reef ecosystem in relation to biophysical benthic and pelagic indicators and biological drivers of change in the Saba National Marine Park, Dutch Caribbean
    Student Report Coral reefs are experiencing large scale degradation. Motivated by the need for regular data monitoring and for quantification of the...
  • Effect of the use of artificial reefs as substrate on outplanted Acropora cervicornis survival and growth in comparison with outplanting on natural reefs
    Abstract: Knowledge gaps remain regarding the drivers of active coral restoration success that may impede our ability to effectively restore coral...
  • Depth matters: (anti) microbial diversity of marine sponges
    https://research.wur.nl/en/publications/depth-matters-anti-microbial-div...   Abstract This thesis aims to investigate the impact of depth on...
  • In-water monitoring of sea turtle aggregations in St. Eustatius National Marine Park
    Abstract: All species of sea turtles in the Caribbean have come under threat in recent years due to a multitude of factors. Habitat destruction and...
  • Tracking digital footprints in Bonaire’s landscapes
    Introduction and aims  With the introduction of smart phones that also take photos combined with GPS tracking applications, more tourists are able to...
  • Seabird conservation status, threats and priority actions: a global assessment
    Summary: We review the conservation status of, and threats to, all 346 species of seabirds, based on BirdLife International’s data and assessments...
  • Monitoring cetacean occurrence in coastal waters of the Caribbean Netherlands (Saba, St. Eustatius & Bonaire) using port sampling
    Knowledge on the density, distribution and occurrence of whales and dolphins in the Caribbean Netherlands is sparse. This knowledge is needed as...
  • A Report on the Status of the Coral Reefs of Bonaire 2003 with Advice on the Establishment of Fish Protection Areas
    Bonaire has long been considered to have amongst the healthiest reefs of the Caribbean. However, at the 2002 Annual Meeting of Pew Fellows for Marine...
  • 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 (...
  • On the spatial-temporal distribution of the minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata and B. bonaerensis) in the Wider Caribbean Region and adjacent western tropical North Atlantic
    Abstract Until recently, minke whale sightings in the northern Atlantic Ocean (NA) were thought to belong exclusively to the common species...
  • Quantifying the state of the coral reef ecosystem in relation to biophysical benthic and pelagic indicators and biological drivers of change in the Saba National Marine Park, Dutch Caribbean
    Abstract   Coral reefsare experiencing large scale degradation. Motivated by the need for regular data monitoring and forquantification of the state...
  • Linking spatial gradients and habitat to reef fish assemblages: Insights from a remote coral reef system
    Student Report  Drastic loss of Caribbean coral reef habitat in the past decades has recently begun to negatively affect reef fish assemblage...
  • An Assessment of the Health and Resilience of Bonaire’s Coral Reefs
    Abstract: From July 19-26, 2010, a dedicated team of researchers completed transect surveys on 25 reefs located on the leeward side of Bonaire and...
  • St. Eustatius Sea Turtle Conservation Programme - Annual Report 2004
    Abstract: The Sea Turtle Conservation Programme is managed by St Eustatius National Parks Foundation (STENAPA), which is the main environmental non-...
  • Reconstructing the former Netherlands Antilles marine catches from 1950 to 2010
    The former Netherlands Antilles consisted of Aruba, which became a distinct state in 1986, Curaçao and Sint Maarten, which became countries in 2010...
  • Update on the 2016-2017 catch trends in the Saba Bank fisheries
    The recent status and trends in the Saba Bank fisheries up to and including 2015 port sampling data have been previously reported by de Graaf et al...
  • Lac Bay: Then and Now… A Historical Interpretation of Environmental Change During the 1900s A Site Characterization of Lac Bay for Resource Managers and Naturalists prepared for Bonaire Marine Park
    Executive Summary This Site Characterization report provides a comprehensive coverage of past and present scientific research that had been conducted...
  • 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...

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