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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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Search results: 1015

  • Media Big Live Nature Quiz—Winners on Curaçao, Aruba and Saba
    Nederlands, Papiamento and Papiamentu below   Fun Online Nature Game for the Dutch Caribbean  DCNA’s Big Live Nature Quiz local Host Edrieënna...
  • Research report Preliminary inventory of key terrestrial nature values of Bonaire
    Abstract: A preliminary inventory is given of key terrestrial nature values of Bonaire in order to determine their occurrence in relation to areas...
  • Media Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance 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...
  • Media Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance Lobbies Internationally for Increased Support for Nature Conservation in the Dutch Caribbean
    Nederlands, Papiamento and Papiamentu below.   DCNA has been actively promoting a nature focused agenda both within The Netherlands and...
  • Media Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance Highlights Nature’s Economic Value
    Kralendijk – The recently concluded Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) convention reminded participants that nature is big business. However,...
  • Other resources Natuurbeleid van de Nederlandse Antillen 2000 – 2005: Aan de dageraad van een nieuw millennium
    Executive summary Both in the ocean and on land the Netherlands Antilles possesses an enormous wealth in the diversity of its nature. Biological...
  • Other resources Nature Policy Plan for The Caribbean Netherlands 2013-2017
    Aruba, Curaçao, St. Maarten, Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius form the Dutch Caribbean within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Kingdom of the...
  • Media 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...
  • Media DCNA Launches Bionews Kids – A New Magazine to Empower Youth in the Dutch Caribbean
    Nederlands, Papiamento and Papiamentu below.     Kralendijk, Bonaire –The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) released the first edition of...
  • Media BirdsCaribbean Landbird Monitoring Workshop
    Nederlands, Papiamento and Papiamentu below.   The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) recently supported the attendance of representatives from...
  • Media FPNA: Transitioning to a Conservation Management Organization
    Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba (FPNA) recently highlighted their successes and struggles of 2021 and gave a brief preview of their Multi-Annual...
  • Media Blue Marine Foundation launches new partnership with Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance
    Nederlands, Papiamentu and Papiamento below   Ocean charity makes initial grant of $90,000 to marine parks on six Dutch Caribbean islands. Award will...
  • Book What works in conservation (2015)
    This book has been created to help you make decisions about practical conservation management by providing an assessment, from the available...
  • Media Extra budget for nature in the Caribbean Netherlands
    Nederlands, Papiamento and Papiamentu below.   The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-NL)  are pleased...
  • Research report The non-use value of nature in the Netherlands and the Caribbean Netherlands
    Since 10 October 2010 Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius (Statia) are part of the Netherlands. These three islands are referred to as the Caribbean...
  • Research report A status report of nature policy development and implementation in the Dutch Caribbean over the last 10 years and recommendations towards the Nature Policy Plan 2012-2017
    The National Nature Policy Plan 2001-2005 (NPP-5) and its current status of implementation was assessed as a first step towards a new Nature Policy...
  • Media 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...
  • Other resources Exciting New Nature Conservation Projects for STENAPA in 2022
    From cutting edge 3D models to innovative management techniques, 2022 poses to be an exciting year for St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation (...
  • Research report Koraalriffen in Nederland
    Abstract: The accession of Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba (the BES islands) to the Netherlands has considerably increased the government’s political...
  • Media 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...
  • Media The Nature Funding Projects
    In the wake of the constitutional change in 2010, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs (now the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature & Food...
  • Media Presentations, Workshops and Excursions Provide New Nature Conservation Drive in Participants
    During the 2019 edition of the DCNA convention held on Bonaire end of October, biologists from the region met to thoroughly discuss coral restoration...
  • Media Kingdom Report Sounds Alarm on Biodiversity Conservation in the Dutch Caribbean
    Only Four of Twenty Biodiversity Targets On Track to Achieve Goals in the Dutch Caribbean A recently published report issued by the Kingdom of the...
  • Media Special Edition Bionews: 2022 Park Updates
    The Nature Conservation Network Organization the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) hosted its biannual Board Meeting on Sint Maarten between...
  • Scientific article Conflicts and solutions related to marine turtle conservation initiatives in the Caribbean basin: Identifying new challenges
    Highlights   • We identified up to 161 human-derived conflicts which are related to marine turtle conservation initiatives. • We found that each...
  • Media St. Eustatius: economic value of nature
    The Caribbean Netherlands Science Institute (CNSI) hosted two “Economic Value of Nature” workshops on St. Eustatius from 3-6 April 2017. These...
  • Research report 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...
  • Media State Secretary Her Excellency Drs. Alexandra van Huffelen receives an urgent message regarding nature protection in the Dutch Caribbean.
    Nederlands, Papiamento and Papiamentu below. On Saturday, June 18th 2022, State Secretary Her Excellency Drs. Alexandra van Huffelen visited the ...
  • Other resources Nature conservation ordinance St.Maarten
    Island Ordinance from September 1ST, 2003 concerning regulations pertaining to the management and protection of flora and fauna and nature parks in...
  • Media 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....
  • Media DCNA Junior Ranger Exchange Event 2022
    Nederlands, Papiamento and Papiamentu below.   The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) is excited to announce the 2022 Junior Ranger Exchange...
  • Media Special Edition: Safeguarding Nature Projects
    In the wake of the constitutional change in 2010, the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature & Food Quality, as part of its Nature Policy Plan for...
  • Media The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba (FPNA) Organise Marine Management Workshop in Aruba
    Dutch, Papiamentu and Papiamento below   From the 21st to the 23rd of November 2022, the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) together with...
  • Other resources State of Nature in the Dutch Caribbean: Saba and the Saba Bank
    Wageningen Research recently published an alarming report on the state of nature for the three Dutch Caribbean islands (Bonaire, Saba and St....
  • Media Bonaire 2050, a nature inclusive vision
    2nd edition (2022) including maps of futures with accompnaying trend projections and indicators. 1st edition (2020). This is a story about one...
  • Other resources IUCN Guidelines for Reintroductions and Other Conservation Translocations
    Abstract: Conservation translocation is the deliberate movement of organisms from one site for release in  another. It must be intended to yield a...
  • Media Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance is Preparing Dutch Caribbean Conservation Organizations to Withstand External Shocks
    Kralendijk – The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance’s (DCNA) bi-annual board meeting took place during the recent convention held in Curaçao. Their...
  • Media Exciting Changes for Nature Conservation in 2022 on Saba
    From big litigation to renovations for their new sea lab, 2022 promises to be a banner year for the Saba Conservation Foundation (SCF).  SCF recently...
  • Research report Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire - Progress Report 2008
    Our 2008 work plan focused on the following objectives to help us achieve our mission: Science - Improved understanding of sea turtle biology through...
  • Research report Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire - Progress Report 2007
    We focused our 2007 work on six objectives designed to help us achieve our mission: Science - Improved understanding of sea turtle biology through...
  • Research report A status report of nature policy development and implementation in the Dutch Caribbean
    The National Nature Policy Plan 2001-2005 (NPP-5) and its current status of implementation was assessed as a first step towards a new Nature Policy...
  • Media Bonaire Caves and Karst Nature Reserve
    Bonaire has a rich and complex geological history which is reflected in its current geological landscape. While the core of the island is comprised...
  • Other resources The recreational and cultural value of nature on Saba (policy brief)
    Policy Brief   The Challenge Local people call Saba ‘The Unspoiled Queen’, showing how proud Saban residents are of their history and the ‘unspoiled...
  • Other resources Dutch non-state actor contributions to biodiversity. Preparing for the CBD action agenda for nature and people.
    The report finds that Dutch non-state actors are increasingly involved in biodiversity initiatives, and that those initiatives are well aligned with...
  • Research report Student essays on economic values of nature of Bonaire
    To inform decision makers about the most effective strategies to protect the ecosystems of Bonaire, a full-scale valuation of all ecosystem services...
  • Media The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance will discuss three critical topics at the upcoming DCNA Convention
    Kralendijk – The upcoming convention of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) will focus on governance, climate change, and youth engagement in...
  • Scientific article Spatio–temporal variation in stable isotope signatures (δ13C and δ15N) of sponges on the Saba Bank
    Sponges are ubiquitous on coral reefs, mostly long lived and therefore adaptive to changing environmental conditions. They feed on organic matter...
  • Media In loving memory of Paul Hoetjes, a legend in nature conservation
    It is with great and profound sadness that we have to say goodbye to Paul Hoetjes, a legend in nature conservation in the Dutch Caribbean and...
  • Research report Theory and practice of user fee implementation for nature conservation in the Caribbean, an analysis of success factors and critical obstacles.
    User fee systems are effectively utilised in different places throughout the Caribbean and provide sustainable financial resources that successfully...
  • Other resources Annual Report 2008 Nature Foundation St Maarten
    Throughout 2008 the staff and board of Nature Foundation St. Maarten undertook a range of activities addressing both core management of the Marine...
  • Other resources The recreational and cultural value of nature on St Eustatius (policy brief)
    Policy Brief The Challenge Sint Eustatius, or as the local population calls it, Statia, has beautiful dive spots, a rich historical and...
  • Book The Nature Funding Projects
    In the wake of the constitutional change in 2010, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs (now the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature & Food...
  • Media Successful first in-person summit for the Caribbean Shark Coalition
    Nederlands, Papiamento and Papiamentu below.   The Caribbean Shark Coalition (CSC) met for their first in-person summit in St. Maarten from September...
  • Media Aruba’s Value of Nature
    There is strong link between economy and nature in the Dutch Caribbean due to our economic dependence on nature-based tourism. TEEB Aruba - The...
  • Research report Sustainable Funding for Nature Parks in the Netherlands Antilles. Feasibility Study of a Protected Areas Trust Fund
    In 1998 the Dutch Parliament called for a feasibility study for a trust fund and the Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations agreed, under...
  • Research report Funding Protected Areas in the Wider Caribbean. A Guide for Managers and Conservation Organizations
    Abstract: This document is an orientation to sources of funding for protected areas and biodiversity conservation. It is designed to serve as a...
  • Media Financing Nature Conservation
    Ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources in the Caribbean Netherlands: a look into the financial needs of Protected Area Management...
  • Research report Iguana conservation - what can be learned from other conservation efforts when protecting the Lesser Antillean Iguana
    With a lot of threats facing the Lesser Antillean Iguana (Iguana delicatissima) on Sint Eustatius it is important to look at solutions that will work...
  • Research report Half a century of civil society participation in biodiversity conservation and protected area management: A case study of Bonaire
    Abstract: This case study examines several aspects of civil society participation in biodiversity conservation in Bonaire that have been of...
  • Media Special Edition Bionews: 2021 DCNA Convention
    Between November 23rd and the 27th, the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) held its annual Nature Convention on Curaçao.  Due to covid-19...
  • Other resources The value of citizens in the Netherlands for nature in the Caribbean (policy brief)
    Policy Brief   The Challenge How important is the unique Caribbean environment for the Dutch citizen? How does one value the worth of these islands’...
  • Media Ground-breaking Shark Research Conducted in St. Maarten Waters
    During the week of April 11, 2021, members from the Nature Foundation St. Maarten, the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA), the Saba Conservation...
  • Research report St. Eustatius Sea Turtle Conservation Programme - Annual Report 2012
    The St Eustatius National Parks Foundation (STENAPA) established the Sea Turtle Conservation Program following concerns that the island‟s sea turtle...
  • Research report St. Eustatius Sea Turtle Conservation Programme - Annual Report 2009
    The St Eustatius National Parks Foundation (STENAPA) established the Sea Turtle Conservation Program following concerns that the island’s sea turtle...
  • Research report St. Eustatius Sea Turtle Conservation Programme - Annual Report 2010
    The St Eustatius National Parks Foundation (STENAPA) established the Sea Turtle Conservation Program following concerns that the island’s sea turtle...
  • Media Bonaire 2050, a nature inclusive vision
    Results from a series of designs sessions, workshops and interviews describe a vision for Bonaire in 2050. In this vision, measures to combat...
  • Other resources Recreational and cultural value of Bonaire’s nature (policy brief)
    Policy Brief: This study is part of the “Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity Netherlands” (TEEB NL) study. It is being conducted for the...
  • Other resources Conservation species for the Dutch Caribbean (2020)
    This list of species of conservation interest has been developed as part of a project 'Using management effectiveness to strengthen species...
  • Media Ecology and conservation of sea turtles in the Dutch Caribbean
    Early in 2015 the research project “Ecology and conservation of green and hawksbill turtles in the Dutch Caribbean” started funded by NWO.  The six...
  • Media Dutch cinema hit “The New Wilderness” gets a Caribbean sequel with WOW!
    The unique natural world of the Caribbean part of the Kingdom plays the leading role in a special cinema film entitled WOW!. This was announced...
  • Research report St. Eustatius Sea Turtle Conservation Programme - Annual Report 2007
    Abstract: The St Eustatius Sea Turtle Conservation Programme was initiated in 2001 due to concerns that the island’s sea turtle populations were...
  • Research report A nature inclusive vision for Bonaire in 2050
    Bonaire, one of the Dutch Caribbean islands, is facing major challenges: managing (mass) tourism and population growth, preventing high erosion rates...
  • Research report St. Eustatius Sea Turtle Conservation Programme - Annual Report 2006
    Abstract: The St Eustatius Sea Turtle Conservation Programme was initiated in 2001 due to concerns that the island’s sea turtle populations were...
  • Research report The tourism value of nature on Bonaire
    Bonairean ecosystems support touristic activities that depend on the quality of the natural environment, such as diving, snorkelling, kayaking,...
  • Media Unraveling the Mysteries of the Saba Bank: DCNA Tiger Shark Expedition 2021
    July 31st – August 7th, 2021 – For the first time on the Saba Bank, an expedition team was able to successfully assess the shark diversity by...
  • Other resources The tourism value of nature on St Eustatius (policy brief)
    Policy Brief The Challenge The tourism industry is an important pillar of the economy of St Eustatius. This is recognized by the Strategic...
  • Media 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....
  • Research report St. Eustatius Sea Turtle Conservation Programme - Annual Report 2005
    Abstract: The St Eustatius Sea Turtle Conservation Programme was initiated in 2001 due to concerns that the island’s sea turtle populations were...
  • Research report The Tourism Value of Nature on Saba
    Tourism is an important source of income for most Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including Saba. This study aims to value the services...
  • Research report The Total Economic Value of Nature on Saba
    This study is part of the project “What is Saba’s Nature Worth?” The project is part of the encompassing project The Economics of Ecosystems and...
  • Media Caribbean Experts Join Forces for Sea Urchin Restoration
    Nederlands, Papiamentu and Papiamento below   Last week, the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance hosted a sea urchin (Diadema Antillarum) restoration...
  • Media 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...
  • Research report Environmental Conservation Across Ecosystem Boundaries: Connecting Management And Funding
    A Thesis Submitted for the Degree of PhD at the University of St Andrews: Abstract Environmental degradation is accelerating worldwide, yet...
  • Media Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance Paints Bleak Picture of the Impacts of Climate Change in the Dutch Caribbean
    Concerned at Lack of Mention of the Impacts of Climate Change During Address of King Willem Alexander at the Joint Session of the States-General of...
  • Media Sea Turtle Conservation on Bonaire in 2020
    Bonaire might have been on lockdown in 2020, but that didn’t keep Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire from working hard.  Their recently published annual...
  • Scientific article A renewed call for conservation leadership 10 years further in the feral cat Trap-Neuter-Return debate and new opportunities for constructive dialogue
    Abstract It has been 10 years since a seminal paper in the journalConservation Biologycalled for stronger leadership from the conservation community...
  • Other resources Benefits of valuing nature for the Caribbean Netherlands
    The Natural Capital of the Caribbean Netherlands Ongoing developmental pressures in a context of global environmental change and economic...
  • Media More than half of Saba’s nature affected by Irma
    THE BOTTOM – About 60 percent of Saba’s nature in general was devastated as a result of the recent hurricane Irma. According to Kai Wulf, Park...
  • Scientific article The Aruba Island rattlesnake Crotalus unicolor Species Survival Plan: a case history in ex situ and in situ conservation
    Established in 1982, the Aruba Island rattlesnake Crotalus unicolor Species Survival Plan (SSP) is the longest continual functioning snake...
  • Research report The Total Economic Value of Nature on St Eustatius
    This study is part of the research project “What is St Eustatius Nature Worth?”, a project that is part of The Economics of Ecosystems and...
  • Scientific article Co-designing a data platform to impact nature policy and management:experiences from the Dutch Caribbean
    To secure the sustainable use of nature, governments track nature’s health and develop regulations and policies.Although there is a seeming abundance...
  • Scientific article 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...
  • Scientific article 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...
  • Other resources Cultural perceptions of environmental degradation, management, and accountability in conservation in Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean
    Conservation is predicated on local support, and if scientists and resource managers wish to develop effective programs the cultural values and...
  • Research report 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-...
  • Other resources Report of the First meeting of the WECAFC/OSPESCA/CRFM/CITES/CFMC working group on shark conservation and management, Bridgetown, Barbados, 17-19 October 2017
    The First meeting of the WECAFC/OSPESCA/CRFM/CITES/CFMC working group on shark conservation and management was held in Barbados on 17-19 October 2017...
  • Scientific article Establishing a marine conservation baseline for the insular Caribbean
    Abstract Marine protected areas are a primary strategy for the conservation of marine habitats and species across the globe. In small island...
  • Media 2022 promises new nature parks on Curaçao
    The Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity (CARMABI) recently highlighted some big changes and impressive achievements for Curaçao during...
  • Research report To what extent are marine conservation and economic development reconcilable in Bonaire National Marine Park?
    Bonaire National Marine Park (BNMP) is a marine protected area (MPA) surrounding Bonaire, a small coral island in the Caribbean. Its purpose is to...
  • Research report Priorities in management implementation for marine mammal conservation in the Saba sector of the Yarari sanctuary
    The Yarari Marine Mammal Sanctuary (hereafter simply referred to as the Yarari Sanctuary, or Yarari) was formally established on September 2, 2015....
  • Scientific article First record on fecundity of an Iguana hybrid and its implications for conservation: evidence for genetic swamping of Iguana delicatissima populations by non-native iguanas
       The Lesser Antillean iguana, Iguana delicatissima Laurenti, 1768, is a large herbivorous iguana historically ranging from Anguilla to Martinique (...
  • Research report Research and Monitoring Report 2011 - Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire
    Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB) is a non-governmental, non-profit, research and conservation organization that began in 1991. Our mission is...
  • Research report Research and Monitoring Report 2012 - Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire
    Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire proudly presents its 2012 Bonaire Sea Turtle Research and Monitoring Report. In this report you will read about...
  • Research report The total economic value of nature on Bonaire
    Healthy ecosystems such as coral reefs and mangroves are critical to Bonairean society. In the last decades, various local and global developments...
  • Other resources St. Eustatius Sea Turtle Conservation Programme - Annual Report 2008
    Abstract: The St Eustatius Sea Turtle Conservation Programme was initiated in 2001 due to concerns that the island’s sea turtle populations were...
  • Research report Bonaire 2050, putting the vision into numbers
    Bonaire is facing major challenges including (mass) tourism, population growth, urban expansion, climate change, biodiversity loss and the unilateral...
  • Other resources Systematic investigation of the coral-inclusive potential of marine infrastructure
    Abstract Ecosystems are under pressure worldwide, due to both natural and anthropogenic stresses. Stresses on ecosystems can cause a decline in...
  • Media Interview with Elsmarie Beukenboom on conservation and tourism on Bonaire
    Elsmarie Beukenboom was the first board representative for Stichting Nationale Parken Bonaire (STINAPA Bonaire) when the Dutch Caribbean Nature...
  • Other resources Regional Queen Conch Fisheries Management and Conservation Plan (Draft)
    The overall objective of this 10-year Regional Queen Conch Fishery Management and Conservation Plan is to guide the implementation of a set of...
  • Media St. Eustatius: Nature Awareness Project
    In October 2016, a two-year project to increase awareness and understanding of nature on St. Eustatius commenced, funded by the Ministry of Economic...
  • Scientific article Boas of the World (Superfamily Booidae): A Checklist With Systematic, Taxonomic, and Conservation Assessments
    The booid snakes (superfamily Booidae) are a near–circumglobally distributed group of macrostoman alethinophidian squamates, and several lineages are...
  • Other resources The Junior Ranger Program STINAPA Bonaire
    Adetailed program overview. Produced by: Bibi Brongers (intern STINAPA Bonaire), with contributions from Desiree Croes (coordinator Junior Ranger...
  • Research report Results of Nature Foundation Marine Mammal Monitoring Project Jan-May 2011
    The St. Maarten Nature Foundation conducted a Marine Mammal Census project which lasted from February until May 2011. The goal of this project was to...
  • Research report The local recreational and cultural value of nature on Saba
    his thesis is part of the project ‘What is Saba’s nature worth?’ a collaboration between the IVM, VU University Amsterdam and Wolfs Company. The aim...
  • Media 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...
  • Media BioNews 40 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
  • Research report 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....
  • Scientific article User fees across ecosystem boundaries: Are SCUBA divers willing to pay for terrestrial biodiversity conservation?
    Highlights​ Ecosystems are intrinsically linked, but conservation across boundaries is limited. User fees applied across ecosystem boundaries may...
  • Other resources 71st annual conference of the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) Book of abstracts
    Abstracts: TOURISM IN THE CARIBBEAN: CHALLENGES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF FISHERIES & CORAL REEF ECOSYSTEMS (Sponsored by CORALINA & GCFI) Kyne,...
  • Other resources The value of nature in the Caribbean Netherlands
    The Challenge Healthy ecosystems such as the forests on the hillsides of the Quill on St Eustatius and Saba’s Mt Scenery or the corals reefs of...
  • Research report The Tourism Value of Nature on St Eustatius
    This study aims to value the services provided by nature to tourists on St Eustatius. The natural landscape, the coastal waters, the tranquillity and...
  • Research report Sustainable Finance in EU Overseas Territories
    The Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM) and Wolfs Company have composed this report in collaboration with the Joint Nature Conservation...
  • Scientific article Attitudes towards marine mammal conservation issues before the introduction of whale-watching: a case study in Aruba (southern Caribbean)
    1. Effective conservation management requires a solid understanding of social and economic factors, in addition to biological factors affecting what...
  • Research report Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire - Progress Report 2005
    2005 was a very successful year for Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire as we built upon the accomplishments of 2004. In all the program areas, staff and...
  • Other resources Plan land and water: Nature and environment plan Caribbean Netherlands 2020-2030
    The Caribbean Netherlands consists of three islands: Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, all located in the Caribbean Sea. Since 2010 each island is...
  • Other resources The tourism value of nature on Saba (policy brief)
    Policy Brief The Challenge The tourism industry is the most important source of income for Saba, which is marketed as “the Unspoiled Queen” of the...
  • Other resources Sixth National Report of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
    Background The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international treaty that was initiated by the United Nations Environment Programme (...
  • Research report Water Quality Testing July 2012 -St. Maarten Nature Foundation
    The Nature Foundation carried out water quality tests on the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of July 2012 at seven sites surrounding St. Maarten. These tests,...
  • Scientific article Conservation status of Caribbean coot Fulica caribaea in the Netherlands Antilles and other parts of the Caribbean
    Abstract: In 2005 to 2006 we assessed the status of the Caribbean coot Fulica caribaea in the Netherlands Antilles, largely semi-arid islands in the...
  • Research report Nature on Bonaire and social media behavior Assessing the spatial distribution of tourism and recreation on Bonaire through social media
    Tourism is a very important source of income on Bonaire and forms the most important economic pillar of the island. The tourism numbers are expected...
  • Scientific article Thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the critically endangered Kemp's Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) revealed by double-digest restriction-associated DNA sequencing: opportunities for previously elusive conservation genetics research
    THOUSANDS OF SINGLE NUCLEOTIDE POLYMORPHISMS IN THE CRITICALLY EN- DANGERED KEMP’S RIDLEY SEA TURTLE (LEPIDOCHELYS KEMPII) REVEALED BY DOU- BLE-...
  • Other resources Baited Remote Underwater stereo0Video (stereo0BRUV) survey as a basis for elasmobranch conservation and management on Sint Maarten, Dutch Caribbean
    Elasmobranch populations (sharks, rays and skates) worldwide have declined drastically over the past decades and the situation in the Dutch Caribbean...
  • Other resources What is St Eustatius’ Nature Worth? (Policy Brief)
    Policy Brief   The Challenge Healthy ecosystems such as the corals reefs and the forests on the hillsides of Boven and the Quill are critical to the...
  • Portal Birds Caribbean
    BirdsCaribbean is the largest regional organization dedicated to the conservation of wild birds and their habitats in the insular Caribbean (...
  • Research report St. Maarten Nature Foundation Lionfish Response Plan
    This document serves as a reference for the controlling and management of the invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois miles and P. volitans complex...
  • Media Marine mammals in the Caribbean: a threatened treasure in our waters
    Nederlands and Papiamentu below.   Over the last two years, the Caribbean Cetacean Society (CCS) has been studying cetaceans (whales and dolphins) in...
  • Research report An Inventory of the Geographical Distribution and Conservation Status ofMarine Turtles and Sharks in the Wider Caribbean andRelationship to Fisheries
    Findings on Marine Turtles ·         Migration routes to and from nesting sites (typically index beaches) are variously known in the Caribbean,...
  • Media Expedition on the Saba Bank to Enhance Tiger Shark Protection
    Starting August 1, 2021 a team of researchers will spend a week on the Saba Bank investigating the life-cycle of tiger sharks. Researchers will...
  • Media Nature and Environment Policy Plan 2020-2030
    The Dutch Ministries of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, Infrastructure and Water Management and Interior and Kingdom Relations released a...
  • Research report Restoration of Resilience of Nature and Society in the Caribbean Netherlands
    The project "Resilience Restoration of Nature and Society in the Caribbean Netherlands" contributes to halting the decline of the coral reefs in the...
  • Other resources RARE Parrot conservation campaign, Bonaire
    Scanned flyers of the RARE concerted conservation campaign to save the Yellowshouldered parrot on Bonaire.   The campaign was supported by: World...
  • Media What motivates people to protect nature on the islands of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba?
    That is the research question that, Stacey Mac Donald, a PhD researcher from The Netherlands, is seek- ing to answer through the use of...
  • Media The Nature Funding projects
    With ‘Nature’ funding from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and support of the local governments several projects are now running to maintain...
  • Other resources Action and monitoring 2017 Sea turtle Conservation Curacao
    This report describes the activities undertaken by Sea Turtle Conservation Curaçao (STCC) in 2017. While STCC officially became an NGO in May of 2017...
  • Media BioNews 57
      BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
  • Media Great news for shark and ray conservation in the Caribbean (SPAW-STAC)
    The first cross-border protective management in a Wider Caribbean context for elasmobranch species. In March 2017 it was officially decided to...
  • Other resources St. Eustatius Sea Turtle Conservation Programme - Annual Report 2013
    The 2013 Sea Turtle nesting season was a varied season whereby there was as in previous years not much in the way of leatherback activity but towards...
  • Media BioNews 28-Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
  • Other resources Mount Scenary Nature Park Management Plan
    The Mount Scenery Nature Park management plan consists of four sections as outlined below: Part 1: Background Information. The physical, social and...
  • Other resources What’s Bonaire’s Nature Worth? (Policy Brief)
    Policy Brief   The Challenge Healthy ecosystems such as coral reefs and mangroves are critical to Bonairean society. In the last decades, various...
  • Other resources The STINAPA Bonaire Junior Ranger Program
    This document contains a detailed program overview The Junior Ranger Program is an out-of-school nature education program run by STINAPA to help ...
  • Research report Workshop report: ecosystem services valuation on Curacao
    On the 21th and 22st of January 2015, a 2-day workshop was held on Curacao. The workshop was intended to build knowledge and share experiences...
  • Other resources What is Saba’s Nature Worth? (policy brief)
    Policy Brief The Challenge Healthy ecosystems such as the corals reef patches and forests on the characteristic Mount Scenery are critical to the...
  • Research report The local cultural and recreational value of nature on St Eustatius
    St Eustatius, is a small island in the Caribbean and a special municipality of the Netherlands. As many other small islands, St Eustatius’ marine and...
  • Research report Recreational and cultural value of Bonaire’s nature to its inhabitants
    The global environment is in a relatively bad state and there is growing awareness of its importance to human wellbeing. This study aims to shed...
  • Scientific article Bat Inventories at Caves and Mines on the Islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao, and Proposed Conservation Actions
    Abstract Bats play key ecological roles on the islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao (ABC islands), Caribbean Netherlands; however, most bat species...
  • Scientific article Qualitative Impact Evaluation of a Social Marketing Campaign for Conservation
    Social marketing campaigns use marketing techniques to influence human behavior for the greater social good. In conservation, social marketing...
  • Research report Avifaunal and Botanical Survey of The Jan Thiel Lagoon Conservation Area, Curaçao
    The Jan Thiel lagoon can be considered the most important wetland of Curaçao based on its combined value as a feeding habitat for terns. As is likely...
  • Media Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance facilitates platform for investigation of marine protected areas in the Caribbean
    Willemstad – The 2021 Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) Convention began with a workshop on climate change resiliency. The workshop served as a...
  • Media Keys to Building Resilience in the Dutch Caribbean
    Dutch below Two new position papers presented to the Dutch Parliament, by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance and Wageningen University and Research...
  • Media Reef Sharks Move to Deeper Water as They Mature
    A new study from Wageningen University & Research (WUR) showed that reef sharks utilize different areas of the reef throughout their lifetime....
  • Other resources Carmabi Annual Report 2011
    Carmabi’s mission is to work towards a sustainable society, in which the sustainable management of nature leads to benefits that future generations...
  • Media St. Maarten: Impact Hurricane Irma on Nature
    What started out a week prior as a low pressure system off the Cape Verde Islands ended up as the first ever category 5+ hurricane to hit the...
  • Scientific article 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...
  • Media BioNews 53 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews 53 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and...
  • Research report Activity Report on the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance Sea Turtle Satellite Tracking Project 2005
    In June funding from the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) was confirmed to initiate a satellite tracking project of sea turtles on St Eustatius...
  • Research report St. Eustatius Sea Turtle Conservation Programme - Annual Report 2003
    Abstract: St Eustatius National Parks Foundation (STENAPA) is the only environmental non-governmental organization on St Eustatius. In 1996, the...
  • Raw data Raw data of shark observation St.Maarten by the Nature Foundation
    Raw data of shark observations by the Nature Foundation and St.Maarten dive schools (Dive Adventures, Dive Safaris, Scuba Fun, Ocean Explorers)....
  • Media Combating Erosion and Nature Restoration on Bonaire
    Erosion and resulting sediment run-off are big environmental concerns throughout the Caribbean Region and for good reason. Not only does the removal...
  • Research report 'Nature-based Solutions': essential to safeguard the Dutch Caribbean against the consequences of climate change
    This powerpoint walks through the recently published position paper entitled Nature based Solutions’: essential to safeguard the Dutch Caribbean...
  • Media Theme: Nature in the Dutch Caribbean
    Articles on STENAPA, CNSI, fauna on St. Maarten, Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance, Nature education Curacao, Bonaire's reefs, STINAPA
  • Research report Nature Foundation Marine Park, Reef & Marine Research Assessments Post Hurricane Irma
    On the 6th of September powerful category five storm Hurricane Irma struck Sint Maarten with 185 MPH winds, causing widespread damage to the island...
  • Media BioNews 55 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews 55 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and...
  • Raw data shark tagging dataset
    Dataset 2016-2022   Harmonized shark tagging dataset of different shark species around Saba and Sint Maarten.   This dataset includes variables such...
  • Media Aruba Birdlife Conservation releases new bird checklist: number of bird species for Aruba has increased
    News article on: Aruba Birdlife Conservation, Checklist version 2, ABC Birds of Aruba September 5, 2016-254 species   This news article was published...
  • Media What's Bonaire's nature worth? 2011-2012
    This Initiative draws attention to the economic benefits of biodiversity and highlights the growing costs of biodiversity loss and ecosystem...
  • Media Conservation Efforts Continued: New Vegetation on Te Amo Beach
    In the beginning of January, as part of the Ecological Restoration of Lac and the South of Bonaire, 50 green buttonwood trees (a native species of...
  • Media Powerpoint- https://www.dcbd.nl/document/%E2%80%98nature-based-solutions%E2%80%99-zijn-noodzakelijk-om-caribische-nederland-te-behoeden-voor-de
    Veerkracht tegen klimaatverandering verloren door stapeling van drukfactoren - stijgingen in de lucht - en zeewatertemperatuur - zeespiegelstijging...
  • Media Special Edition: State of Nature in the Caribbean Netherlands
    Wageningen Research recently published an alarming report on the natural resources of the Caribbean Netherlands islands Bonaire, Saba and St....
  • Media 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...
  • Media BioNews 35 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
  • Media BioNews 13-2018 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
  • Media BioNews 12-2018 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
  • Media BioNews 27 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
  • Media BioNews 23- Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
  • Media BioNews 24- Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
  • Media Two species of endangered elasmobranch are recommended to receive additional protection in the Caribbean
    Thanks to the efforts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the critically endangered largetooth sawfish and the threatened silky shark have...
  • Research report ‘Nature-based solutions’ zijn noodzakelijk om Caribische Nederland te behoeden voor de gevolgen van klimaatverandering
    Achtergrond Caribisch Nederland (Bonaire, Saba en St. Eustatius) en de Koninkrijkspartners Aruba, Curaçao en Sint Maarten worden nu en in de komende...
  • Scientific article Conservation of the herpetofauna on the Dutch Windward Islands: St. Eustatius, Saba, and St. Maarten
    The Dutch Windward Islands (St. Eustatius, Saba, St. Maarten) support a collective herpetofauna consisting of two frogs (both introduced), six...
  • Media Grant from the European Union to enhance nature protection and sustainable tourism
    Nederlands and Papiamentu below. Lac Bay is a unique tourism hot spot which boasts a wide array of habitats from fringing coral reefs to expansive...
  • Research report Impact of terrestrial erosion on coral reef health at Bonaire: a plea for nature-inclusive “watershed-to-reef” based coastal management
    Coral reefs are rapidly degrading worldwide, due to  a combination of global and local stressors. While gloal stressors, such as ocean warming,...
  • Media BioNews archive
    DCNA produces BioNews*, a free monthly digital newsletter featuring recent nature related news-items about the Dutch Caribbean as well as overviews...
  • Media Status of the Red-Bellied Racer on Saba and St. Eustatius
    The Red-bellied Racer (Alsophis rufiventris) is a harmless snake species that is native to the St. Christopher and Saba Banks. Today, it...
  • Media Special Edition: Transboundary Species
    There has been a recent increase in public awareness of environmental issues as the effects of climate change have become ever more noticeable in our...
  • Media Satellites and Sharks: Latest in Saba Bank Shark Research
    The Saba Bank is an important habitat within the Yarari Shark Sanctuary.  Visited by a variety of different species, little is known about the life...
  • Media Pregnant Tiger Shark Expedition 2021 is well underway!
    It’s finally happening! After over a year of corona-related delays the Pregnant Tiger Shark Expedition is finally underway. We just finished our very...
  • Portal 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...
  • Other resources St. Eustatius Sea Turtle Conservation Programme - Annual Report 2009
    This Annual Report includes: • Summarize the activities of the 2009 Sea Turtle Conservation Program. • Review the accomplishments and deficiencies of...
  • Research report Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire - Progress Report 2006
  • Other resources Project rapportage. Regeling Bijzondere Uitkering Natuur voor Bonaire, Sint Eustatius en Saba (2013 – 2019)
    The Openbaar Lichaam Bonaire, virtually all nature organizations, private companies and most individuals on Bonaire recognize caves as important...
  • Media Carbon Sequestration - Engaging Youth in Science and Conservation
    Presentation from the Mangrove Restoration Workshop.  
  • Other resources St. Eustatius Sea Turtle Conservation Programme - Annual Report 2010
    The aims of this Annual Report include the following: • Summarize the activities of the 2010 Sea Turtle Conservation Program. • Review the...
  • Other resources Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire: 2016 Technical Report
    Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB) has been protecting sea turtles on Bonaire since 1991, so this year represents the 25th Anniversary of our...
  • Other resources Water conservation in Curaçao; using traditional earthen dams
    The climate in Curaçao is semi-arid to arid. Every century several extended periods of drought occur with practically no rain. A whole system of...
  • Other resources St. Eustatius Sea Turtle Conservation Programme - Annual Report 2011
    The aims of this Annual Report include the following:  Summarize the activities of the 2011 Sea Turtle Conservation Program.  Review the...
  • Scientific article 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...
  • Other resources Application Form for Area of Importance for Bat Conservation (AICOM) Kleine Bonaire
    Located in the South Caribbean xeric region, approximately 800 m from the Island of Bonaire, Klein Bonaire is a small flat island (maximum elevation...
  • Other resources Application Form for Site of Importance for Bat Conservation (SICOM)
    The Island of Bonaire possess a system of more than 150 natural caves, but only five of them are known to be used as diurnal and maternity roosts by...
  • Other resources Tourism: synergizing people and nature for a better tomorrow
    Impressively, since the 1970’s Bonaire has championed efforts to protect its natural environment and resources. There is no doubt that these efforts...
  • Raw data Raw data of turtle nesting monitoring on St.Maarten by Nature Foundation
    Raw data of turtle nest observations, including: nest identification, species, false crawls, etc. Please contact Nature Foundation St.Maarten for...
  • Media Nature Funding: Restoring Bonaire’s dry forest
    Forest degradation is believed to be driving Yellow-shouldered Amazon parrots (Amazona barbadensis) to forage feed in urban areas, which leads to...
  • Media Nature on St. Eustatius Hit Hard by Hurricanes
    Nature on St. Eustatius has been heavily affected by hurricane Irma and Maria that struck the island in the early morning of Wednesday 6 September...
  • Media First silky shark sightings by Saba Conservation Foundation
    Whilst nurse sharks and Caribbean reef sharks are regularly spotted on the Saba Bank, it’s not every day that you see silky sharks. During a routine...
  • Media Bonaire Caves and Karst Nature Reserve Update
    The Bonaire Caves and Karst Nature Reserve is an ongoing project aiming to ensure the sustainable use and protection of Bonaire’s cave system, using...
  • Media Using Digital Footprints to Manage Conservation Efforts
    Researchers from Wageningen University and Research compiled thousands of photographs taken on Bonaire to analyze tourist activities and highlight...
  • Other resources Application Form for Area of Importance for Bat Conservation (AICOM) Washington - Slagbaai
    The Island of Bonaire has a system of natural caves that probably exceeds 150 in number. Those caves house at least five species of bats:...
  • Other resources Innovations for coral finance
    Coral ecosystems are of primary importance for many coastal populations, while being subject to many threats. Their conservation now and in the...
  • Scientific article Sabalpalm (Sabal antillensis) Recovery Over 40 Years: Lessons for Successful Palm Conservation.
    Sabal antillensis is endemic to the Dutch Caribbean islands of Curagao and Bonaire. Both island populations were thoroughly assessed in 1979, and...
  • Media BioNews 48 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews 48- Dutch Caribbean Newsletter BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and...
  • Research report Results of Nature Foundation Research into invasive Seagrass H. stipulacea in the Simpson Bay Lagoon
    Abstract: In February 2013 the St. Maarten Nature Foundation confirmed the presence of Halophila stipulacea, an invasive seagrass, in the Simpson Bay...
  • Research report Research and Monitoring Report 2010 - Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire
    In 2010, we completed our 8th year of systematic research on the sea turtles of Bonaire. In this report you will read about the methods and results...
  • Research report 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...
  • Other resources 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...
  • Other resources Is Whale Watching a Win-Win for People and Nature? An Analysis of the Economic, Environmental, and Social Impacts of Whale Watching in the Caribbean
    A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy. Whale watching has been hailed by...
  • Media BioNews 51 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews 51 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and...
  • Scientific article Inclusiveness in the Caribbean-Locals’ Perceptions about Nature, Tourism and Recreation in Bonaire
    Abstract The economies of small tropical islands often benefit from large-scale tourism, attracted by the guarantee of beach facilities, sun and...
  • Other resources St. Eustatius Sea Turtle Conservation Programme - Annual Report 2012
    The aims of this Annual Report include the following:  Summarize the activities of the 2012 Sea Turtle Conservation Program.  Review the...
  • Raw data Brown pelican counts on St.Maarten by Nature Foundation St.Maarten
    Raw data of brown pelican counts on St.Maarten. Counts from 2010-2012 differ in monitoring method from 2016-2019. The latter includes counts for...
  • Other resources What is St Eustatius’ Nature Worth?
    Healthy ecosystems such as the corals reefs and the forests on the hillsides of Boven and the Quill are critical to the society of St Eustatius. The...
  • Scientific article One-Third of Reef-Building Corals Face Elevated Extinction Risk from Climate Change and Local Impacts
    The conservation status of 845 zooxanthellate reef-building coral species was assessed by using International Union for Conservation of Nature Red...
  • Other resources Tourism: synergizing people and nature for a better tomorrow (2017-2027)
    Impressively, since the 1970’s Bonaire has championed efforts to protect its natural environment and resources. There is no doubt that these efforts...
  • Other resources Application Form for Site of Importance for Bat Conservation (SICOM)
    The Island of Bonaire possess a system of more than 150 natural caves, but only five of them are known to be used as diurnal and maternity roosts by...
  • Media BioNews 45 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews 45 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and...
  • Media BioNews 26-2019 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
  • Media BioNews 13-2018 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter PRINT
    BioNews* is a free digital newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) featuring recent nature related news-items about the...
  • Media Concerns about building plan in fragile coral reef
    The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-NL), STINAPA, Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire, The Caribbean Speleological Society, and the Dutch Caribbean...
  • Media BioNews 14-2018 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
  • Media Special Edition Tiger Shark Expedition 2021
    The Dutch Caribbean waters are home to more than thirty species of sharks and rays. With the creation of the Yarari Marine Mammal and Shark Sanctuary...
  • Media BioNews 31 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
  • Media BioNews 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....
  • Scientific article Conservation of amphibians and reptiles in Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire
    Curaçao and Bonaire form part of the Netherlands Antilles, while Aruba has a “status aparte” within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. All three islands...
  • Media BioNews 20 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
  • Media BioNews 25-Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
  • Media BioNews 22- Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
  • Other resources 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...
  • Media BioNews 18-2018 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
  • Scientific article Surveying bats for conservation: the status of cave-dwelling bats on Curaçao from 1993 to 2003
    In view of their ecological importance and the abundance of threats on a developing Caribbean island, we surveyed the bats of Curaçao, Netherlands...
  • Research report Collaboration tools for land use policy development
    HIGHLIGHTS • Web-platforms on nature inform the development of regulations and policies. • Although many data exist, policy makers are constrained by...
  • Other resources Tourism value of ecosystems in Bonaire (policy brief)
    Policy Brief   The Challenge Bonairean ecosystems support touristic activities that depend on the quality of the natural environment, such as diving...
  • Scientific article POPULATION ESTIMATE, NATURAL HISTORY AND CONSERVATION OF THE MELANISTIC IGUANA IGUANA POPULATION ON SABA, CARIBBEAN NETHERLANDS
    Abstract.– Intraspecific diversity is among the most important biological variables, although still poorly understood for most species. Iguana iguana...
  • Other resources Preliminary checklist of extant endemic species and subspecies of the windward Dutch Caribbean (St. Martin, St. Eustatius, Saba and the Saba Bank)
    Keywords: endemic species, Caribbean, Saba, Saint Eustatius, Saint Marten, Saba Bank   Endemic species and subspecies (or “taxa” for short) having...
  • Media Special Edition Bionews: Caribbean Cetacean Society Expedition
    Whale and dolphin research expedition 2022 This year, the third and sixth joint scientific expeditions of the Ti Whale An Nou program took...
  • Media Importance of Yarari Sanctuary for Minke Whale
    A new collaborative study provides new insight into how two species of minke whales utilize the Caribbean and neighboring Atlantic waters throughout...
  • Media Informational material on protected species (CITES) developed for the Caribbean Netherlands
    Informational material for regulations outlined in the Convention of International Trade of Endangered Species of wild flora and fauna (also known as...
  • Media Bonaire Hosts an International Mangrove Restoration Workshop
    Between October 25th and 28th, Bonaire’s Mangrove Maniacs hosted their first Mangrove Restoration Workshop .  The goal was to provide a platform for...
  • Research report Mountain biking on Aruba's wild coast
    The island of Aruba predominantly has a ‘sun, sea and sand’ tourism destination image. The Arub Tourism Authority (A.T.A.) aims to diversify the...
  • Research report Proceedings of the Technical Workshop on Mitigating Sea Turtle Bycatch in Coastal Net Fisheries
    Abstract: Sea turtles are adversely affected by a range of factors, some natural and others caused by human activities, such as fishing operations....
  • Other resources Biodiversity Monitoring on the BES-islands: …Past, Present and Future
    Abstract With the transition of the islands of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (BES) from the former Netherlands Antilles to special municipalities...
  • Media Call of action to salvage St. Maarten’s coral reefs from new disease
    A new coral disease, Stony Coral Tissue Loss disease, is spreading throughout the Wider Caribbean region and causing high mortality amongst a number...
  • Media DCNA Organizes Junior Ranger Exchange Week 2022
    Nederlands, Papiamento and Papiamentu below.   The Junior Rangers just wrapped up their annual exchange event. Youngsters from the islands got...
  • Research report Important Bird Areas in the Caribbean Netherlands
    Abstract: The Important Bird Area (IBA) programme is an initiative of BirdLife International aimed at identifying, monitoring and protecting a...
  • Research report The Value Natural Capital for the Tourism Industry of Aruba
    Governments around the world are taking an interest in the measurement of well-being to improve their policy decisions. Aruba has started the process...
  • Media Obituary – Dr. Walter (Wòti) Bakhuis, Carmabi/Stinapa director 1981-2006
    On the 25th of March this year, Dr. Walter L. (Wòti) Bakhuis passed away at the ripe old age of 80 in Maarssen, The Netherlands. With his passing,...
  • Scientific article A Stage-Based Population Model for Loggerhead Sea Turtles and Implications for Conservation
    Management of many species is currently based on an inadequate under- standing of their population dynamics. Lack of age-specific demographic...
  • Other resources Aruba Birdlife Conservation, Checklist version 2, ABC Birds of Aruba September 5, 2016-254 species
    A bird checklist is a snapshot in time. A checklist becomes outdated the moment a new species is registered. This checklist is based on seven sources...
  • Media BioNews 44 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews 44 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and...
  • Research report St. Maarten Nature Foundation coral bleaching response plan
  • Scientific article Charging for Nature: Marine Park Fees and Management from a User Perspective
    User fees can contribute to the financial sus- tainability of marine protected areas (MPAs), yet they must be acceptable to users. We explore changes...
  • Scientific article 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...
  • Media BioNews 34-Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
  • Media BioNews 54 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews 54 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and...
  • Media BioNews 43 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews 43 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and...
  • Research report Research and Monitoring Report 2009 - Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire
  • Other resources Synthesis report of the work package 3 – CARIPES Analysis of users’ capacity and willingness to pay for conservation efforts made by fishermen
    This report is part of the CARIPES project
  • Media BioNews 50 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews 50 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and...
  • Other resources BioNews 42 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews 42 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and...
  • Research report SCIENCE & PRACTICE: THE CASE STUDY OF CORAL REEF CONSERVATION & SEWAGE POLLUTION IN CURAÇAO
    Abstract. Much research is being conducted on environmental issues but more knowledge does not necessarily lead to more decisions that take into...
  • Media 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...
  • Media BioNews 49 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews 49- Dutch Caribbean Newsletter BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and...
  • Scientific article Restoration of critically endangered elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) populations using larvae reared from wild-caught gametes, Global Ecology and Conservation
    Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) populations provide important ecological functions on shallow Caribbean reefs, many of which were lost when a...
  • Other resources Shark abundance on the deep island slopes of the Dutch Caribbean ABC - islands: A potential conservation and research opportunity
    Large marine apex predators have become exceedlingly rare in shallow neritic waters around most Caribbean islands, including the ABC-island (Aruba,...
  • Other resources Biodiversity Monitoring Strategy - notes from an exploration by parks
    Notes from a series of sessions to jointly define a biodiversity monitoring strategy. The sessions were organized by the Dutch Caribben Nature...
  • Research report Workshop report: St. Maarten Nature Foundation Training and Sea Turtle Assessment
  • Other resources St. Eustatius Sea Turtle Conservation Programme - Annual Report 2014
    The 2014 Sea Turtle nesting season continued in the up and down trend of busy and slow years. It was a year with less than 50 activities per species...
  • Other resources Nature, cultural and historical values of plantation Onima, Bonaire
    Report by CARMABI Natuur-en cultuurhistorische waarden van plantage Onima, Bonaire
  • Other resources Managing coastal lagoon ecosystems in the Caribbean An economic appraisal of nature-based versus man-made solutions for enhancing ecosystem service provisioning by the Simpson Bay Lagoon, Saint Martin
    Power Point Presentation
  • Media BioNews 47 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews 47- Dutch Caribbean Newsletter BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and...
  • Media BioNews 56
    BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
  • Media BioNews 60
    BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
  • Research report Activity Report on the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance Sea Turtle Satellite Tracking Project 2006
  • Research report Seabird conservation status, threats and priority actions: a global assessment (supplementary documents)
  • Other resources 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...
  • Media BioNews 46 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews 46 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and...
  • Media BioNews 4 - April 2013
    This month’s issue focuses on the conservation efforts for the Red-billed Tropicbird, which is taking place on the islands of Saba and St. Eustatius...
  • Scientific article The effect of recreational SCUBA divers on the structural complexity and benthic assemblage of a Caribbean coral reef, Biodiversity and Conservation
      Abstract The effect of recreational SCUBA diving on coral reefs is likely secondary to many of the commonly cited stressors that threaten the long-...
  • Media Restoration of Resilience of Nature and Society in the Caribbean Netherlands
    Poster Significance and Relevance Multiple stressors (e.g., pollution, eutrophication, sedimentation, coastal development, overfishing, coral disease...
  • Scientific article Conservation opportunities for tern species at two Ramsar sites on Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands
    Abstract The island of Bonaire is a nesting location for at least four tern species: a subspecies of the Least Tern (Sternula antillarum antillarum...
  • Media BioNews 58
    BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
  • Media CITES Communication Materials BES
    Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) CITES is an international agreement between governments (...
  • Media BioNews 59
    BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
  • Media 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...
  • Media BioNews 39 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
  • Media BioNews 52 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews 52 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and...
  • Media Research Expedition for Lesser Antillean Sperm Whales
    The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and World Wide Fund for Nature Netherlands (WWF-NL) are proud to support Caribbean Cetacean Society’s (CCS...
  • Media BioNews 37 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
  • Media BioNews 41 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews 41 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and...
  • Media BioNews 36 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
  • Media BioNews 15-2018 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
  • Media BioNews 30 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
  • Media BioNews 33 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
  • Media BioNews 29 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
  • Media BioNews 32 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
  • Media BioNews 16-2018 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
  • Media BioNews 38 - Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
  • Media BioNews 17-2018 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
  • Media BioNews 21- Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews is a newsletter produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) which focuses on science and conservation in the Dutch Caribbean....
  • Media BioNews 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....
  • Other resources Roadmap towards effective fisheries management of the Caribbean Netherlands
    For the special municipalities of the Netherlands, Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba, the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality is...
  • Media BioNews 12-2018 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter PRINT
    In BioNews 12-2018 you will find articles on: Aruba Shoco Conservation Project First Silky Shark Sightings by Saba Conservation Foundation! NICO...
  • Media 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...
  • Media Unexpected high number of endemics for the windward Dutch Caribbean Islands
    In light of the mounting impact of humans on our planet, there is an urgent need to assess the status of all current living species so as to ensure...
  • Media International Meeting on Protection of Sharks
    From November 20-24th, 2017 a group of international shark experts gathered at Captain Don’s Habitat on Bonaire to discuss measures for the...
  • Media Bonairian households not resilient to climate change vulnerabilities and action is highly needed
    Nederlands and Papiamentu below.   Last May, the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA)‘s research intern Nina Zander requested via (social) media...
  • Media Caribbean Shark Coalition Launched to Promote Training, Impact, and Collaboration around shark protections in the Greater Caribbean Region
    The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and  Beneath the Waves (BTW) have launched the Caribbean Shark Coalition (CSC), an innovative, new...
  • Research report Biological Inventory of Saba
    Abstract: Saba is the smallest of the three Windward Islands in the Netherlands Antilles, with an area of 13 km2. Saba is the northernmost island...
  • Research report Cultural Ecosystem Service (CES) for Local Community in Aruba
    This research is based on the TEEB framework- The Economics of Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity.TEEB is a branch in United Nations Environment...
  • Media Long-spined sea urchins: not trouble but in trouble
    Nederlands, Papiamento and Papiamentu below   Since February 2022 there have been reports of Long-spined sea urchin (Diadema) die off from a number...
  • Media Importance of Native Seagrass in the Fight Against Erosion
    A recent study worked to quantify seagrass’s ability to minimize erosion in shallow water of Lac Bay, Bonaire. In addition, this study examined how...
  • Scientific article 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...
  • Other resources Parke Marino Aruba 2019-2021 Preliminary Management Plan
        In 2016 the Government of Aruba in partnership with TNO Caribbean was awarded the BEST 2.0 Program grant to establish Marine Protected Areas (...
  • Research report Strategic Plan for Eliminating the Incidental Capture and Mortality of Leatherback Turtles in the Coastal Gillnet Fisheries of Trinidad and Tobago
    Abstract: Accidental entanglement of leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) in the gillnet fisheries of Trinidad is the most serious...
  • Other resources Unwelcome guests: Stakeholder perspectives on non-native seagrasses and macroalgal ‘nuisance’ species in Bonaire
    Unlike coral reef and mangrove forest ecosystems, public recognition and multiple values of seagrass beds have only but recently been gaining...
  • Research report 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....
  • Research report WIDECAST Sea Turtle Recovery Action Plan for the Netherlands Antilles
    Abstract: The Netherlands Antilles consists of five Caribbean islands. The leeward islands are Curaçao and Bonaire, close to the mainland of...
  • Research report Biological Inventory of St. Maarten
    St. Maarten is one of the islands forming the inner arc of the Lesser Antilles. It is older than Saba and St. Eustatius. The oldest rock strata date...
  • Media 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...
  • Media Sixth Caribbean marine expedition ‘Ti Whale An Nou 2022’ taking place this month
    Nederlands and Papiamentu below. Organized by CCS with the support of WWF and DCNA As of August 15th through August 30th, the sixth joint scientific...
  • Media BioNews 7 - August 2013
    This month’s issue focuses attention on three successful conservation efforts of local NGOs, which are using monitoring to guide their field-based...
  • Media BioNews 10-2017 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews 10-2017 includes the following news-items: Ecological Restoration Lac Bay and South Coast, Bonaire Bonaire: Roi Sango (EU BEST 2.0) Status of...
  • Media 68th annual Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) meeting, Panama
    Last November (Nov. 9th to Nov.15th), a Dutch Caribbean Delegation attended the 68th annual Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) meeting in...
  • Research report Turtles by the numbers-STCB Year Report 2019
    Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire’s mission is to ensure that Bonaire’s sea turtles have a secure future, and to connect people to sea turtle...
  • Research report UAUCU Student Research Exchange Collected Papers 2015 (Vol. 1)
    Introduction In this publication you will find papers and reflections that were written by the ten participants in the UAUCU undergraduate research...
  • Raw data Raw data of terrestrial bird observation on Saba 2019,2021
    Raw data of terrestrial bird monitoring  on Saba collected for the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA)  and Saba Conservation Foundation. ...
  • Media Save our Sharks project
    The Dutch Caribbean is poised to benefit from a new funding initiative provided by the Dutch Postcode Lottery aimed at an essential conservation...
  • Media BioNews Special Edition: Sustainable Tourism
    Prior to the Corona virus pandemic, the trends for tourism in the Caribbean were pressing for cheaper and more varied options. There was a pressure...
  • Media 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...
  • Research report Saving sharks through a fishermen’s agreement
    Background. For the Save our Sharks project of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance, 7Senses conducted Participatory Action Research on Saba for 7...
  • Other resources Bonaire National Marine Park—Algal Survey and Inventory
    The Littler’s team [including Barrett Brooks, Don Hurlbert, Barbara Watanabe and Larry Gorenflo (Conservation International)] traveled to the island...
  • Research report Influence of coastal economic valuations un the Caribbean: enabling conditions and lessons learned
    Across the Caribbean, national economies are heavily dependent on coastal ecosystem services. Coral reefs, mangroves, and other coastal ecosystems...
  • Other resources Associated mangrove aquaculture farms
    Expanding shrimp aquaculture has been one of the main drivers of the worldwide loss of mangrove forests. Consequently, tropical mud coastlines have...
  • Media 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...
  • Media BioNews 2-2017 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews 2-2017 includes the following news items: Nature Funding Projects BES islands - P. Hoetjes Restoring Bonaire’s dry forest Tiger shark crosses...
  • Media Using Satellite Imagery to Map St. Eustatius Coralita Invasion
    Coralita is an invasive plant species, rapidly spreading across St. Eustatius.  A recently published report highlighted the ability to use satellite...
  • Scientific article Prioritising Invasive Species Control Actions: Evaluating Effectiveness, Costs, Willingness to Pay and Social Acceptance
    Island ecosystems are recognised as high priority for biodiversity conservation, with invasive species a significant threat. To investigate...
  • Other resources St Maarten Marine Park Management Plan 2007
    The St Maarten Marine Park was first established in 1997. It surrounds the Dutch side of St Martin from the average high water mark to a depth of...
  • Other resources Policy Letter: Creating effective, sustainable fisheries management in the Caribbean Netherlands
    Throughout the Caribbean, like in the rest of the world, the abundance of marine fish species have been declining over the past decades. The health...
  • Research report A National Park for Saba
    Options for acquisition and management of the northwestern part of Saba. Since 2004, Saba’s overall economic objective has been to generate growth of...
  • Media Mangrove Restoration Workshop 2021
    The Mangrove Restoration Workshop was held between October 25 - 28, 2021. The goal was to bring together researchers, conservationists, park...
  • Other resources Important Bird Areas of the Caribbean - Aruba
    Aruba’s four IBAs cover just 610 ha, but between them they support over 30,000 seabirds and a number of other significant bird populations. Tierra...
  • Other resources Carimam Project - report on kick'off meeting
    The Agoa Sanctuary (named after a Caribbean - Amerindian sea goddess) was established because of the abundance and diversity of cetacean species...
  • Other resources Bonaire National Marine Park Management Plan 2022-2028
    EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Bonaire National Marine Park was established in 1979. The marine park protects 2,700 hectares of coral reefs, seagrass beds and...
  • Research report Evaluation of the Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database: user perspectives
    The Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database (DCBD; www.dcbd.nl) is a nature and biodiversity web-platform for the Dutch Caribbean funded by the Dutch...
  • Research report Ecologyand Microeconomics as "Joint Products": The Bonaire Marine Park in the Caribbean
    FOREWORD Many countries are strugglingwith the task of meeting ecological and economicgoals associated with the establishment and management of...
  • Media Ecological Restoration Lac Bay and South Coast, Bonaire
    Lac Bay is the largest semi-enclosed bay in the Dutch Caribbean, offering visitors breathtaking views, white sandy beaches and shallow turquoise...
  • Other resources St. Eustatius joins Yarari Marine Mammal and Shark Sanctuary
    Excellent news: St. Eustatius has now become part of the “Yarari” Marine Mammal and Shark Sanctuary. St. Eustatius joined Bonaire and Saba when the...
  • Media 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...
  • Media Two Dutch Caribbean Tagged Tiger Sharks Follow Similar Migration Patterns in the Caribbean
    Two years ago the DCNA organized the first of its kind shark tagging expedition to the Saba Bank and St Maarten as part of the Dutch Postcode Lottery...
  • Research report Working paper on the economic valuation of country St. Maarten's coral reef resources
    The St. Maarten Nature Foundation conducted an Economic Valuation of St. Maarten’s coral reef ecosystems in the fall of 2010. This attempted to put a...
  • Media Vegetation Study informs Spatial Planning on Sint Maarten
    Commissioned by Sint Maarten’s Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI), a color vegetation map produced...
  • Media 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...
  • Research report 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...
  • Research report Marine mammals in the Wider Caribbean – Current research and priorities for future studies
    Summary: Information on the distribution, abundance and ecology of marine mammal in the Wider Caribbean Region is scarce. This report aims at...
  • Media Second whale and dolphin research program in the Caribbean
    Nederlands and Papiamentu below   The whale and dolphin research program  Ti Whale An Nou started March 25, 2022 and the objective is to study the...
  • Media Two 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...
  • Media Bionews Diadema Special Edition: Restoration Effects
    The Diadema RAAK Project is a collaborative effort between University of Applied Sciences Van Hall Larenstein, Wageningen Marine Research and...
  • Research report Brief biological inventory of Bolivia, Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles
    The lands of the former Bolivia Plantation amount to about three-thousand three-hundred (3,300) hectares of wildlands and basically constitute the...
  • Other resources First indication of the abundance and distribution of protected seagrass associated species in the introduced Halophila stipulacea meadows on Sint Eustatius
    Student Report The present study investigated the abundance and distribution of protected seagrass associated species within the introduced Halophila...
  • Research report Diversity, abundance, distribution and habitat use reef-associated sharks in the Dutch Caribbean
    Shark are in serious decline in the Caribbean due to fishing pressure and slow reproductive life-history. The Dutch Caribbean Nature Policy Plan in...
  • Research report St. Eustatius National Parks - Lionfish Response Plan
    This document serves as a reference for the controlling and management of the invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois miles and P. volitans complex...
  • Other resources Climate Change Predictions for St-Eustatius and its possible impacts on the island
    This report was created to highlight the most important climate change predictions for St. Eustatius and to highlight possible impacts on the island...
  • Other resources Global evaluation of shark sanctuaries
    Due to well-documented declines in many shark populations there is increasing pressure to implement new management and rebuilding strategies at the...
  • Media Bonaire’s Yearly Parrot Count
    Every year on Bonaire, dozens of dedicated volunteers wake up before dawn with one simple but important mission: count as many yellow-shouldered...
  • Media Call of action to reduce plastic pollution on St. Maarten
    Residents and businesses of St. Maarten are being urged to abandon the use of single-use, non-biodegradable plasticsto help create a cleaner and...
  • Media Health is Wealth: A One Health Approach to control vector-born diseases and promote sustainability
    At the Sustainability Conference held on St. Eustatius in December 2017, the panel “Health is Wealth” explored the interrelationship between the...
  • Media Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database: The Future of Data Sharing
    A big obstacle in nature- policy, management and research is to access excising long-term data in an environment that experiences a high turnover in...
  • Media The State of the World's Mangroves 2021
    MANGROVES ARE VITAL COMPONENTS OF THE PLANET’S COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS. Mangroves sequester carbon at up to four times the rate of terrestrial forests,...
  • Research report Shark protection plan for the Dutch Caribbean EEZ
    Summary: Shark populations have steeply declined worldwide due to unsustainable overexploitation and in this the Caribbean region is no exception....
  • Media St. Maarten: Post Hurricane Coral Assessment
    The St. Maarten Nature Foundation scientifically researched the impacts of Hurricane Irma on St. Maarten coral reefs using Global Coral Reef...
  • Media New Species of Cone Snail Discovered on Aruba
    Nederlands and Papiamento below. Researchers from the Florida Atlantic University and University of California recently discovered a new species of...
  • Media 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...
  • Research report Mapping the Economic Value of Ecosystems on St Eustatius
    This report will specifically focus on the spatial distribution of the ecosystem service values and will eventually visualize these values...
  • Media At least ten reef-associated shark species in the Dutch Caribbean
    Wageningen Marine Research reported ten reef-associated shark species in the Dutch Caribbean in a recent published study as part of Dutch Caribbean...
  • Other resources Project CARIPES: Quantification of ecosystem services provided by marine protected areas in the Caribbean with a view to their payment
    By assessing the value of ecosystem services generated by some specific marine protected areas (MPAs), project CARIPES aims to increase fishermen’...
  • Media BioNews 8 - September 2013
    This month’s issue focuses attention on the conservation efforts on the Windward side of the Dutch Caribbean. On St. Maarten, these days sharks are...
  • Media BioNews 5-2017 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews 5-2017 includes the following news-items: Status Of St. Eustatius’s Reef Nature on St. Eustatius Hit Hard by Hurricanes BRUV Work In The...
  • Media BioNews 9-2017 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews 9-2017 includes the following news-items: Bad News For Green Sea Turtles In An Age Of Warming Seas: warmer oceans drive declining growth...
  • Scientific article Feral goat eradications on islands.
    Abstract: Introduced mammals are major drivers of extinction. Feral goats (Capra hircus) are particularly devastating to island ecosystems, causing...
  • Media Adopt a proactive attitude towards nonnative Green iguana biosecurity
    Mainly since the 60’s has the green iguana continuously expanded its nonnative range, especially throughout the Greater Caribbean region, and despite...
  • Research report Functional Valuation of Ecosystem Services on Bonaire
    Abstract: My thesis research builds on the ‘movement’ to value nature. This movement as I call it started as early as 1970 with a theory to quantify...
  • Other resources Important Bird Areas of the Caribbean - Curaçao
    Curaçao’s five IBAs—the island’s international priority sites for bird conservation—cover 16,280 ha (including marine areas) and c.24% of the land...
  • Other resources The analysis of ecological networks: habitat connectivity and population viability on St.Eustatius
    This student thesis research is in support of a Tourism Master Plan for Sint Eustatius; this plan is focused on the development of sustainable...
  • Other resources Saba Bank management Unit Activity Report 2016
    The Saba Bank Management Unit (SBMU) is responsible for the operational management of the Saba Bank. Its current tasks are to perform scientific...
  • Other resources CITES Brochure Spanish
    ** This brochure is also available in English, Papiamentu and Dutch ** This brochure is funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food...
  • Other resources Landsbesluit: Nieuwe aanwijzing domeingronden als natuurreservaat
    In overweging genomen hebbende: Dat het wenselijk is een aantal domeingronden aan te wijzen als natuurreservaat in de zin van artikel 10 van de...
  • Research report 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...
  • Media BioNews 13 - February 2014
    This month’s issue profiles several scientific discoveries with new implications for conservation in the Dutch Caribbean. On St. Eustatius, the first...
  • Media Saba: Horticultural Project
    Thanks to generous funding from The Netherlands Ministry of Economics Affairs through the Nature Fund, the Island Government of Saba is implementing...
  • Other resources Landsbesluit: aanwijzing Spaans Lagoen-gebied als natuurreservaat
    LANDSBESLUIT, houdende algemene maatregelen, van 10 februari 2017 tot wijziging van het Landsbesluit Parke Nacional Arikok (AB 2000 no. 59) (...
  • Research report Frame Survey Curaçao’s fishing fleet 2016
    A brief inventory of the current fishing capacity (frame survey) of the insular fishing fleet of Curacao was conducted. Curacao is part of the...
  • Other resources Using Sound to Track Marine Mammals in Saba Bank
    Since 2011, the Saba Bank noise logger research project has been collecting acoustic data of marine mammals, fish and man-made noises within the Saba...
  • Other resources Landsbesluit Parke Marino Aruba
    LANDSBESLUIT, houdende algemene maatregelen, van 20 december 2018 houdende instelling van het Parke Marino Aruba (Landsbesluit Parke Marino Aruba) In...
  • Media BioNews 8-2017 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews 8-2017 includes the following news-items:   Status of Saba Bank’s reefs Economic value of Sharks Annual Shark Conference of the European...
  • Media Infographics of the Dutch Caribbean
    Three infographics on the Dutch Caribbean (in Dutch): Location and size of the Dutch Caribbean (in comparison to the European Netherlands) Threats...
  • Other resources Landsbesluit Parke Nacional Arikok
    LANDSBESLUIT, houdende algemene maatregelen, van 24 au-gustus 2000 ter uitvoering van artikel 10 van de Natuur-beschermingsverordening (AB 1995 no. 2...
  • Media BioNews 7-2017 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews 7-2017 includes the following news-items:   Status of St. Maarten’s Reef St. Maarten: Impact Hurricane Irma on Nature EPIC...
  • Media 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...
  • Scientific article 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...
  • Media Disappearance of St. Maarten’s Snails
    Nederlands Below   Land and freshwater mollusks were surveyed over the course of three visits in 2015, 2020 and 2021 on the Dutch and French sides of...
  • Portal observado
    About us Volunteers, researchers and scientists do a lot of field observations. Including these data into a global digital system creates a powerful...
  • Research report Naturalised and invasive alien plant species in the Caribbean Netherlands: status, distribution, threats, priorities and recommendations
    Abstract: The Netherlands are signatories of the international Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). This implies that the nation will protect...
  • Monitoring protocol PROALAS: Latin American Program for Landbirds
    About this manual and how to use it conabio’s community monitoring network is a citizen science project aimed at local communities. It was created in...
  • Research report Indicators on the status and trends of ecosystems in the Dutch Caribbean
    The Caribbean islands of Bonaire, Saba, St.Eustatius, Aruba, Curacao and St. Maarten are part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The islands have a...
  • Research report A Willingness to Pay Study for Park Fees: Quill/Boven National Park, St. Eustatius Marine Park, St. Eustatius, Netherlands Antilles
    Abstract: Organisations designed to manage and maintain Protected Areas are often faced with limited financial resources to maintain and monitor...
  • Research report UAUCU Student Research Exchange Collected Papers 2018 (Vol. 4)
    Introduction to the fourth edition of the UAUCU Student Research Exchange Collected Papers This volume presents academic papers and personal...
  • Media Coral Restoration Bonaire
    The Nature funding from the Netherlands’ Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV) (previously Ministry of Economic Affairs), has helped...
  • Scientific article Population recovery changes population composition at a major southern Caribbean juvenile developmental habitat for the green turtle, Chelonia mydas
    Understanding the population composition and dynamics of migratory megafauna at key developmental habitats is critical for conservation and...
  • Other resources St Maarten: Adopt a Shark Program
    The St Maarten Nature Foundation launched the “Adopt a Shark” program during St Maarten Shark Week in June 2018, but due to the continued demand of...
  • Other resources Population demographic of Pomacanthus paru (French angelfish) in comparison to seafloor rugosity
    Species conservation is becoming an important aspect in marine environments. Climate change and anthropogenic interactions have had a direct impact...
  • Media Erosion around Kralendijk, Bonaire
    In areas with sparse vegetation, intense rainfall events can loosen the soil material, after which it is transported away towards the ocean by...
  • Media Uncovering the mystery of tiger shark reproduction in the eastern Caribbean
    Much of the lives of the most iconic shark species – including the tiger shark – remains a secret, even to shark researchers. This is because these...
  • Other resources Harmful invasive alien species (IAS) in the Caribbean Netherlands
    Following climate change, IAS are recognised as the second-most serious long-term threat to island ecology, worldwide. Of all IAS issues, by far the...
  • Media Sharks found with dangerously high levels of heavy metals in The Caribbean
    In a new study, researchers from the non-profit research institute Beneath the Waves (BTW) documented and revealed alarmingly high levels of 12 heavy...
  • Media DCNA Launches Dutch Caribbean Climate Action Plan
    May 16th 2022- Today the DCNA launches a Climate Action Plan for the Dutch Caribbean. This plan provide concrete recommendations for all our islands...
  • Portal Plants and Lichens of Saba. A Virtual Herbarium of The New York Botanical Garden.
    Saba is a five square mile island with about 1200 permanent inhabitants located off the coast of St. Maarten in the Netherlands Antilles (go to map...
  • Scientific article The catastrophic impact of invasive mammalian predators on birds of the UK Overseas Territories: a review and synthesis
    Abstract: The UK has sovereignty over 16 Overseas Territories, which hold some of the world’s great seabird colonies and collectively support more...
  • Scientific article A quantitative assessment of the vegetation types on the island of St. Eustatius, Dutch Caribbean
    Caribbean dry forests are among the most endangered tropical ecosystems on earth. Several studies exist on their floristic composition and their...
  • Research report 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...
  • Research report Seagrass as bioindicator for eutrophication and pollution in the coastal bays of Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands
    MSc thesis The economy of Bonaire is highly dependent on tourism. Tourists are drawn to Bonaire because of the beautiful nature and biodiversity in...
  • Scientific article Seagrass ecosystem multifunctionality under the rise of a flagship marine megaherbivore
    Abstract Large grazers (megaherbivores) have a profound impact on ecosystem functioning. However, how ecosystem multifunctionality is affected by...
  • Media Mas Piska pa Boneiru: Less talk more action
    Identifying and overcoming bottlenecks in fisheries management on Bonaire. Fishing is one of the oldest professions in the Dutch Caribbean. Many...
  • Media Old Power Plant on Saba to be converted to Marine Research Station
    On January 17th, 2022, Mark Zagers, Managing Director of the Saba Electric Company (SEC), officially handed over the keys to Peter Johnson, President...
  • Media 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...
  • Media New beetles discovered in the Dutch Caribbean
    Nederlands below   Two recently published studies document 35 new beetle species for the islands of Saba and St. Eustatius.  Even with these latest...
  • Research report Status and trends Saba Bank fisheries: 2015
    The Saba Bank is a 2200 km2 shallow bank area that lies fully within the Dutch Kingdom’s Caribbean exclusive economic zone (EEZ) waters. In recent...
  • Other resources Intervention Needed to Save the endemic Sabal Palm of Bonaire
    An update to a 40-year-old Sabal palm survey for the islands of Bonaire and Curaçao highlighted the striking differences between the two islands....
  • Media New Insight for Protecting the Future of Queen Conch
    A new survey technique provides insight into Queen Conch populations off the islands of Anguilla, St. Eustatius and within the Saba Bank. This...
  • Media 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)...
  • Other resources The Phenomenology of Shark Diving Tourism Experiences
    Student Report Tourism is continuously changing and growing on a larger scale, creating the need for different and unique types of tourism products....
  • Other resources Sustainable diving tourism on the Golden Rock - Assessment of the ecological and social carrying capacity of reefs of Sint Eustatius and the potential for artificial reefs
    Tropical regions and developing states depend largely on their “blue nature” and related tourism for their potential and economic well-being. Even so...
  • Research report 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...
  • Monitoring protocol A stranding guide to the marine mammals of the wider Caribbean region
    Accurate species identification of marine mammals is key to improving our knowledge about them, including their distribution, natural history and the...
  • Media BioNews 1-2017 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    A dedicated Saba Bank Symposium was organised by the University of Wageningen in December 2016. The Symposium was held in Den Helder and brought...
  • Other resources Mapping Benthic Habitats for Representation in Marine Protected Areas
    Virtually all marine conservation planning and management models in place or proposed have in common the need for improved scientific rigour in...
  • Media Restoration of Key Biodiversity Areas of St. Maarten
    In July 2017, Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) Foundation initiated a project to restore coastal and terrestrial biodiversity by...
  • Research report Parrots, goats and sun: population dynamics of the yellow-shouldered amazon parrot (Amazona barbadensis) in Bonaire island, Dutch Antilles.
    Abstract: With the new status of special municipality Bonaire’s development aims have focused toward more efficient  sustainable policies. With...
  • Research report From Ocean to Aquarium. The global trade in marine ornamental species
    Abstract: Between 1.5 and 2 million people worldwide are believed to keep marine aquaria. The trade which supplies this hobby with live marine...
  • Other resources Bonaire national marine park management plan 2006
    The Bonaire National Marine Park was first established in 1979. It surrounds the island of Bonaire and includes the satellite island and the waters...
  • Media Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease Management Update for the Dutch Caribbean
    Since 2014, a new coral disease has been spreading through the reefs of the Caribbean. Known as Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD), this disease...
  • Book Butterflies and Moths of Curaçao, Aruba and Bonaire
    Foreword Butterflies are a colorful and fascinating group of insects that have attracted a great deal of interest from naturalists in the past. In...
  • Scientific article 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...
  • Research report The impacts of climate change on Bonaire (2022-present)
    Small islands are particularly vulnerable to climate change because of their fragile ecosystems, small economies, and often extensive, low-lying...
  • Monitoring protocol Marine Animal Monitoring Form
    In an effort to gather much needed information on local populations of whales, dolphins, manatees, sharks, rays and large groupers STINAPA Bonaire...
  • Media Alarming Decline of Bridled Quail-Dove populations on Statia
    The Bridled Quail-dove is a regionally endemic species that, on Statia, is only found in upper elevations of the Quill (above ~150m) and inside the...
  • Media The beetles of the Dutch Caribbean
    Last December, a beetle catalogue for the Dutch Caribbean was published. This voluminous paper provides the first critical review of the beetle...
  • Media New Coral Reef Breeding Nursery on Bonaire
    A brand new, innovative floating coral fish breeding nursery is being tested at the Dive Friends Sand Dollar location on Bonaire.  This project, led...
  • Media New Research on Mangrove Restoration for Bonaire
    Nederlands below.   Since 2020, the Mangrove Maniacs have planted over 1500 mangroves along the southwest coast of Bonaire. A new collaborative...
  • Media Bonaire Welcomes Back Indiana University
    A group of students from Indiana University (IU) recently visited Bonaire.   Since 2015, IU has been sending students to Bonaire as part of their...
  • Media STENAPA’s protection of Caribbean Sea turtles
    Each year, hawksbill and green turtles, and sometimes even leatherback turtles, come to the beaches of Statia to lay their eggs. New protocols,...
  • Media Parental Behavior Linked to Declining Nest Success
    New Red-billed Tropicbird data suggested declining nest survival rates may be more related to parental behavior than previously thought. A researcher...
  • Media Shark Handling Techniques
    Hi everyone, my name is Giancarlo Nunes and I’m the Research and Conservation manager for Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba. I can be considered a jack...
  • Media How does ecosystem functioning change now sea turtles are returning?
    Dutch below   Sea turtles have been overharvested in the past, resulting in their endangered population status. But since two decades, their...
  • Research report The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Aruba
    Aruba’s natural capital value for tourism, culture, fishing and carbon exceeds US$ 287.3 million per year. ARUBA, an island of 115,000 human...
  • Media Sea & Learn 2018
    This year Sea & Learn celebrated their 16thannual event on Saba. A total of 16 experts provided dynamic hands-on field projects and powerful...
  • Media Radar surveys of Audubon’s Shearwater
    To better protect Audubon’s Shearwaters, Adam Brownfrom Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC), in partnership with the Saba Conservation...
  • Media 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 article 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...
  • Media Annual Shark Conference of the European Elasmobranch Association
    For three days in October 2017, Amsterdam became the shark capitol of Europe, as 150 scientists, policymakers and nature conservationists from all...
  • Other resources Ecosystem profile for the 15 European Overseas entities in the Caribbean region.
    The Caribbean Islands are composed of 30 nations and overseas entities: 12 independent nations, 3 U.S. territories (Puerto-Rico, US Virgin Islands,...
  • Media Caribbean island launches plan to remove invasive rats and goats
    The remote Caribbean island of Redonda, part of Antigua and Barbuda, is home to numerous species of plants and animals found nowhere else on earth....
  • Other resources Plan voor land en water - beleidsplan natuur en milieu Caribisch Nederland 2020-2030
    Caribisch Nederland bestaat uit drie eilanden: Bonaire, Sint Eustatius en Saba, alle gelegen in de Caribische Zee. Sinds 2010 zijn alle eilanden...
  • Other resources CITES Brochure English
    ** This brochure is also available in Dutch, Papiamentu and Spanish ** This brochure is funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food...
  • Media Dutch Caribbean Climate Action Plan
    Introduction Caribbean islands are at the forefront of the climate crisis, with effects already starting to become noticeable in the region. Experts...
  • Other resources Important Bird Areas of the Caribbean - Saba
    The Saba coastline IBA (AN006)—the island’s site priority for bird conservation—has been identified on the basis of nine key bird species (listed in...
  • Scientific article Severity of the Effects of Invasive Rats on Seabirds: A Global Review
    Abstract: Invasive rats are some of the largest contributors to seabird extinction and endangerment world- wide. We conducted a meta-analysis of...
  • Scientific article Optimism for mitigation of climate warming impacts for sea turtles through nest shading and relocation
    Increasing incubation temperatures may threaten the viability of sea turtle populations. We explored opportunities for decreasing incubation...
  • Other resources Yarari Maine Mammal and Shark Sanctuary brochure
    Yarari Marine Mammal and Shark Sancuray Brochure Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV). 
  • Media 71st annual conference of the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute
    The 71st annual conference of the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) was held in San Andres, (Colombia) from 5–9 November 2018. This...
  • Other resources Handhaving Natuur-en milieuwetgeving in Caribisch Nederland
    Enforcement Nature and environmental legislation in the Caribbean Netherlands about free roaming feral cattle, waste management and other nature...
  • Maps and Charts Landscape map Bonaire
    Landscape map that depicts the intersections of biophysical, cultural and aesthetic characteristics, delineating landscape types to which coherent...
  • Other resources The Value of the LVV Site on Bonaire for Birds
    Advice on the importance of this area for birds on Bonaire Bonaire is blessed with splendid nature, both above and below water. Due to their special...
  • Media Sustainable Tourism: Current State
    Each of the six Dutch Caribbean islands have their own unique draw, enticing visitors from around the world each year. From environments ranging from...
  • Other resources CITES Brochure Dutch
    ** This brochure is also available in English, Papiamentu and Spanish ** This brochure is funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food...
  • Research report Lac Bonaire - Restoration Action Spear Points, September 2010
    Lac Bay, Bonaire is the most important mangrove and seagrass area of Bonaire and has been undergoing steady ecological decline in the last decades....
  • Other resources Important Bird Areas of the Caribbean - Bonaire
    Bonaire’s six IBAs—the island’s international site priorities for bird conservation—cover 23,830 ha (including their marine extensions). They embrace...
  • Other resources The impact of competition, predation and disease on fluorescence patterns of RFP and GFP across the surface of scleractinian corals
    Globally, scleractinian coral populations are declining, and to fully understand this decline it is important to study potential coral stressors in-...
  • Media Recreational SCUBA Diver impact in Bonaire
    Recent research by CIEE Research Station Bonaire led by Dr. Patrick Lyons examined the effects of recreational SCUBA divers on the abundance of...
  • Media Endangered Dutch Iguana species put on the map
    With the accession of the islands of Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius as special municipalities of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the list of ‘Dutch...
  • Media Florida Keys Sea Turtle Workshop
    December 2nd – December 4th 2016 Since its inception, the annual Florida Keys Sea Turtle Rehabilitation workshop, in partnership with the Wider...
  • Media Invasive Species Workshop on St. Eustatius
    Twenty-five participants attended an informative workshop on invasive species on November 28th and 29th 2017. The Caribbean Netherlands Science...
  • Media Sargassum management brief
    In light of recent and recurring influxes of sargassum on the islands of the Dutch Caribbean, the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance has drafted a...
  • Media Crowdfunding: Tortuga ‘The Survival of Humanity’
    Motivation In March 2018 I went to Curaçao for six months. I have been able to take a lot of underwater shots here and have experienced the problems...
  • Other resources BioNews special: Climate Change
    Conditions all around the world are changing due to climate change. These changes can be felt throughout all environments, from changing water ...
  • Other resources CITES Brochure Papiamentu
    ** This brochure is also available in English, Dutch, and Spanish ** This brochure is funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality...
  • Research report STCB Year Report 2020
    Download the Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire Yearly Report 2020 Content: introduction & backround transect count surveys Netting at lac bay...
  • Research report Tropical Americas Coral Reef Resilience Workshop Report
    The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) assumed leadership of the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) in 2010 with...
  • Media BioNews 9 - October 2013
    This month’s issue focuses attention on a very important species group – butterflies. Due to their sensitivity to environmental conditions,...
  • Research report Seed germination methods for native Caribbean trees and shrubs - With emphasis on species relevant for Bonaire
    Summary: This paper is intended as a basis for nature restoration activities using seeds of trees and (larger) shrubs native to Bonaire with the aim...
  • Media Unique shark tagging expedition to the Saba Bank
    In October 2016, the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) organized a unique shark tagging expedition to the Saba Bank. Little is currently known...
  • Media BioNews 4-2017 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews 4-2017 includes the following news-items: Status of Curaçao’s Reefs Researchers discover that the three known flamingo tongue snail species...
  • Scientific article Genome-wide survey of single-nucleotide polymorphisms reveals fine-scale population structure and signs of selection in the threatened Caribbean elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata.
    The advent of next-generation sequencing tools has made it possible to conduct fine-scale surveys of population differentiation and genome-wide scans...
  • Media Saba: Goat Buy Back Project
    The 2013-2017 Nature Policy for the Caribbean Netherlands flagged the threat of invasive species as a high priority, with recent inventories...
  • Other resources Spaans Lagoen Species List
    Species List IMPORTANT NOTICE The species list in this document is not all-inclusive, meaning that not all species which can be found in the "Spaans...
  • Other resources Cay Bay Post-Restoration Assessment
    The Cay Bay restoration site is located within the Seaside Nature Park (thus it has been referred to as “Seaside Nature Park” in previous reports ...
  • Maps and Charts Vegetation map Bonaire
    Bitmap file of a vegetation map by the Nature Conservancy. Year, author, methodology and objective unknown.
  • Media FPNA hosts first coral reef monitoring workshop
    Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba (FPNA) is proud to be hosting its first Coral Reef Monitoring Workshop this week, together with trainers – marine...
  • Scientific article Spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) of Saba Island, Lesser Antilles: Unusu- ally high species richness indicates the Caribbean Biodiversity Hotspot is woefully undersampled
    Abstract: Saba Island (Caribbean Netherlands) is one of the northernmost islands of the Lesser Antilles. It is only 13 square kilometers but contains...
  • Media 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...
  • Media BioNews special: Yarari Marine Mammal and Shark Sanctuary
    The Dutch Caribbean is an important area for marine mammals, sharks and rays. More than twenty marine mammal and thirty shark and ray species are...
  • Other resources GCRMN-Caribbean Steering Committee Meeting
    Global Coral Reef Monitoing Network-Caribbean Steering Committee Meeting A meeting under the framework of UN Environment-Caribbean Environment...
  • Media Watershed-to-Reef: New Approach for Coral Reef Management
    Results from a 2020 study highlight the interconnectivity between watershed areas and neighboring coral reefs on the island of Bonaire. This study...
  • Other resources CITES Posters- BES islands
    * Also available:  CITES brochures in English, Dutch, Papiamentu and Spanish Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna...
  • Scientific article Satellite tracking of sea turtles: Where have we been and where do we go next?
    The use of satellite tracking for the fundamental and applied study of marine turtles began in the 1980s but has undergone rapid growth in recent...
  • Scientific article Land Cover and Forest Formation Distributions for St. Kitts, Nevis, St. Eustatius, Grenada and Barbados from Decision Tree Classification of Cloud-Cleared Satellite Imagery
    Satellite image-based mapping of tropical forests is vital to conservation planning. Standard methods for automated image classification, however,...
  • Scientific article Sea Turtles as Flagships for Protection of the Wider Caribbean Region
    Abstract: Sea turtles are emerging as one of the most popular icons of the marine environment. Capitalising on their charismatic image, a remarkable...
  • Research report Roaming livestock distribution, densities and population estimates for St. Eustatius, 2013.
    Abstract The problem of roaming livestock is a major impediment to agricultural development and nature conservation on St. Eustatius, as it also...
  • Portal Plants and Lichens of St. Eustatius. A Virtual Herbarium of the New York Botanical Garden
    St. Eustatius, also informally known as "Statia" is an 11.8 square mile (30.6 square km) island with about 3,200 permanent inhabitants located off...
  • Media Birds Caribbean Conference, Jamaica
    BirdsCaribbean held its 20th international conference in Kingston Jamaica from 25 to 29 July 2015. The theme of the meeting was “Birds—Connecting...
  • Media Dutch Caribbean Species Register
    On December 5, 2017, the launch of the Dutch Caribbean Species Register took place: www. dutchcaribbeanspecies.org. This website is intended to...
  • Research report Max Restoration of the long-spined sea urchin, Diadema antillarum, to Caribbean coral reefs
    Coral reefs are among the most valuable and threatened ecosystems on Earth. Lower species diversity, and subsequently reduced resilience, make...
  • Media Leeward Blindsnake: Native to St. Eustatius
    Using DNA-and morphological analysis, a team from Reptile, Amphibian and Fish Conservation Netherlands (RAVON) and Naturalis have discovered that the...
  • Media The path to Coral Recovery: Scientific Foundations and Practical Lessons
    During the 2019 edition of the DCNA Convention on Bonaire, biologists from local protected area management organizations including Aruba National...
  • Research report UAUCU Student Research Exchange Collected Papers 2019
    This volume presents academic papers and personal reflections written by the participants of the UAUCU student research exchange project 2019. These...
  • Media BioNews 3 - March 2013
    From a global perspective, March has been busy when it comes to regulatory affairs with the CITES meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, in which worldwide...
  • Other resources A new catalogue of orchidaceae for Saba, Netherlands Antilles
    The Orchidaceae on the island of Saba, Netherlands Antilles, have only briefly been studied and described. In January 2003, in cooperation with the...
  • Research report Ecological values of the 12 miles zone of Bonaire
    In 2015 an Expert group assessed the ten Dutch World Heritage candidate sites and advised the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science with regards...
  • Media 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...
  • Media BioNews 3-2017 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews 3-2017 includes the following news items: Status of Bonaire’s reefs Natuurgelden Projects: Coral Restoration on Bonaire and St. Eustatius...
  • Media BioNews 6-2017 Dutch Caribbean Newsletter
    BioNews 6-2017 includes the following news-items: Saba: hurricane impacts St. Eustatius: rat control program Fieldwork on seagrass ecosystem services...
  • Other resources Aruba Bird Checklist Version March 2018
    Aruba Birdlife Conservation  266 species of birds From 2010 to date: - 31 new observations - 23 new Papiamento bird names  Celebrating 2018 Year of...
  • Media Bonaire Turtle by the Numbers: STCB Year Report 2019
    Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire 2019 Year Report Referenced in BioNews 35 article "Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire: A Year in Review"
  • Research report Vegetatie onderzoek Bonaire 2019
    This report describes a field visit to the Caribbean island of Bonaire aiming at collection of field data on the arid vegetation, which consists...
  • Monitoring protocol WSNP Monitoring Protocol
    This document contains the written guidelines of the monitoring project in the Washington-Slagbaai National park of Bonaire. These monitoring...
  • Scientific article High spatial resolution mapping identifies habitat characteristics of the invasive vine Antigonon leptopus on St. Eustatius (Lesser Antilles)
    On the Caribbean island of St. Eustatius, Coralita (Antigonon leptopus) is an aggressive invasive vine posing major biodiversity conservation...
  • Scientific article Bats of Saba, Netherlands Antilles: a zoogeographic perspective
    Data presented herein provide records of four species of bats new to the fauna of the Antillean island of Saba — Monophyllus plethodon, Ardops...
  • Maps and Charts Yarari Marine Mammal and Shark Sanctuary
    The populations of sharks worldwide are in sharp decline and therefore in urgent need of protection from illegal fishing and fisheries by-catch.The...
  • Media Saba: Hurricane Impacts
    Since the passage of hurricanes Irma and Maria through the windward islands, the staff of the dive operators on Saba, comprising Saba Divers, Sea...
  • Media Economic Value of Sharks
    Shark populations around the globe have been in rapid decline for the past decades as overfishing and habitat loss have severely reduced their...
  • Other resources Monitoring Statia’s marine ecosystems
    CNSI continues to monitor the vulnerable ecosystems of St. Eustatius coordinated by Data Monitoring Officer (DMO) Kimani Kitson-Walters. Coral reef...
  • Other resources 10th Meeting of the Fisheries Commission BES
    The Fisheries Commission BES (FCBES) is an advisory body established to enhance the joint management and policy-making of fisheries in the Caribbean...
  • Research report Proyecto PUDRENA
    Goal of this project was to collect and analyze information available which can be used for planning and sustaible development, with a focus on the...
  • Scientific article High spatial resolution mapping identifies habitat characteristics of the invasive vine Antigonon leptopus on St. Eustatius (Lesser Antilles)
    On the Caribbean island of St. Eustatius, Coralita (Antigonon leptopus) is an aggressive invasive vine posing major biodiversity conservation...
  • Scientific article Cyanobacterial mats as benthic reservoirs and vectors for coral black band disease pathogens
    Abstract The concurrent rise in the prevalence of conspicuous benthic cyanobacterial mats and the incidence of coral diseases independently markmajor...
  • Media Tiger shark crosses thirteen maritime boundaries in four weeks
    A tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) tagged with a satellite transmitter by scientists and researchers from Saba, Sint Maarten and the United States has...
  • Scientific article 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...
  • Media Tree Adoption website to help heal Bonaire’s dry forests
    Echo is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the Yellow-shouldered Amazon parrot (Amazona barbadensis) on Bonaire, and the unique dry-...
  • Scientific article population recovery changes population composition at a major southern caribbean juvenile developmental habitat for the green turtle, Chelonia mydas
    Understanding the population composition and dynamics of migratory megafauna at key developmental habitats is critical for conservation and...
  • Other resources Papers Ecology Conference on Flamingos, Oil Pollution and Reefs, Bonaire, 1975
    Contents Introduction - by the Editors. Address - by M. A. POURIER, Minister of Economic Development. Address- by Mr. A. R. W. SINT JAGO, Lieutenant...
  • Portal eBird
    Global tools for birders, critical data for science Record the birds you see Keep track of your bird lists Explore dynamic maps and graphs Share your...
  • Research report MAP MANGROVE PLANTING SITES & COMPARE AND EVALUATE MANGROVE RESTORATION TECHNIQUES
    Abstract This thesis assignment consists of two parts: mapping mangrove planting sites along the southwest  coast of Bonaire, and comparing and...
  • Research report Using the perception of fishermen, residents and tourists to support sustainable fishing practices on the Saba Bank
    Summary   Saba is a tropical island in the Dutch Caribbean that is known for its unique ecosystems and rich biodiversity both above and below the...
  • Media ROADMAP TOWARDS EFFECTIVE FISHERIES MANAGEMENT ON THE CARIBBEAN NETHERLANDS
    EXCERPT FROM: MAS PISKA PA BONEIRU: A SOCIAL MAPPING STUDY OF THE FISHERIES SECTOR OF BONAIRE, ST. EUSTATIUS AND SABA.   For the special...
  • Scientific article Assisted gene flow using cryopreserved sperm in critically endangered coral
    Assisted gene flow (AGF) is a conservation intervention to accelerate species adaptation to climate change by importing genetic diversity into at-...
  • Other resources 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...
  • Research report Mas Piska pa Boneiru: A social mapping study of the fisheries sectors of Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius
    Why is it so difficult to manage the fisheries sector on Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius and how should this be tackled in the future in order to...
  • Other resources Tubastraea coccinea: Distribution and substratum preference of an exotic coral in Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean
    The study of introduced species has gained popularity in recent years. A species introduced to a new area can have negative effects on the native...
  • Media Rats be Gone: Rodent control begins on St. Eustatius
    Sint Eustatius:---The island of Sint Eustatius has initiated an ambitious two-year project to reduce the number of rats on the island. The project...
  • Other resources Important Bird Areas of the Caribbean - St. Maarten
    St Maarten’s IBAs—the country’s international site priorities for bird conservation—cover 815 ha (including marine areas), and about c.36% of the...
  • Scientific article Painted black: Iguana melanoderma (Reptilia, Squamata, Iguanidae) a new melanistic endemic species from Saba and Montserrat islands (Lesser Antilles)
    Abstract   The Lesser Antilles, in the Eastern Caribbean, is inhabited by three Iguana species: the Lesser Antillean iguana Iguana delicatissima,...
  • Media Status of Bonaire’s reefs
    While the coral reefs around Bonaire have suffered in recent decades from regional phenomena such as repeated bleaching events, urchin die-off, coral...
  • Media Coral Monitoring Finds Annual Coral Bleaching on Bonaire
    A recent report released by STINAPA notes the occurrence of coral bleaching on Bonaire between 2016 and 2020.  During this study, coral bleaching was...
  • Other resources Significance of boulder shape for the transport of boulders by tsunamis
    Physical experiments and numerical models support investigations on the transport of boulders by tsunamis, and based on this, on hydrodynamic...
  • Other resources Population size and feeding ecology of the Lesser Antillean Iguana
    Student report Abstract A reptile species that suffers from anthropogenic changes is Iguana delicatissima. This species was common on all Lesser...
  • Research report AN ANALYSIS ON CHLOROPHYLL A AND TURBIDITY IN SABA
    MSc internship report The project Restoration of resilience of nature and society in the Caribbean Netherlands aims to improve the resilience of the...
  • Scientific article Population monitoring and modelling of yellow-shouldered parrot on Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands
    Abundance estimates based on adequate survey design and count methodology are needed for population monitoring and modelling, and for assessing the...
  • Scientific article 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...
  • Media WWF Policy Brief: CREATING EFFECTIVE, SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES MANAGEMENT IN THE CARIBBEAN NETHERLANDS
    Throughout the Caribbean, like in the rest of the world, the abundance of marine fish species have been declining over the past decades. The health...
  • Other resources Reforestation Project Final Report
    Bonaire has never recovered from the historic felling of its trees. The strong influence of feral goats prevents rejuvenation in those parts where a...
  • Scientific article Population structure and connectivity of the mountainous star coral, Orbicella faveolata, throughout the wider Caribbean region,
    As coral reefs continue to decline worldwide, it becomes ever more necessary to understand the connectivity between coral populations to develop...
  • Research report Baseline assessment of the coral reef fish assemblages of St. Eustatius
    The shallow marine habitats surrounding St. Eustatius fulfil critical ecosystem services in terms of fishery production, recreation, dive tourism and...
  • Other resources The Effects of Nutrient Enrichment and Herbivore Abundance on the Ability of Turf Algae to Overgrow Coral in the Caribbean
    Turf algae are multispecies communities of small marine macrophytes that are becoming a dominant component of coral reef communities around the world...
  • Media First Caribbean cultured Diadema sea urchins are great news for coral reef restoration
    On October 22st, 2021, the first ever recorded Diadema sea urchins in the Caribbean were cultured on Saba. Diadema sea urchins are important grazers...
  • Scientific article A social-ecological perspective on ecosystem vulnerability for the invasive creeper coralita (Antigonon leptopus) in the Caribbean: A review
    Highlights • Review on coralita invasion (Antigonon leptopus) on islands yielded 46 papers. • Main influencing factors are overgrazing, human...
  • Media Caribbean Birding Trail training on Bonaire
    Twenty-two Caribbean Birding Trail Guides were certified on Bonaire in September 2016 at the end of an intense week long training workshop....
  • Other resources Year 1 Results of Seabird Breeding Atlas of the Lesser Antilles
    Environmental Protection In the Caribbean (EPIC) carried out breeding seabird research in the Lesser Antilles between February and June 2009, to...
  • Research report St. Eustatius National Marine Park Management Plan 2007
    Abstract: The St. Eustatius Marine Park was created in 1996 and extends around the entire island from the high water line to 30m depth contour. St....
  • Research report 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...
  • Media Coralita, we’re gonna beat ya!
    Having started in 2015, Utrecht University researchers Elizabeth Haber and Jetske Vaas (a.k.a. The Coralita Girls) thought it time to discuss their...
  • Scientific article Migratory destinations and timing of humpback whales in the southeastern Caribbean differ from those off the Dominican Republic
    Humpback whales wintering in the entire West Indies chain are widely treated as comprising a single breeding population. However, most areas outside...
  • Other resources Evolutionary ecology of sea turtles
    Summary PHD Thesis The genetic diversity and structure of natural populations is  the product of past and  present  ecological  and  evolutionary ...
  • Research report Benthic community composition of the reef on the leeward side of Bonaire; A comparison of water quality with benthic community
    MSc internship report The health and abundance of coral reefs are declining worldwide. Coastal development, terrestrial runoff, the temperature rise...
  • Scientific article Growth potential and predation risk drive ontogenetic shifts among nursery habitats in a coral reef fish
    Various species of aquatic animals have complex life cycles and utilize different habitats during consecutive phases of their life cycles. For...
  • Research report Towards sustainable management of the Saba Bank
    Findings: The main conclusion from this study is that the Saba Bank is particularly important for several reasons: It is an important and unique...
  • Other resources The Impacts of Climate Change on Bonaire - Synthesis Report
    Part of the larger report available here.   Executive summary Small islands are particularly vulnerable to climate change because of their fragile...
  • Research report Cetaceans of Saba, Sint Eustatius & Sint Maarten: current knowledge and future monitoring
    Abstract: In December 2012 IMARES conducted workshops on the identification of whales & dolphins in the Caribbean on the islands of Sint Maarten...
  • Media Vegetable cultivation on Bonaire 
    Vegetable cultivation on Bonaire It seems easy to grow vegetables on Bonaire, with the heat and the sun. However, there are many difficulties, such...
  • Research report Management of European (Sub)Tropical Biodiversity In support of sustainable development: Policy recommendations and priorities for research
    NetBiome-CSA is a European funded project that aims to extend and strengthen research partnerships and cooperation for the smart and sustainable...
  • Research report A population assessment and habitat description of the Alsophis rufiventris on the Quill and Boven National Park, St. Eustatius
    The genus Alsophis used to be very abundant in the Lesser Antilles. Numbers have declined ascribed to anthropogenic causes and the introduction of...
  • Research report A population assessment and habitat description of the Alsophis rufiventris on the Quill and Boven National Park, St. Eustatius
    Abstract The genus Alsophis used to be very abundant in the Lesser Antilles. Numbers have declined ascribed to anthropogenic causes and the...
  • Media POP Bonaire: Rural Development Program: 2014-2018
    Increasing concern over Bonaire’s dependence on dive tourism and the importation of food products has led the government to push for the sustainable...
  • Other resources Mogelijke beheersvormen voor particuliere natuurgebieden en conserveringsgebieden op de Nederlandse Antillen en Aruba
    Deze studie werd gedaan in opdracht van Wereld Natuur Fonds Nederland door EcoVision N.V. Curaçao. Juni 1999. Het doel van de studie is in de eerste...
  • Research report A landscape ecological vegetation map of the island of Bonaire, southern Caribbean
    A semi-detailed landscape-based vegetation map (scale 1:50,000) is presented for the southern Caribbean arid island of Bonaire (mean annual...
  • Scientific article Animal-borne video reveals atypical behaviour in provisioned green turtles: A global perspective of a widespread tourist activity
    Abstract Feeding wildlife as a tourist activity is a growing industry around the world. However,providing alternative food sources can affect...
  • Media St. Eustatius: Bridled Quail-Dove Population Continues Declining
    In the December 2017 edition of BioNews, we provided an overview of the results of two population assessments of the Bridled Quail-dove (Geotrygon...
  • Media Population Structure and Connectivity of Reef-building Corals in the Southern Dutch Caribbean
    A new study will examine the genetic connectivity of corals located around the ABC islands. The goal is to find a link between the spatial...
  • Media Innovative Techniques could be key for Sea Urchin Recovery
    Nederlands below. Researchers from Van Hall Larenstein, Wageningen University and Wageningen Marine Research have developed a new approach to assist...
  • Book Birds of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao
    A site and field guide. Birds of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao is the essential guide for anyone traveling to those islands. It showcases the more than...
  • Book Status of Dutch Caribbean Reefs
    Following the Royal Palace Symposium in the Netherlands in December 2016, and the harsh call to action by Professor Jeremy Jackson (Scripps...
  • Research report 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...
  • Media Sunscreen Awareness Bonaire- Moving towards a oxybenzone free island
    Wageningen Marine Research (WMR) and Boneiru Duradero (BD) supported by World Wide Fund for Nature the Netherlands (WWF-NL)organised a Sunscreen...
  • Media Tiger Sharks and the Saba Bank
    Hi everyone. My name is Ayumi Kuramae Izioka and I work as the as the science coordinator and daily operations manager of the Saba Bank Management...
  • Research report 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...
  • Other resources The Yellow-Shouldered Amazon - Perspectives
    There are 330 parrot species worldwide, of which a third is threatened with extinction. The Yellow-shouldered Amazon (Amazona Barbadensis) is a...
  • Media Two new nonnative reptiles identified on Saba
    Wageningen University and Research and the University of Applied Sciences Van Hall Larenstein researchers have recently identified two new nonnative...
  • Media 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...
  • Media Global Defaunation and Plant Invasion: cascading effects on seagrass ecosystem services
    Ecosystems have been providing our society with useful services to sustain us in our livelihood, survival and health for as long as we exist....
  • Media Rodent Control Implemented to Help Save Tropicbirds on Statia
    Black rats (Rattus rattus) probably arrived on St. Eustatius along with the first Europeans. While a nuisance for the human population, their...
  • Research report Rare and/or Endangered Land and Freshwater Molluscs of St. Martin
    Rare and/or Endangered Land and Freshwater Mollusks of St. Martin. In this article, Sint Maarten means the Dutch part and Saint-Martin the French...
  • Media 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...
  • Scientific article The Lesser Antillean Iguana on St. Eustatius: A 2012 population status update and cause for concern
    To assess the status and current population densities of the endangered Lesser Antillean Iguana (Iguana delicatissima) on the island of St. Eustatius...
  • Scientific article Geographic coupling of juvenile and adult habitat shapes spatial population dynamics of a coral reef fish
    Abstract: Marine spatial population dynamics are often addressed with a focus on larval dispersal, without taking into account movement behavior of...
  • Media BioNews 15 - April 2014
    This month’s issue is all about migration. An exciting discovery in Venezuela of bats originally tagged on Aruba and Bonaire, confirms their long...
  • Other resources Important Bird Areas of the Caribbean - St. Eustatius
    Statia’s two IBAs—the island’s international priority sites for bird conservation—cover 41% of the island’s land area. Both IBAs are formally...
  • Maps and Charts RAMSAR map of Curacao
    RAMSAR areas mapped for the Curacao ministry of  health, environment and nature with the help of K.Wenzel of the RAMSAR convention secretariat....
  • Other resources Effects of structural complexity on Sharpnose Pufferfish, Canthigaster rostrata (Tetraodontidae), abundance and size in the shallows of Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean
    The Sharpnose Pufferfish, Canthigaster rostrata, as well as other species within the Tetraodontidae family are common reef fish found in tropical and...
  • Other resources Abundance and size distribution of the bearded fireworm Hermodice carunculata on sand flats and coral reefs in Bonaire
    Hermodice carunculata the bearded fireworm is abundant in Bonaire‘s coral reefs. The corallivorous fireworm is a voracious eater, and a generalist...
  • Media Boa constrictor
    The Boa constrictor was first documented on Aruba in 1999 and they have since rapidly expanded their population size and distribution across the...
  • Media Island biogeography meets the Anthropocene - The first expedition.
    Many modern human activities result in environmental problems such as pollution, overfishing and deforestation, which have a considerable impact on...
  • Media Post-breeding migration routes of marine turtles from Bonaire and Klein Bonaire
    News items on: Becking, L.E.; Christianen, M.J.A.; Nava, M.I.; Miller, N.; Willis, S.; van Dam, R.P. (2016) Post-breeding migration routes of marine...
  • Media Dutch Caribbean sharks celebrated throughout the Kingdom
    During Dutch Caribbean Shark Week that was scheduled from June 18th thru 26th, the entire Dutch Kingdom celebrated sharks, both as important ocean...
  • Media Climate change impacts on sea turtle nesting within the Dutch Caribbean
    The effect of climate change on fragile populations of endemic and endangered species has become a topic of special concern, with one creature that...
  • Media Naturalis Marine Expedition: Results marine biodiversity of St. Eustatius
    In September, a report on the preliminary results of the Statia Marine Biodiversity Expedition (from June 2015) was published. This expedition served...
  • Media Baited Remote Underwater Video monitoring: what's all the fuss?
    Researchers from the University of Wageningen under the leadership of sheries biologist Dr. Martin de Graaf and Twan Stoffers, have been working for...
  • Media Exploring the Saba Bank
    Overview of expeditions to the Saba Bank.   This news article was published in BioNews 31. BioNews is produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance...
  • Other resources Exploring the occurrence of and explanations for nighttime spikes in dissolved oxygen across coral reef environments
    Primary production due to photosynthesis results in daytime oxygen production across marine and freshwater ecosystems. However, a prevalent, globally...
  • Media Volunteers will count endangered species in St. Eustatius (Anemoon)
    The ANEMOON Foundation is a Dutch volunteer organization of citizen scientists who are interested in sea life. The Foundation has started a project...
  • Media Natuurgelden projects: coral restoration on Bonaire and St. Eustatius
    This news article was published in BioNews 3-2017. BioNews is produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance and funded by the Ministry of Economic...
  • Research report Assessing the viabiliy of the groasis waterboxx for dry forest restoration and reforestation projects.
    Extensive deforestation of dry tropical forests is globally impeding the ecosystem services and functions that the forests provide, which millions of...
  • Media St. Eustatius: rat control program
    Introduced predators such as cats, dogs, and rats can be found all over St. Eustatius and are a primary threat to the island's biodiversity. Rats,...
  • Scientific article Stable and sporadic symbiotic communities of coral and algal holobionts
    Coral and algal holobionts are assemblages of macroorganisms and microorganisms, including viruses, Bacteria, Archaea, protists and fungi. Despite a...
  • Scientific article Reproductive patterns of queen conch, Strombus gigas (Mollusca Gastropoda), across the wider Caribbean region
    Queen conch, Strombus gigas (Linnaeus, 1758), is a species of significant economic importance in the Caribbean Sea, exploited mainly for consumption...
  • Media Milieuramp op Sint-Maarten
    Door de orkaan Irma lekt bij Sint-Maarten diesel in zee en is koraal zwaar beschadigd. Het duurt jaren voor de palmen terug zijn. Orkaan Irma heeft...
  • Other resources Marine Scientific Assessment: The State of Curacao's Coral Reefs Part 1
    This is the first part of the Marine Scientific Assessment  The State of Curacao's Coral Reefs document. For part 2 click here, for part 3 here ...
  • Research report Caribbean Netherlands Science Institute Annual Report 2017
    CNSI’s Annual Report 2017 includes articles on: Statian Invasions Invasive Alien Species Rodent Control Conch Chronicles Outreach and Education...
  • Media AcroporaNet Symposium
    AcroporaNet Symposium  University of Applied Sciences Van Hall Larenstein  (HVHL) invites you to the third annual AcroporaNet Symposium to be held in...
  • Book A framework for tourism development on fragile island destinations: the case of Bonaire
    Tourism in Bonaire should develop in a planned and orderly manner so as to provide the maximum benefit to the island and its residents and to ensure...
  • Scientific article The complete mitochondrial genome of the critically endangered Lesser Antillean iguana ( Iguana delicatissima ; Squamata: Iguanidae)
    The Lesser Antillean iguana, Iguana delicatissima Laurenti 1768, is one of the most endangered vertebrate taxa in the West Indies. This species faces...
  • Other resources 9th Meeting of the Fisheries Commission BES - open summary
    The Fisheries Commission BES (FCBES) is an advisory body established to enhance the joint management and policy-making of fisheries in the Caribbean...
  • Scientific article Baseline Study of Submerged Marine Debris at Beaches in Curaçao, West Indies
    The objective of this study was to quantify the extent and nature of submerged debris at beaches in Curacao.
  • Media Tracking Sharks around Sint Maarten
    The St. Maarten Nature Foundation recently retrieved acoustic receivers (loggers) to learn about the movement patterns and home ranges of Caribbean...
  • Media Orange Tail Mollies In Dutch Waters?
    Have you ever seen an orange tail molly in Dutch waters? If not, you should go to the ABC Islands. That’s an abbreviation for Aruba, Bonaire, and...
  • Media Het Christoffelpark is weer tropisch bos aan het worden
    "De Natuur in het Christoffelpark herstelt zich en daardoor krijgt Curaçao weer een tropisch bos. Dit is een succesverhaal over effectief Curaçaos...
  • Raw data Raw data of terrestrial bird observation on Curacao 2022
    Raw data of terrestrial bird monitoring  on Curacao collected for the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and Carmabi. Methodology: ProAlas ...
  • Scientific article Presence of the Island Least Gecko, Sphaerodactylus sputator, confirmed for Saba, Caribbean Netherlands
    Accurate assessment of species ranges is important not only for conservation planning but also for our understanding of their ecology and evolution (...
  • Research report Evaluating the Effectiveness of Marine No-Take Reserves in St. Eustatius, Netherlands Antilles
    Abstract: Marine reserves, in which exploitation of marine organisms and other human activities are restricted or prohibited, can be valuable tools...
  • Media BioNews 14 - March 2014
    This month’s issue focuses on marine monitoring. The results of the 2013 lobster fisheries monitoring project on the Saba Bank are in and on Curaçao...
  • Research report Habitat diversity and biodiversity of the benthic seascapes of St. Eustatius
    Quantitative habitat mapping and description form the basis for understanding the provisioning of ecosystem services and habitat connectivity, and...
  • Scientific article Sand temperatures for nesting sea turtles in the Caribbean: Implications for hatchling sex ratios in the face of climate change
    A 200-year time series of incubation temperatures and primary sex ratios for green (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and...
  • Scientific article Citizen science regarding invasive lionfish in Dutch Caribbean MPAs: Drivers and barriers to participation
    Abstract Understanding the drivers and barriers to participation in citizen science initiatives for conservation is important if long-term...
  • Media Port Sampling as a cost-effective method to monitor cetaceans within the Caribbean Netherlands
    Cetacean monitroing in the Dutch Caribbean   This news article was published in BioNews 17. BioNews is produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature...
  • Media Invasive Alien Species strategy
    News article on: Smith, S.R., W.J. van der Burg, A.O. Debrot, G. van Buurt, J.A. de Freitas (2014) Key elements towards a Joint Invasive Alien...
  • Media Statia Marine Expedition
    In June 2015, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, in collaboration with “Anemoon Foundation”, launched a new initiative in the Dutch Caribbean with the...
  • Media First sighting of a pied water tyrant within the Kingdom of the Netherlands
    This news article was published in BioNews 21 BioNews is produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance and funded by the Ministry of Economic...
  • Media 8th meeting of the Dutch Caribbean Committee for Marine Biodiversity and Fisheries
    On November 24th 2015, the Committee for the joint management of Marine Biodiversity and Fisheries (CMBF) of the Dutch Caribbean (aka EEZ Committee)...
  • Media Shark sightings around the SSS Islands
    Shark sightings around the SSS islands (Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten) are currently being recorded to provide information on the occurrence of...
  • Media 69th Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute Cayman Islands
    7 November 2016 - 11 November 2016  The Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) is a non-profit organization that promotes the exchange of...
  • Scientific article 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,...
  • Media Saba Bank: Fisheries
    The Saba Bank supports a vibrant local fishing industry. Fishing effort focuses mainly on a trap fishery, targeting lobster and deep water red fish (...
  • Media Sustainable Island Management students visit Statia in a 2-week fieldtrip
    In November  2016 10 students and 2 lecturers from Van Hall Larenstein, University of Applied Sciences exchanged Leeuwarden for a 2-week fieldtrip to...
  • Media Conference – Coastal Dynamics and Ecosystem Change: Caribbean, Quo Vadis?
    This news article was published in BioNews 3-2017. BioNews is produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance and funded by the Ministry of Economic...
  • Other resources Corals in healthy populations produce more larvae per unit cover
    In coral reef conservation and management, the prevailing metric of reef health is percent coral cover, a measurement commonly used with the...
  • Maps and Charts Marine park map of St. Maarten
    Marine park map of St.Maarten
  • Research report Living Blue Planet Report: Species, habitats and human well-being
    Living Planet Report WWF’s Living Planet Report, released every two years, is a leading science-based analysis on the health of our planet and the...
  • Scientific article 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...
  • Other resources Marine Scientific Assessment: The State of Curacao's Coral Reefs Part 2
    This is the second part of the Marine Scientific Assessment  The State of Curacao's Coral Reefs document. For part 1 click here, for part 4 here....
  • Maps and Charts Printable tourist map of Bara di Karta, Bonaire
    Rural tourism map for exploration of Bara di Karta on Bonaire. The map provides hiking, cycling and driving routes and takes you along breathtaking...
  • Other resources 8th Meeting of the Fisheries Commission BES
    The Fisheries Commission BES (FCBES) is an advisory body established to enhance the joint management and policy-making of fisheries in the Caribbean...
  • Media Dutch Government Announces New International Shark Strategy
    The Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV) has recently published a strategy to manage and protect sharks and rays within...
  • Scientific article Brown Boobies (Sula leucogaster) roosting at Washington-Slagbaai National Park, Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands
    Brown Boobies (Sula leucogaster) are known to roost on the northwestern coast of Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands. A published account from the 1950s...
  • Media Some Experiences Keeping a Rare Wild Poeciliid
    In the June 2005 issue of Lundkvist wrote about the habitats of Poecilia vandepolli in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao (“Orange Tail Mollies in Dutch...
  • Media The Virgin Forest of Saba
    Nederlands Bosbouw Tijdschrift 1989: De hoogste berg van het Koninkrijk der Nederlanden ligt op Saba, net zoals het meest oorspronkelijke bos....
  • Research report Goat Culling on Saba
    Student Report After six months of ethnographic fieldwork on Saba, a small island in the Caribbean Netherlands, the student developed her thesis...
  • Media FPNA Mangrove Restoration Overview
    Presentation from the Mangrove Restoration Workshop.  
  • Scientific article Abundance of coral-associated fauna in relation to depth and eutrophication along the leeward side of Curaçao, southern Caribbean
    A B S T R A C T Coral-associated invertebrates contribute much to the biodiversity of Caribbean coral reefs. Although the nature of their symbiotic...
  • Raw data Raw data of terrestrial bird observation on Aruba 2022
    Raw data of terrestrial bird monitoring  on Aruba collected for the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and Aruba National Park Foundation. ...
  • Research report Assessing the Relationship between Coastal Currents and Water Quality Indicators on Bonaire: ADCP & CTD approach
    MSc internship report 75% of coral reefs worldwide experience degradation of which 60% is caused by local (anthropogenic) stressors. The human...
  • Book Zakboek Handhaving Natuurbeheer Bonaire
    Dit zakboek handhaving Natuurbeheer Bonaire is ontworpen om de belangrijkste wettelijke regels toegankelijk en overzichtelijk te maken, met als...
  • Scientific article Status of coral reefs in the south central Caribbean
    Caribbean corals have suffered from bleaching, diseases and Diadema die-off. Reefs on narrow shelves adjacent to high human population and many...
  • Book The Incomplete Guide to the Wildlife of St. Martin
    This field guide is not a comprehensive guide to the wildlife of St. Martin. The species included are restricted primarily to those which the author ...
  • Scientific article Coastal stratigraphies of eastern Bonaire (Netherlands Antilles): New insights into the palaeo-tsunami history of the southern Caribbean
    Abstract: A sediment record of three alluvial sites along the east- and northeast-oriented shore of Bonaire (Netherlands Antilles) provides evidence...
  • Maps and Charts Terrestrial park map of Saba
    Terrestrial park map of Saba (GIS)
  • Scientific article Reef flattening effects on total richness and species responses in the Caribbean
    1. There has been ongoing flattening of Caribbean coral reefs with the loss of habitat having severe implications for these systems. Complexity and...
  • Portal NetBiome CSA biodiversity toolbox
    The Biodiversity Management Toolbox is a product of the NetBiome CSA network, a partnership for research and sustainable management of  (sub)tropical...
  • Other resources Cruise report RV Pelagia 64PE414 Saba Bank
    This research expedition is part of the project “Caribbean Coral Reef Ecosystems”, funded within NWO’s Caribbean Research Program. This project...
  • Other resources Identifying the cultural value of Bonaire’s marine resources
    The island of Bonaire in the lesser Antillean islands is economically dependent on the tourism industry. A majority of tourists who visit the island...
  • Media Caribbean biodiversity on-line
    Many publications on the Caribbean Flora and Fauna have recently become accessible online via a new database at the Naturalis Biodiversity Center in...
  • Media Dermal parasites on coral reef fish
    In 2013 Dr. Martin de Graaf from IMARES noted an unusually high number of coral reef fish at the Salt Pier on Bonaire, infected with dermal parasites...
  • Media Have you recently seen -or not seen- long-spined sea urchin Diadema antillarum on Caribbean reefs?
    The early 80’s die-off of Diadema antillarum and the subsequent reef degradation is by now a well-discussed and studied topic throughout the...
  • Media Expert meeting on the management of sharks in the Caribbean Netherlands
    On October 3rd and 4th the Ministry of Economic Affairs, in cooperation with the Dutch Elasmobranch Society, organized an expert meeting on the...
  • Other resources 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,...
  • Media Managing the Saba Bank
    This news item is based on presentations given at the Saba Bank Symposium in December 2016. It was published in BioNews 31. BioNews is produced by ...
  • Other resources Initial Inventory of 3D Cadastre Use Cases in the Caribbean
    As argued in many earlier FIG publications, the potential benefits of 3D Cadastre are huge. This is especially true in the Caribbean setting with...
  • Scientific article Effects of Recreational Scuba Diving on Caribbean Coral and Fish Communities
    Scuba diving on coral reefs is an increasingly lucrative element of tourism in the tropics, but divers can damage the reefs on which tourism depends...
  • Other resources Proceedings of the 2013 AAUS/ESDP Curaçao Joint International Scientific Diving Symposium, October 24-27, 2013
    The American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) and European Scientific Diving Panel (ESDP) Joint International Scientific Diving Symposium in...
  • Other resources Towards Marine Ecosystem- based Management in the Wider Caribbean
    Introduction Countries of the Wider Caribbean have committed to principled ocean governance through several multilateral environmental and fisheries...
  • Other resources Marine Scientific Assessment: The State of Curacao's Coral Reefs Part 3
    For part 1 of this document click here.  WAITT Institute identified eight distinct zones of Curaçao’s nearshore environment. This document contains...
  • Maps and Charts Printable tourist map of Rincon, Bonaire
    Rural tourism map for exploration of the Rincon area on Bonaire. The map provides hiking, cycling and driving routes and takes you along breathtaking...
  • Scientific article 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...
  • Scientific article Sabal lougheediana (Arecaceae), a critically endangered, endemic palm species from Bonaire
    A new palm species, Sabal lougheediana , is described and illustrated. This critically endangered island endemic, native solely to Bonaire, is...
  • Other resources 7th Meeting of the Fisheries Commission BES
    The Fisheries Commission BES (FCBES) is an advisory body established to enhance the joint management and policy-making of fisheries in the Caribbean...
  • Research report Landschapspark Rincon
    MSc thesis  In het natuurbeleidsplan Bonaire  1999-2004 is een aantal projecten geformuleerd, waarvan het behud van het gebied rondom het...
  • Media Evaluation of vegetation development on the Dutch Caribbean islands
    In November 2019, vegetation scientists from Wageningen Environmental Research and Carmabi visited Bonaire, to study the succession of the vegetation...
  • Media Protecting Saba’s Painted Black Iguanas
    New research describes a unique species of iguana for the islands of Saba and Monserrat. The painted black iguana, with its distinct black coloration...
  • Media The Value of Seagrasses to the Environment and to the People. Summary for Policy Makers
    Summary For Policymakers This global synthesis report highlights the unique range of values provided by seagrasses to people around the world. It...
  • Other resources Determining the health status of coral reefs: a case-study of the Saba Bank in the Dutch Caribbean
    Student Report  Coral reefs are impacted by temperature rise, ocean acidification and various local anthropogenic stressors, causing global...
  • Other resources STENAPA Game Lesson Plan
  • Other resources Determining the health status of coral reefs: a case-study of the Saba Bank in the Dutch Caribbean
    Student Report  Abstract  Coral reefs are impacted by temperature rise, ocean acidification and various local anthropogenic stressors, causing global...
  • Research report CARI'MAM Scientific Survey 2021 Final Report
    The CARI’MAM project More than 30 species of marine mammals inhabit the waters of the Caribbean,which makes it a world hotspot. These highly mobile...
  • Research report Lac – Implementation of long term monitoring and research plan –
    This report of the not-for-profit organization Progressive Environmental Solutions is the first in a series of reports that will be published over...
  • Raw data Raw data of terrestrial bird observation on Bonaire 2019
    Raw data of terrestrial bird monitoring on Bonaire.  Methodology: DCNA’s Bird Monitoring Handbook: An Introductory Guide to Monitoring Birds (Delnevo...
  • Other resources Bat Crossword Puzzle
    A crossword puzzle for children about bats
  • Scientific article The Relationship between Diver Experience Levels and Perceptions of Attractiveness of Artificial Reefs - Examination of a Potential Management Tool
    Abstract: Artificial reefs are increasingly used worldwide as a method for managing recreational diving since they have the potential to satisfy both...
  • Scientific article Surviving in a Marine Desert: The Sponge Loop Retains Resources Within Coral Reefs
    Ever since Darwin’s early descriptions of coral reefs, scientists have debated how one of the world’s most productive and diverse ecosystems can...
  • Research report Use of satellite data for the monitoring of species on Saba and St. Eustatius.
    Abstract: On 10 October 2010 Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius became ‘special municipalities’ of the Netherlands, making the Dutch government...
  • Maps and Charts Marine park map of Saba
    Marine park map of Saba (GIS)    
  • Other resources 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...
  • Other resources A self-financing marine park: the Saba case
    Short case study prepared for the CANARI Workshop on Revenue Generation for Protected Areas, Saba, Netherlands Antilles, June 5-9, 1995. The Saba...
  • Research report 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 report Sustainability of Wild Plant Extraction on the Dutch Caribbean Island Sint Eustatius
      An often overlooked mechanism driving local extinction or scarcity of species is the selective  plant extraction by humans. Not much...
  • Scientific article Population Genetic Structure, Abundance, and Health Status of Two Dominant Benthic Species in the Saba Bank National Park, Caribbean Netherlands: Montastraea cavernosa and Xestospongia muta
    Saba Bank, a submerged atoll in the Caribbean Sea with an area of 2,200 km2, has attained international conservation status due to the rich diversity...
  • Other resources Can the first few decades of coral colonization give insight to species interactions and ecological complexity? A case study on artificial coral-based structures
    A greater understanding of coralbased communities must be achieved in order to maximize reef conservation efforts. While a multitude of studies have...
  • Other resources Large scale, medium scale, and small scale patterns of benthic cyanobacteria & the possibility of groundwater association on a coral reef
    Cyanobacteria presence in the marine ecosystem is biologically significant due to its versatile nature. This phylum is responsible for destructive...
  • Media NetBiome meeting, Reunion
    Overseas Countries, Territories and Regions (OCT/Ors) of Europe working together for sustainable management and research of biodiversity In June,...
  • Media SPAW: new protected areas, new species!
    In December 2014, the 8th SPAW (Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife) Protocol Conference of Parties (COP8) in Cartagena, Colombia, recognized...
  • Media Dutch Caribbean Research Institutes
    News items on: Research Station CARMABI Caribbean Netherlands Science Institute (CNSI) CIEE Research Station Bonaire   These news articles were...
  • Media Where have all the crinoids gone?
    Colorful feather stars (comatulid crinoids, Phylum Echinodermata) were plentiful on the reefs of Curaçao and Bonaire in the late 1960s when David...
  • Media Science directors and staff of CIEE and CNSI
    News items on: Caribbean Netherlands Science Institute (CNSI), St. Eustatius CIEE Research Station Bonaire   This news article was published in ...
  • Media Lionfish Culling: the Solution to Managing Lionfish Populations in the Dutch Caribbean?
    One of the most talked about fish in the Caribbean Region is an exotic looking fish with eye-catching stripes and remarkable feathery pectoral fins:...
  • Media Upcoming Shark Tagging Expedition on the Saba Bank
    Little is known about the current state of shark populations in the Dutch Caribbean, even less is known about their behavior and which areas they use...
  • Media Box Jellies of Bonaire
    This news item focuses on three of the well-documented box jellies of Bonaire:  - Tamoya ohboya. The Bonaire Banded Box Jelly - Alatina alata. The...
  • Maps and Charts Road map of Saba
    Road map of Saba 2016 (GIS) Source : Saba Conservation Foundation  
  • Media Saba Bank: marine mammals
    The Northern Caribbean is a well-known breeding and calving ground for North Atlantic humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) and considerable ...
  • Media Bonaire: Roi Sango (EU BEST 2.0)
    Starting in 2016, Echo – a small nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to protecting the Yellow-shouldered Amazon parrot – has been working...
  • Scientific article Seascape continuity plays an important role in determining patterns of spatial genetic structure in a coral reef fish
    Detecting patterns of spatial genetic structure (SGS) can help identify intrinsic and extrinsic barriers to gene flow within metapopulations. For...
  • Scientific article Invasive house (Rattus rattus) and brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) threaten the viability of red-billed tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus) in Abrolhos National Park, Brazil.
    Destruction of nests and predation by introduced species are among the main factors responsible for seabird declines.The red-billed tropicbird (...
  • Other resources Marine Scientific Assessment: The State of Curacao's Coral Reefs Part 4
    This is the last part of the Marine Scientific Assessment  The State of Curacao's Coral Reefs document. For part 1 click here, for part 2 here &...
  • Research report Effect of shade on Antigonon leptopus (Corallita) growth and germination rate
    MSc. thesis An experimental research conducted in Saba (Dutch Caribbean) as a potential control method for Corallita Non-native species can cause...
  • Scientific article Light-regulated collective contractility in a multicellular choanoflagellate
    Collective cell contractions that generate global tissue deformations are a signature feature of animal movement and morphogenesis. However, the...
  • Other resources Stoney Coral Tissue Loss Disease Management Letter for the Dutch Caribbean
    DCNA's Management Letter Purpose   • Provide background information on Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) outbreaks and current status within...
  • Media 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...
  • Media 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...
  • Other resources Payments for Marine protected area ecosystem services in the Caribbean (CARIPES)
    Report 3.2 – Appreciation of the potential of the fishermen to work for conservation This report is part of the CARIPES project  
  • Scientific article Hurricanes, climate change, and social welfare: evidence from the Caribbean
    We examine whether Caribbean islands will be worse off as hurricane activity alters under climate change. To this end, we construct island level...
  • Media Ecosystem Restoration with Potato Waste
    Presentation from the Mangrove Restoration Workshop.  
  • Research report CARI'MAM Scientific Survey 2021 Final Report for Saba's Waters
    The CARI’MAM project More than 30 species of marine mammals inhabit the waters of the Caribbean,which makes it a world hotspot. These highly mobile...
  • Scientific article Population genetic structure, abundance and health status of two dominant benthic species in the Saba Bank National Park, Caribbean Netherlands: Montastraea cavernosa and Xestospongia muta
    Abstract Saba Bank, a submerged atoll in the Caribbean Sea with an area of 2,200 km2 , has attained international conservation status due to the rich...
  • Media 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...
  • Scientific article Coral diversity matches marine park zonation but not economic value of coral reef sites at St. Eustatius, eastern Caribbean
    A B S T R A C T Stony corals play a key role in the marine biodiversity of many tropical coastal areas as suppliers of substrate, food and shelter...
  • Portal 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...
  • Research report Biology and fishery management of the White Sea Urchin, Tripneutus ventricosus, in the eastern Caribbean
    Abstract: The white sea urchin, Tripneustes ventricosus, is common in shallow coastal waters of the tropical Atlantic Ocean, and is widely...
  • Scientific article The Reef Fish Assemblage of Bonaire Marine Park: An Analysis of REEF Fish Survey Data
    Abstract: The REEF/TNC Fish Survey Project is a volunteer fish monitoring program developed by the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF)...
  • Scientific article Are infectious diseases really killing corals? Alternative interpretations of the experimental and ecological
    Abstract: Emerging infectious diseases are a worldwide problem and are believed to play a major role in coral reef degradation. The study of coral...
  • Portal Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Explorer
    The Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Explorer is an authoritative source for information on more than 5,000 plants, animals, and ecosystems of the Dutch...
  • Research report 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...
  • Scientific article Disentangling the Influence of Urbanization and Invasion on Endemic Geckos in Tropical Biodiversity Hot Spots: A Case Study of Phyllodactylus martini (Squamata: Phyllodactylidae) along an Urban Gradient in Curaçao
    Predicting the response of endemic species to urbanization has emerged as a fundamental chal- lenge in 21st century conservation biology. The factors...
  • Other resources Good fences make good neighbors: Habitat partitioning by spinyhead (Acanthemblemaria spinosa) and secretary (Acanthemblemaria maria) blennies.
    Spinyhead blennies (Acanthemblemaria spinosa) and secretary blennies (Acanthemblemaria maria) are abundant, tube-dwelling fishes on the reefs of...
  • Media Association of Marine Laboratories of the Caribbean meeting, Curaçao
    18 to 22 May 2015, the Association of Marine Laboratories of the Caribbean (AMLC) held its 37th Scientific Conference on Curaçao. The conference was...
  • Other resources Save Our sharks Progress and achievements 2015-2016
    The Save Our Sharks team is looking back at a very successful year and a half of campaigning for shark conservation. Since kicking of in June 2015,...
  • Media Agoa Sanctuary Management Board Meeting, St. Martin, November 5, 2015.
    In 2012 France established a marine mammal sanctuary, named Agoa after “Maï d’Agoa”, Mother or Spirit of the Water in Amerindian mythology. The Agoa...
  • Media Beach Debris on Aruba
    A large-scale study of beach debris on Aruba has shown just how much marine debris pollution there is on the island’s beaches. The study also locates...
  • Media Waterbird monitoring in Curaçao
    Following the Caribbean Waterbird Census Monitoring Training workshop given by Lisa Sorenson (BirdsCaribbean) and Je Gerbracht (Cornell) at Carmabi...
  • Media Sunscreens and Corals: Oxybenzone
    Coral reefs face innumerable human-induced threats including climate change, sedimentation, pollution and destructive fishing practices all of which...
  • Media NIOZ Saba Bank Expedition: Environmental impacts on carbon metabolism of reef ecosystems
    NIOZ organised an expedition to the Saba Bank aboard the research vessel “Pelagia” from 19th August to 8th September 2016. Thirteen scientists from...
  • Raw data Raw data of vegetation observations on Saba
    Raw data of vegetation observations. Information includes: species (family, genus), habitat,edibility, toxcicity, medicinality, etc. Please contact ...
  • Maps and Charts Trail map of Saba
    Trail maps of Saba 2016 (GIS) source : Saba Conservation Foundation
  • Media Saba Bank: recommendations
    This news item comes from the Saba Bank Symposium in December 2016 (Becking & Meesters, 2017) .   This news article was published in BioNews 31....
  • Media Status of Curaçao’s Reefs
    The island of Curaçao is almost entirely surrounded by narrow fringing reef that covers an estimated area of 7.85 km2 (Vermeij, 2012).  These reefs,...
  • Other resources Impact of Terrestrial Invasive Grazing on Bonaire: case study
    Long periods of isolation and small island size make island ecosystems highly vulnerable to degradation and invasive species are one of the most...
  • Scientific article A Quantitative, Non-Destructive Methodology for Habitat Characterisation and Benthic Monitoring at Offshore Renewable Energy Developments
    Following governments’ policies to tackle global climate change, the development of offshore renewable energy sites is likely to increase...
  • Scientific article Southern Caribbean islands ecological corridor (Corredor Ecológico Islas del Caribe Sur)
    The notion of an ecological corridor is to connect protected areas of high biodiversity to counteract the fragmentation of habitats, the loss of...
  • Other resources Priority Actions for Spaans Lagoen
    A Vision for Spaans Lagoen The biodiversity, landscape and cultural heritage of Spaans Lagoen will be maintained, restored, enhanced and managed now...
  • Other resources Mesophotic coral ecosystems are threatened and ecologically distinct from shallow water reefs
    The rapid degradation of coral reefs is one of the most serious biodiversity problems facing our generation. Mesophotic coral reefs (at depths of 30...
  • Scientific article Observations of territorial behavior of the Antillean Crested Hummingbird (Orthorhyncus cristatus) on St. Eustatius
    Abstract Little information is available on territorial behavior of the Antillean Crested Hummingbird (Orthorhyncus cristatus). This study set out to...
  • Research report Reforestation in Bonaire: a species suitability study in exclosures in the Washington-Slagbaai National Park
    Student Report  he nature organisation Echo aims to conserve the Yellow-Shouldered Amazon parrot on Bonaire. They have established two exclosures for...
  • Scientific article Tropical Biogeomorphic Seagrass Landscapes for Coastal Protection: Persistence and Wave Attenuation During Major Storms Events
    The intensity of major storm events generated within the Atlantic Basin is projected to rise with the warming of the oceans, which is likely to...
  • Other resources Zesde Voortgangsrapportage Natuur in Nederland -Stand van zaken eind 2019 en ontwikkelingen in 2020
    Includes information about Caribbean Netherlands
  • Scientific article Neogene–Quaternary tectonic evolution of the Leeward Antilles islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao) from fault kinematic analysis
    Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao are islands aligned along the crest of a 200-km-long segment of the east–west-trending Leeward Antilles ridge within the...
  • Other resources Humpback whales and shipping collisions in the Dutch Caribbean EEZ
    Student Report This advisory report is drawn up at the behest of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) who wants to know how to reduce ship...
  • Other resources Maximizing Student Involvement
    Presentation given during the 2021 Mangrove Restoration Workshop
  • Raw data Areal survey- Bait balls East Coast Bonaire
    Aerial survey by the DCNA recording data and taking photos of almost 30 bait balls. Species observed include: skipjack tuna, various seabirds,...
  • Research report The influence of factors that negatively affect nesting activity of sea turtles on Sint Maarten
    Abstract Seven species of turtles are present in a wide range of areas across the earth. The species that use  the beaches of Sint Maarten as nesting...
  • Media Tropical sea urchins move from a marine lab in Leeuwarden to the Rotterdam Zoo
    At Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences (HVHL) in Leeuwarden, the sea urchin Diadema antillarum has been cultivated to help restore the...
  • Media Hurricane Effects on Critically Endangered Reptiles
    Caribbean flora and fauna have always coped with the destructive forces of hurricanes. However, climate change leading to an increase in their...
  • Other resources Raw data of terrestrial bird observations on St.Eustatius from 2018-2022
    Raw data of terrestrial bird monitoring  on St.Eustatius by St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation (STENAPA) and Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (...
  • Media Key Insights for Mangrove Restoration Discovered on Bonaire
    Dutch below   Since 2016 the Mangrove Maniacs of Bonaire have dedicated themselves to the restoration and conservation of mangroves on the island....
  • Research report Monitoring water quality parameters of the coastal waters of Saba and the possible effects on the coral reef
    MSc intership report Coral reef systems have been declining all over the world. The project “Restoration of resilience of nature and society in the...
  • Media BioNews 14 - February 2014
    This month’s issue focuses on marine monitoring. The results of the 2013 lobster fisheries monitoring project on the Saba Bank are in and on Curaçao...
  • Scientific article Molecular phylogeny, analysis of character evolution, and submersible collections enable a new classification of a diverse group of gobies (Teleostei: Gobiidae: Nes subgroup), including nine new species and four new genera
    The Nes subgroup of the Gobiosomatini (Teleostei: Gobiiformes: Gobiidae) is an ecologically diverse clade of fishes endemic to the tropical western...
  • Other resources Species dependent aggression in bicolor damselfish during reproductive and non-reproductive cycles
    Bicolor damselfish, Stegastes partitus, are well known for their aggressive nature. They are known to attack almost any species threatening their...
  • Media Invasive species in the Dutch Caribbean: foreign foes or alien allies?
    The aim of Utrecht University’s recently started NWO- funded research project “Invasive species in the Dutch Caribbean: foreign foes or alien allies...
  • Media Climate change impacts on Caribbean calcifying algae: why it matters
    Rising temperatures, ocean acidification and increased storm frequency are threatening coastal Caribbean ecosystems. An important group of organisms...
  • Media Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network training workshop
    Kai Wulf, Tadzio Bervoets, Melanie Meijer zu Schlochtern and Steve Piontek represented the Caribbean Netherlands at the Global Coral Reef Monitoring...
  • Media The Smithsonian Institution’s Deep Reef Observation Project (DROP)
    Compared to shallow coral reefs there has been very little scientific research on reefs below 45 meters largely due to limitations imposed by SCUBA...
  • Research report What is Bonaire’s Cruise Tourism Worth
    The ecosystems of the island of Bonaire support a range of activities that depend on the quality of the natural environment. Tourism is one of these...
  • Media Saba Bank: Sharks
    Want to know the best place to see sharks in the Netherlands? Recent studies would seem to indicate that it’s the Saba Bank! Researchers on early...
  • Scientific article Isolation by oceanic distance and spatial genetic structure in an overharvested international fishery, Diversity and Distributions
    Abstract Aim A detailed understanding of spatial genetic structure (SGS) and the factors driving contemporary patterns of gene flow and genetic...
  • Media Researchers discover that the three known flamingo tongue snail species are in fact just one species
    Two researchers at Naturalis and Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Bastian Reijnen and Sancia van der Meij, recently carried out research...
  • Maps and Charts RAMSAR sites of Aruba
    Ramsar sites map of Aruba(GIS). Smoothed to 100m. 'The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, called the Ramsar Convention, is an...
  • Portal Reef.org
    Protecting Marine Life Through Education, Service, and Research REEF was founded in 1990, out of growing concern about the health of the marine...
  • Scientific article Evaluation of coral reef management effectiveness using conventional versus resilience-based metrics
    With increasing stressors to coral reefs, defining tools that evaluate their dynamics and resilience is important to interpret system trajectories...
  • Research report Remote Sensing Tools to support NEXUS challenges
    Smalls islands are especially vulnerable to climate change and land  use changes due to the competing needs for limited resources. To support...
  • Media 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...
  • Other resources CITES Signs airport and harbors
    * Also available:  CITES brochures in English, Dutch, Papiamentu and Spanish * Also avaiable: CITES posters Convention on International Trade in...
  • Media Utilizing Citizen Science
    Presentation given during 2021 Mangrove Restoration Workshop
  • Media Hurricane Impact on Statia
    Sint Eustatius was hit by two major hurricanes, Irma and Maria, during the high-intensity season of 2017. Two new studies aid our understanding of...
  • Research report STCB Year Report 2021
    Bonaire turtles stcb year report 2021  
  • Research report Spatial and temporal variability of chlorophyll-a in coastal waters of Sint Eustatius
    MSc report Land based nutrient input from anthropogenic sources is a worldwide issue and a threat to coral reef health. Corals found in high nutrient...
  • Monitoring protocol Monitoring Tropicbirds, an introductory guide
    This manual emphasises on practical methods, and some methods which (though highly accurate) are too labour-intensive or time-consuming for general...
  • Research report Production of Digital Terrain Models for the Dutch Caribbean
    Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba, islands in the Caribbean, became Dutch municipalities in October 2010. These islands are considered hotspots of...
  • Other resources Benthic Habitat Mapping in the coastal waters of Saba Dutch Caribbean
    In this research benthic habitats of the Saba Marine Park were mapped. There were several reasons for an updated benthic habitat map: (1) to compare...
  • Other resources Monkey business 'the socioeconomic impact of the invasive green vervet monkey population on the island of St.Maarten'
    Abstract In this student thesis you will find information on the socioeconomic impact of the invasive Green Vervet monkey population on the island of...
  • Other resources Vibrio communities associated with the azooxanthellate coral Tubastraea coccinea as compared to zooxanthellate shallow sea corals
    A coral is made up of key associations between endosymbiotic zooxanthellae, protists, bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi. These microbe-coral...
  • Book Saba Bank Research 2011-2016
    This book will let you dive into the underwater worl of the Saba Bank and gives you an introduction to its amazing biodiversity. At the same time you...
  • Media Sea Turtle Convention, Mexico
    The Inter-American Sea Turtle Convention (IAC) convened its seventh Conference of Parties (COP 7) in Mexico City in June this year. Two resolutions...
  • Media Shark Tracking on Saba
    News article on: Winter, H.V., D. Vink, I.J.M. van Beek (2015) Pilot study on behaviour of sharks around Saba using acoustic telemetry – Progress...
  • Media Effect of invasive predators on breeding success of threatened Red-billed Tropicbirds
    Update on one of the world’s largest nesting population on Saba and St. Eustatius.   This news articles was published in BioNews 20 BioNews is...
  • Media The Humpbacks are Back!
    We have some wonderful news to share! The magnificent humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) have returned for their four-to five-month long stay...
  • Media Science director and staff of CARMABI
    News items on: Research Station CARMABI, Curacao   This news article was published in BioNews 24. BioNews is produced by the Dutch Caribbean Nature...
  • Media Scientific Assessment of Curaçao’s Reefs
    Blue Halo Curaçao, a partnership between the Waitt Institute and the Government of Curaçao, in close cooperation with researchers from CARMABI and...
  • Media Alarm bells ring as turtle growth rates decline
    An unprecedented regional study of turtle growth rates by Bjorndal et al, compiled scientific data on hawksbill turtle growth rates collected over a...
  • Other resources Report on observations of coral bleaching St Eustatius Marine Park, Saba Marine Park, St Maarten Marine Park
    Coral bleaching has been observed in the Windward Islands since late August 2005. Reports and observations have been received from marine parks and...
  • Media Listening to the Caribbean’s Humpback Whales with CHAMP
    In December 2016, after many months of planning, ten recording devices were successfully deployed throughout the Caribbean to listen to the sounds...
  • Scientific article The toxic exposure of flamingos to per-and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from firefighting foam applications in Bonaire.
    In 2010 an oil terminal next to nature reservation Saliña Goto (Bonaire) caught fire. Firefighting resulted in elevated per- and polyfluoroalkyl...
  • Media 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...
  • Maps and Charts Terrestrial park map of Aruba
    Aruba National Parks, created from coastline and traced from image files.
  • Other resources Trends in the Caribbean Netherlands 2017
    How large was the population of Bonaire, Saba, and St Eustatius on 1 January 2017? How did the economy of each island develop in 2015? What were the...
  • Media This Little Island is a Haven for Migratory Shorebirds
    Fernando and I are at our one of our “high density” points (counting stations) on the Cargill Salt Production Facility in southern Bonaire. We are...
  • Scientific article The Status of Queen Conch, Strombus gigas, Research in the Caribbean
    An important scientific workshop on queen conch was held in Caracas, Ven­ ezuela, in July 1991. This workshop and the proceedings that emerged from...
  • Other resources Caribbean tourism and agriculture: linking to enhance development and competitiveness
    This study examines current trends in tourism and agriculture in Caribbean countries and the strategy for linking them in order to facilitate their...
  • Other resources Staat van instandhouding van de natuur van Caribisch Nederland
    Sinds de staatkundige herstructurering van het Koninkrijk in 2010, maken de Caribische eilanden van Bonaire, Saba en St. Eustatius als speciale...
  • Research report Assessing the impact of Antigonon Leptopus on Saba and St. Eustatius
    The spread of invasive species globally has had acknowledged impacts on species extinction, biodiversity and ecosystem services. Gauging the type and...
  • Research report The influence of terrestrial erosion on Acropora palmata occurrence on Saba, Dutch Caribbean
    A high influx of sediment resulting from terrestrial erosion, imposes a major threat on coral reef ecosystems worldwide by inducing sedimentation and...
  • Research report Widely resented yet neglected: latent environmental problems : The case of an invasive alien vine on Saba and Statia
    The invasive alien Coralita vine (Antigonon leptopus) overgrows large parts of Saba and St. Eustatius, posing a threat to agriculture and the unique...
  • Research report Erosiebestrijding en natuurherstel
    Een gezond koraalrif is cruciaal voor Bonaire. De economie is voor 80% afhankelijk van het toerisme. De twee grootste bedreigingen voor het koraalrif...
  • Media New Study on Red-Bellied Racer Populations on St. Eustatius
    In 2018 and 2019, RAVON/CNSI interns conducted a study on St. Eustatius to better understand the red-bellied racer population. Threatened by habitat...
  • Media 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...
  • Other resources Landscape ecological vegetation map of St. Maarten (Lesser Antilles)
    Vegetation maps are a primary and essential tool in biodiversity science, conservation, management, and monitoring as well as in land-use management...
  • Media What's Blue Carbon Got To Do With It?
    How blue lcarbon supports sustainable development goals. Presented in 2021 Mangrove Restoration Workshop
  • Scientific article First records of three new lizard species and a range expansion of a fourth lizard species introduced to Aruba
    Introduction The Caribbean region is emerging as a hotspot for the spread of non-native reptile species (Powell et al. 2011; Powell and Henderson...
  • Research report An Assessment of the Impacts of Climate Change on Coastal Inundation on Bonaire
    Part of the larger The impacts of climate change on Bonaire (2022-present) report available here - https://www.dcbd.nl/document/impacts-climate-...
  • Raw data Raw data of terrestrial bird observation on Curacao from 2018-2021
    Raw data of terrestrial bird monitoring and vegetation description on Curacao collected for the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and Carmabi. ...
  • Research report Lobster trap detection at the Saba Bank
    Abstract: According to previous studies and anecdotal evidence there are a lot of lost lobster traps at the Saba Bank. One study estimated the loss...
  • Research report Preliminary overview of exotic and invasive marine species in the Dutch Caribbean
    The marine exotic species of the Dutch Caribbean are less well-known than its terrestrial exotics. So far, only 27 known or suspected marine exotic...
  • Scientific article What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Wary? Effect of Repeated Culling on the Behaviour of an Invasive Predator
    Abstract: As a result of being hunted, animals often alter their behaviour in ways that make future encounters with predators less likely. When...
  • Maps and Charts Ramsar sites map of Bonaire
    Ramsar sites map of Bonaire (GIS). Smoothed to 100m. 'The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, called the Ramsar Convention, is an...
  • Research report 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...
  • Maps and Charts Zoning plan of Curacao
    Received via Curacao ministry of health, environment and nature (Chamberland, V. and Dilrosun, F.). Geo-referenced by van Dorland, G.
  • Research report 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...
  • Other resources 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...
  • Media Yarari Sanctuary established
    During her visit to Saba and Bonaire at the beginning of September 2015, State Secretary of Economic Affairs, Mrs. Sharon Dijksma, publicly announced...
  • Media Mangroves and seagrass beds as nurseries
    News article on: Hylkema, A., W. Vogelaar, H.W.G. Meesters, I. Nagelkerken, A.O. Debrot (2014) Fish Species Utilization of Contrasting sub-Habitats...
  • Media Oct. 2015: Third Saba Bank expedition
    A select group of researchers from IMARES and several other institutions came together from October 17th to October 31st 2015 to conduct the third...
  • Media Sea and Learn: An innovative Approach to Raising Environmental Awareness
    This past October marked the 13th consecutive month-long Sea and Learn event on Saba. This award- winning event, organized each October since 2003 by...
  • Media Marine Species discoveries Curaçao
    Curaçao has a remarkably long and rich history of marine species discoveries. This is reflected by a high number of species descriptions in which...
  • Other resources A Review of the Ecology and Economics of Curaçao’s Marine Resources
    This report contains information on: General Description of Curacao Physical description Marine Ecosystems: Descriptions, Status and Threats Seafood...
  • Media Climate change impacts within the Dutch Caribbean
    The most recent climate change predictions for the Caribbean region (2013/2014) by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) are alarming...
  • Media Naturalis Expedition to St. Eustatius: discovering a new species of land snail
    Since 2010 the tiny island of Sint Eustatius, or Statia, as it is known locally, has been a special municipality of the Netherlands. And despite...
  • Media Sharks around Saba
    News item on high tech acoustic telemetry research on sharks around Saba.    This news article was published in BioNews 30.  BioNews is produced by ...
  • Media Saba Bank: coral status and trends
    The University of Wageningen (IMARES) has participated in research voyages to the Saba Bank in 2011, 2013 and 2015. Monitoring of coral reefs has...
  • Other resources Sabal antillensis (Arecaceae): a new palmetto species from the Leeward Antilles
     A new species of palmetto, Sabal antillensis , native to Curaçao and Bonaire, is described and illustrated. The new species is characterized by a...
  • Media UV- filters in sun care products as an emerging risk for Caribbean coral reefs
    Researchers from the Wageningen Marine Research, under the leadership of water quality specialist and ecologist Dr. Diana Slijkerman, have been...
  • Research report Human induced dust in Aruba. An assessment of the transport and spatial deposition dynamics of dust from off-road driving in Aruba and the effect of driving speed and traffic density.
    Off-road driving has a range of impacts on the environment and human health. In Aruba, traffic on dirt roads and recreational off-road driving has...
  • Other resources 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...
  • Other resources Butterflies and Moths of Curaçao, Aruba and Bonaire
    This book is intended as a popular picture guide to butterflies and moths of Curaçao, Aruba and Bonaire. It is not designed as a field guide for...
  • Media Innovative Artificial Reef Structures “IntelliReefs” to Improve Denuded Coral Reefs
    Beginning of February 2020, the Ocean Science Team of Reef Life Foundation was on Sint Maarten to assess and research the 14 month performance of the...
  • Media Ma Kote Mangroves
    Overview of St. Lucia's Mangroves Used to draw comparisons with the mangroves of Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao and St. Maarten Presented in 2021 Mangrove...
  • Scientific article Green ammonia enables sustainable energy production in small island developing states: A case study on the island of Curaçao
    Abstract Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have a high dependency on fossil fuels for energy, water, and food production. This has negative...
  • Media 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...
  • Research report Protecting Bonaire against Coastal Flooding A participatory multi-criteria analysis of coastal adaptation options
    Part of the larger The impacts of climate change on Bonaire (2022-present) report available here.   Summary Coastal hazards pose a significant threat...
  • Media Bionews Diadema Special Edition - Background and Current State
    As previously mentioned, a new wave of long-spiced sea urchins (Diadema antillarum) die-offs are happening throughout the Caribbean, including...
  • Other resources From Whaling to Tagging: The Evolution of North Atlantic Humpback Whale Research in the West Indies
    North Atlantic humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae, migrate from summer feeding grounds across the temperate and high latitudes to breeding...
  • Media Klimaat Actieplan voor het Nederlands Caribisch Gebied
    Introductie De eerste effecten van de klimaatcrisis zijn nu al zichtbaar in het Caribische gebied en de verwachting is dat dit in de komende jaren...
  • Other resources Impacts of cleaner shrimp, Ancylomenes pedersoni, density at cleaning stations on cleaner and client behavior
    Mutualisms and symbiotic relationships are common in the marine environment. Relationships between cleaner species, their hosts, and their client...
  • Scientific article Environmental DNA illuminates the dark diversity of sharks
    In the era of “Anthropocene defaunation,” large species are often no longer detected in habitats where they formerly occurred. However, it is unclear...
  • Other resources The suburbanization of the Aruban landscape
    This paper is part of a series on the developments that relate to the Aruban landscape. To bring perspective to current environmental threats and...
  • Scientific article New Records of the Cryptogenic Soft Coral Genus Stragulum (Tubiporidae) from the Eastern Caribbean and the Persian Gulf
    Abstract The monotypic soft coral genus Stragulum van Ofwegen and Haddad, 2011 (Octocorallia: Malacalcyonacea: Tubiporidae) was originally described...
  • Scientific article Endolymphatic Sac Use and Reproductive Activity in the Lesser Antilles Endemic Gecko Gonatodes antillensis (Gekkota: Sphaerodactylidae)
    Geckos are among the most diverse radiations of lizards; however, the lack of baseline natural history data on the reproductive biology for many...
  • Other resources Structure and substratum preference of a schooling fish: observing the habitat use and nutrient input of smallmouth grunts (Haemulon chrysargyreum) in Bonaire
    Various marine organisms are known to consciously select specific types of habitat that provide maximum shelter from potential predators. Reef fish...
  • Research report Growth assessment of Acropora cervicornis and Acropora palmata fragments using in-situ coral nurseries, Saba – Dutch Caribbean
    Internship Report As part of the program for the Restoration of Ecosystem Services and Coral Reef Quality (RESCQ), this study aims at contributing to...
  • Other resources Parrotfish mucus cocoon production at night in Bonaire, N.A.
    Many marine organisms use mucus to catch food, clean themselves, or for protection from predators. Some species of parrotfish (Family Scaridae) use...
  • Scientific article 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...
  • Research report Monitoring the effect of cat removal on reproductive success in Red-billed Tropicbird colonies on Saba, 2013-2014: first season of results
    One of the most deleterious invasive introduced predators worldwide is the domestic cat which has been found responsible for many island extinctions...
  • Other resources Sustainable Tourism: Overview
    The world is continuously getting smaller as globe trotting gets easier with each passing year. In fact, tourism is one of the fastest growing...
  • Research report Monitoring program for waterbirds inhabiting the saliñas located on the northwest of Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles. Year report 2010
    Management Recommendations: Expand the boundaries of the Washington Slagbaai National Park to include all the salts flats included in this monitoring...
  • Research report The impact of invasive species on tourism
    Since the first sightings of the lionfish in the Caribbean, the local marine ecosystems have experienced severe problems due to predation and...
  • Research report Mapping of the Potential Erosion in the Catchment of Lac Bay
    Abstract: Over the past decades coastal ecosystems have been increasingly threatened and have been reducing at alarming rates. Similar is happening...
  • Scientific article Controversies and consensus on the lionfish invasion in the Western Atlantic Ocean
    This study investigates how the lionfish (Pterois sp.) invasion of the Western Atlantic Ocean has been socially constructed by natural scientists,...
  • Media Coral Reef Mapping using hyperspectral imagery
    The Dutch Caribbean island Bonaire has been protecting its marine resources for more than 35 years and is ranked as one of the Caribbean’s top dive...
  • Scientific article Fisher and diver perceptions of coral reef degradation and implications for sustainable management
    Fishers and divers are the major resource users of Caribbean coral reefs. On Curaçao and Bonaire, reef condition is good relative to the Caribbean...
  • Media Ocean acidification and global warming impacts on sharks
    Sharks have populated our oceans for millions of years, but in just a few decades a slew of anthropogenic pressures have caused shark populations...
  • Media Distribution of plant species on the Dutch Caribbean Islands now online
    Dutch, Papiamentu and Papiamento below Since 2018 Wageningen University & Research and Carmabi cooperate in bringing together historical and...
  • Other resources Density-dependent colonization and natural disturbance limit the effectiveness of invasive lionfish culling efforts
    Culling can be an effective management tool for reducing populations of invasive species to levels that minimize ecological effects. However, culling...
  • Research report Management plan for the natural resources of the EEZ of the Dutch Caribbean
    On the 10th of October 2010 the governmental entity known as the Netherlands Antilles is scheduled to cease to exist. Each island will aquire a new...
  • Research report Sponge density increases with depth throughout the Caribbean
    Mesophotic coral reefs (MCEs) are ecologically unique components of coral reef ecosystems that occur at depths from ~30 to 150 m where they support a...
  • Media New Diadema project aims to restore sea urchins in Saban and Statian waters
    The new RAAK PRO Diadema project aims to restore long spined sea urchin populations (scientific name Diadema antillarum) on the coral reefs around...
  • Scientific article Recreational diver preferences for reef fish attributes: Economic implications of future change
    Abstract This study sought to quantify the potential effects of changes in Caribbean reef fish populations on recreational divers' consumer surplus....
  • Research report Mapping the Economic Value of Ecosystems on Saba
    This report will specifically focus on the spatial distribution of the ecosystem values and eventually visualize these values geographically in a...
  • Scientific article Antigonon leptopus invasion is associated with plant community disassembly in a Caribbean island ecosystem
    Abstract Invasions by non-native plant species are widely recognized as a major driver of biodiversity loss. Globally, (sub-)tropical islands form...
  • Other resources Redlip blenny (Ophioblennius macclurei) territoriality and feeding behavior
    Redlip blennies (Ophioblennius macclurei) are common reef fish in Caribbean coral reef environments. They are vitally important to reefs as primary...
  • Scientific article Widespread local chronic stressors in Caribbean coastal habitats
    Coastal ecosystems and the livelihoods they support are threatened by stressors acting at global and local scales. Here we used the data produced by...
  • Scientific article The pollinators of two species of columnar cacti on Curaco, Netherlands Antilles
    Three species of columnar cacti (Stenocereus gri seus, Subpilocereus repandus, and Pilosocereus lan uginosus) are conspicuous elements of arid...
  • Scientific article Find me if you can: Pre- and Post-hurricane Densities of the Red-bellied Racer (Alsophis rufiventris) on St. Eustatius, and a review of the genus in the Caribbean
    Abstract We estimated population densities of the red-bellied racer (Alsophis rufiventris) on the Caribbean island of St. Eustatius in 2011, 2018 and...
  • Other resources Status of reef health at Yellow Sub study site on Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean: progression of a coral - algal phase shift
    Coral reefs around the globe are subject to environmental and anthropogenic stressors that are causing habitat degradation and a decline in reef...
  • Media The value of sharks
    My name is Francois Mille, I am a Marine Park Ranger at STENAPA in Sint Eustatius. Sint Eustatius is a small volcanic island, 21km2, that belongs to...
  • Other resources Recovery plan, elkhorn and staghorn coral
    Elkhorn (Acropora palmata) and staghorn (A. cervicornis) corals were listed as threatened under the ESA on May 9, 2006. Elkhorn and staghorn corals...
  • Scientific article Effects of Climate Variability on the Morphodynamics of Uruguayan Sandy Beaches
    Effects of long-term trends in climatic variability on the morphodynamics of a reflective and a dissipative sandy beach in Uruguay (SW Atlantic Ocean...
  • Other resources Seagrass and Seagrass Beds
    Seagrasses are found in shallow salty and brackish waters in many parts of the world, from the tropics to the Arctic Circle. Seagrasses are so-named...
  • Other resources A Proposal for Development of a Coral Reef Mapping Tool for the Simpson Bay Lagoon of St. Maarten
    This student proposal contained herein has been submitted to University of Redlands MS GIS program as a component of the GIS 691 course, in...
  • Scientific article Fish grazing enhanced by nutrient enrichment may limit invasive seagrass expansion
    The success of invasive macrophytes can depend on local nutrient availability and consumer pressure, which may interact. We therefore experimentally...
  • Scientific article Range expansion of Marinomyxa marina, a phytomyxid parasite of the invasive seagrass Halophila stipulacea, to the Caribbean
    Abstract Halophila stipulacea, a small seagrass species native to the Indo-Pacific, is a Lessepsian migrant and a high-profile invader that has...
  • Other resources St Maarten Proposed Land Parks Management Plan 2009
    NAFSXM would like to secure a long term management agreement to protect the environment of the entire Dutch side of the island. The proposed St....
  • Other resources Imaging the twilight zone: the morphology and distribution of mesophotic zone features, a case study from Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean
    Student thesis Coral reefs are some of the most economically valuable and biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth. Current trends show that...
  • Other resources Reef fish assemblage and invertebrate cover in relationship to the degree of artificial reef isolation
    Reef fishes and invertebrates are quickly losing their habitats due to widespread coral degradation. Artificial reefs are entering the spotlight as...
  • Media Environmental DNA FOR Lionfish Mapping
    When a new species is introduced to a foreign environment, it can upset the natural balance.  One such example, was the introduction of the Pacific...
  • Research report Small Islands – Large climate change challenges. Household resilience to climate change vulnerabilities - a case study of Bonaire
    Main Findings The main climate change vulnerabilities for Bonaire are: an increase in the intensity of hurricanes and tropical storms, an increase in...
  • Research report Future of Bonaire: Greenpeace review on the impacts of climate change on the Dutch Caribbean island Bonaire
    Bonaire or Boneiru, as it is known in Papiamentu, is a Dutch Caribbean island. An island full of heritage, gorgeous sunset views and a place that...
  • Other resources Volcanology of Saba and St. Eustatius, Northern Lesser Antilles
    The two small islands of Saba and St. Eustatius (Netherlands Antilles) lie on the northernmost subaerial end of the active arc of the Lesser Antilles...
  • Other resources 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....
  • Book 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...
  • Scientific article Global assessment of the status of coral reef herbivorous fishes: evidence for fishing effects
    Abstract: On coral reefs, herbivorous fishes consume benthic primary producers and regulate competition between fleshy algae and reef-building corals...
  • Other resources Archaeological excavations at Schotsenhoek plantation, St. Eustatius, Caribbean Netherlands
    In May 2012, the St. Eustatius Center for Archaeological Research was contracted to carry out an excavation on the NuStar property locally known as ‘...
  • Research report 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...
  • Scientific article Long-term Shifts in Coral Communities On Shallow to Deep Reef Slopes of Curaçao and Bonaire: Are There Any Winners?
    Tropical coral reefs are among the most biologically diverse and economically important ecosystems on earth. Nevertheless, we found dramatic changes...
  • Research report Flamingos on Bonaire and in Venezuela
    Results of a three year study (1975-1978) of Flamingos on Bonaire and in Venezuela, including population size, food availability, migration and...
  • Research report Atlas of the Living Reefs of Curaçao and Bonaire (Netherlands Antilles)
    The importance of reefs for man is multilateral and ranges from age-old functions, such as acting as a rampart preventing shore erosion, to modern...
  • Scientific article Cell turnover and detritus production in marine sponges from tropical and temperate benthic ecosystems
    Abtsract This study describes in vivo cell turnover (the balance between cell proliferation and cell loss) in eight marine sponge species from...
  • Scientific article Painted black: Iguana melanoderma (Reptilia, Squamata, Iguanidae) a new melanistic endemic species from Saba and Montserrat islands (Lesser Antilles)
    The Lesser Antilles, in the Eastern Caribbean, is inhabited by three Iguana species: the Lesser Antillean iguana Iguana delicatissima, which is...
  • Scientific article Marine Mammals of the Northeastern Caribbean Windward Dutch Islands: Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Maarten, and the Saba Bank
    Abstract: At least 33 native species of marine mammals have been documented from the Wider Caribbean Region (WCR). For many of these species, the...
  • Media Designing the optimal artificial reef
    A new study compared the effectiveness of three popular artificial reefs to increase fish densities around Saba and St Eustatius. The researchers...
  • Scientific article 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...
  • Scientific article The Lesser Antillean Iguana (Iguana delicatissima) on St. Eustatius: genetically depauperate and threatened by ongoing hybridization.
    The Lesser Antillean Iguana (Iguana delicatissima) is an endangered species threatened by habitat loss and hybridization with non-native Green...
  • Research report Report on the Economic Valuation of St. Eustatius’ Coral Reef Resources
    Abstract: The St. Eustatius National Marine Park conducted an Economic Valuation of St. Eustatius’ coral reef ecosystems in the fall of 2009. This...
  • Scientific article Lionfish Invasion off the Northern Coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, Southern Gulf of Mexico: What Do we Know?
    Abstract: In 2009, the first lionfish (Pterois volitans/miles) was found in the Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel, in Quintana Roo, in the Mexican...
  • Scientific article Phylogeographic patterns of a lower intertidal isopod in the Gulf of California and the Caribbean and comparison with other intertidal isopods
    A growing body of knowledge on the diversity and evolution of intertidal isopods across different regions worldwide has enhanced our understanding on...
  • Other resources Circadian rhythms and food entrainment of lionfish (Pterois volitans)
    Circadian rhythms are common in many organisms and provide an organism synchrony with its environment, which is vital for survival. Entraining...
  • Scientific article A Post-hurricane Quantitative Assessment of the Red-bellied Racer (Alsophis rufiventris) on Saba and Comparison with St. Eustatius
    We estimated occupancy, abundance (lambda), detection probability, density/ha and abundance of a regionally endemic snake in the Colubrid family on...
  • Scientific article Toxicopathological Effects of the Sunscreen UV Filter, Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3), on Coral Planulae and Cultured Primary Cells and Its Environmental Contamination in Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands
      Abstract Benzophenone-3 (BP-3; oxybenzone) is an ingredient in sunscreen lotions and personal-care products that protects against the damaging...
  • Scientific article Distribution and ontogenetic habitat shifts of reef associated shark species in the northeastern Caribbean
    Understanding how reef-associated sharks utilise coastal reef habitats throughout their ontogeny is essential for their effective management. In this...
  • Scientific article Monitoring of terrestrial avifauna in six habitats on St. Eustatius, Caribbean Netherlands, 2009–2017
    The Caribbean is a biodiversity hotspot due to its rich biodiversity and wholesale loss of primary vegetation. Yet, there is a paucity of studies on...
  • Research report 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...
  • Research report The ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of Saba (Netherlands Antilles)
    In 1937, 1949 and 1963 P. Wagenaar Hummelinck collected vertebrates with some co-operators. The ants of these expeditions were selected and stored (...
  • Scientific article Damage to the leeward reefs of Curac¸ao and Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles from a rare storm event: Hurricane Lenny, November 1999
    Fringing reefs along the southwestern shores of the Caribbean islands of Curaçao and Bonaire (12°N), located outside the most frequent hurricane...
  • Scientific article A comparison of eight country plans for the Invasive Indo-Pacific Lionfish in the Wider Caribbean
    Highlights • The Caribbean region is being negatively impacted by the invasive lionfish. • Management efforts by eight Caribbean islands addressing...
  • Scientific article Metal concentrations in coastal sharks from The Bahamas with a focus on the Caribbean Reef shark
    Over the last century anthropogenic activities have rapidly increased the influx of metals and metalloids entering the marine environment, which can...
  • Scientific article An integrative approach to assess non-native iguana presence on Saba and Montserrat: are we losing all native Iguana populations in the Lesser Antilles?
    Abstract Invasive alien species are among the main drivers of the ongoing sixth mass extinction wave, especially affecting island populations....
  • Scientific article Bridled Quail-dove Geotrygon mystacea population assessment after hurricanes Irma and Maria, St. Eustatius, Caribbean Netherlands
    Structural vegetation damage and food limitation are important effects of major hurricanes, particularly for fruit/seed-eating, forest-dependent...
  • Scientific article Outcompeted by an invader? Interference and exploitative competition between tropical house gecko (Hemidactylus mabouia) and Barbados leaf-toed gecko (Phyllodactylus pulcher) for diurnal refuges in anthropogenic coastal habitats.
    House geckos in the genus Hemidactylus are highly successful colonizers of regions beyond their native range, with colonization often resulting in...
  • Media Worth Its Salt: Bonaire’s Cargill Salt Ponds Designated a Shorebird Site of Regional Significance
    Worth Its Salt: Bonaire’s Cargill Salt Ponds Designated a Shorebird Site of Regional Significance Imagine a vast expanse of rectangular saline ponds...
  • Scientific article Close encounters of the worst kind: reforms needed to curb coral reef damage by recreational divers
    Abstract Intentional and unintentional physical contact between scuba divers and the seabed is made by most divers and multiple times per dive, which...
  • Scientific article Hurricane-induced population decrease in a Critically Endangered long-lived reptile
    ABSTRACT Catastrophic events, like hurricanes, bring lethal conditions that can have population-altering effects. The threatened Caribbean dry forest...
  • Research report Baseline survey of anthropogenic pressures for the Lac Bay ecosystem, Bonaire
    Findings: The main conclusion from this study is that the combined levels of anthropogenic impact on the bay currently exceed sustainable levels. Lac...
  • Other resources Spawning behaviour of the stoplight parrotfish Sparisoma Viride Bonnaterre, on Bonaire and Saba (Netherlands Antilles)
    Student Report- University of Groningen  The reproductive behaviour of the stoplight parrotfish, Sparisoma viride Bonnaterre, was studied on two...
  • Research report Discovering the Deep ROV assisted data collection to understand the status of Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems around Bonaire
    Abstract The coral reefs of Bonaire, providing resources and environmental services, are often ranked among the richest, most resilient and least...
  • Scientific article The trophic ecology of Caribbean reef sharks (Carcharhinus perezi) relative to other large teleost predators on an isolated coral atoll.
    Bulk stable isotope analysis was used to assess the trophic level and foraging habitats of Caribbean reef sharks (Carcharhinus perezi) compared to...
  • Research report Discovering the Deep - ROV assisted data collection to understand the status of Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems around Bonaire
    MSc thesis report The coral reefs of Bonaire, providing resources and environmental services, are often ranked among the richest, most resilient and...
  • Other resources Tropical dry forests The state of global knowledge and recommendations for future research
    This discussion paper assesses the state of knowledge on tropical dry forests  as it relates to CIFOR’s strategy and identi es research opportunities...
  • Media Statian invasions
    This news-item was published in the Caribbean Netherlands Science Institute Annual Report 2017 Introduced predators such as cats, dogs, and rats are ...
  • Research report 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...
  • Research report Land cover classification Bonaire
    Mapping the land cover of Bonaire based on very high resolution PLEIADES satellite data of 2014-2016 Bonaire is rich in natural terrestrial...
  • Other resources Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease
    A new guide from MPAConnect, a partnership between GCFI and NOAA Coral Program, seeks to help Caribbean marine natural resource managers who are...
  • Research report 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...
  • Research report Generic ecological assessment framework for coastal ecosystems in the Caribbean Netherlands
    Abstract: The aim of this study was to draft a generic ecological assessment framework for coastal systems in Caribbean Netherlands (CN) that offers...
  • Research report Bonaire's Southern Wetlands Management Plan
    EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The southern wetlands of Bonaire represent a unique environment for the island. Consisting of a wide variety of habitat types...
  • Portal Reefbase
    A great part of the coral reef resources in the world are in danger of destruction due to over exploitation, degradation of habitat and, possibly,...
  • Research report Radar Surveys for Audubon’s Shearwater on Saba, Netherlands Antilles
    Audubon’s Shearwater (Puffinus lherminieri), known locally as Wedrego on Saba and St. Eustatius, is a medium-sized seabird species that feeds at sea...
  • Other resources 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...
  • Research report Better environmental management of the Simpson Bay Lagoon pays off
    Similar to many other Caribbean coastal wetlands, the Simpson Bay Lagoon suffers from heavy development, wastewater pollution, and overexploitation....
  • Portal SPAW-RAC MARINE MAMMAL MAPPING APPLICATION
    Project "Broad-scale marine spatial planning of mammal corridors & protected areas in Wider Caribbean & Southeast & Northeast Pacific" (...
  • Research report Staat van de natuur van Caribisch Nederland 2017
      Sinds de staatkundige herstructurering van het Koninkrijk in 2010, maken de Caribische eilanden van Bonaire, Saba en St. Eustatius als speciale...
  • Scientific article 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...
  • Scientific article 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...
  • Media AlgaePARC: Bringing Innovation to Bonaire
    A collaborative effort between private, government and university partners, has been working to develop a microalgae production test facility on...
  • Portal 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...
  • Research report The economics of expanding the Marine Protected Areas of the Cayman Islands
    Quantification of the benefits humans obtain from Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) supports decision-makers by elucidating the link between the...
  • Research report Feasibility study of a new harbour on the island of St. Eustatius
    St. Eustatius is a small island in the Caribbean that belongs to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Its existing harbour is due for upgrades and repairs...
  • Research report Research and Monitoring Results for the Size Class Distribution and Abundance of the Queen Conch, Strombus gigas, and Seagrass Characterization in Lac Bay, Bonaire
    Executive Summary This report provides a comprehensive coverage of accomplishments completed to date by Environics for the Lac Bay queen conch (...
  • Media 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...
  • Media Half a year after hurricane Irma, St.Maarten
    Zes maanden geleden raasde Irma, een orkaan van de zwaarste categorie, over Sint Maarten. De verwoesting was gigantisch. De bewoners pakken sindsdien...
  • Research report Turn the Tide: A dive into the possibilities of sustainable water sports
    Abstract This report will give an in depth view on the technical feasibility of placing an offshore platform from which watersports can be practiced...
  • Media 12th meeting of the Scientific Committee of the Inter- American Sea Turtle Convention (IAC)
    The Scientific Committee (SC) of the IAC meets annually to discuss the annual reports of the member countries, and threats and impacts on sea turtles...
  • Other resources Fish species community composition of Curacao bays and reef
    Student Report - University Groningen Tropical coastal bays often border coral reefs and host connected ecosystems such as seagrass beds and mangrove...
  • Research report St. Eustatius invasive alien Green Iguana : Case study of a Rapid Response Extermination Campaign (RREC)
    The Lesser Antillean Iguana, Iguana delicatissima is the largest extant native land vertebrate of St. Eustatius and was recently lost (~1990s) from...
  • Scientific article The 2022 Diadema antillarum die-off event: Comparisons with the 1983-1984 mass mortality
    The 1983-1984 die-off of the long-spined sea urchin Diadema antillarum stands out as a catastrophic marine event because of its detrimental effectson...
  • Media New Research Improves on Traditional Reef Survey Techniques
    Researchers from University of Amsterdam and CARMBABI Foundation implemented 3-dimensional reef surveying techniques to improve representation of...
  • Research report Introduced agricultural pests, plant and animals diseases and vectors in the Dutch Caribbean, with an “Alert species” list
    A review of the introduced agricultural pests and animal and plant diseases and vectors for the Dutch Caribbean in which a total of 47 exotic pests,...
  • Media The Pros and Cons of non-native Seagrass Explosive Expansion
    A new study from the Caribbean Netherlands Science Institute and Utrecht University investigated the sediment stabilizing ability of non-native...
  • Research report Key Elements Towards a Joint Invasive Alien Species Strategy for the Dutch Caribbean
    Summary: Recent inventories have documented no less than 211 exotic alien species in the wild for the Dutch Caribbean. These amount to no less than...
  • Media Saba Iguanas Receive Attention
    The Caribbean Netherlands island of Saba is home to a unique but relatively unknown iguana population. Given the many threats faced by islands...
  • Media Protecting Fish Proven Key in Slowing Down Invasive Seagrass
    New research from Wageningen University, University of Amsterdam and Florida International University highlighted the role herbivorous fish species...
  • Book Biology of Parrotfishes
    Content: Chapter 1: Cranial Specializations of Parrotfishes, Genus Scarus (Scarinae, Labridae) for Scraping Reef Surfaces  By Kenneth W. Gobalet The...
  • Media NICO Expedition: Mapping the Sea Bottom
    Researchers aboard the Pelagia research vessel have been collecting invaluable data on marine biomes in the Caribbean since January as part of the “...
  • Research report Pilot study on behaviour of sharks around Saba using acoustic telemetry
    Worldwide many shark populations are in strong decline mainly due to fisheries. Population status of sharks in the Caribbean is still poorly known....
  • Research report Monitoring the Saba Bank Fishery
    Findings The main conclusion from this study is that no new fishing permits should be issued until a long-term fishery monitoring program is in place...
  • Research report 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...
  • Research report 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...
  • Other resources Restoring the dry ecosystem of Bonaire
    The dry forest ecosystem of Bonaire has been decimated over the last 500 years by human intervention. Uncontrolled deforestation by early European...
  • Media 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...
  • Monitoring protocol Invasive Lionfish - A Guide to Control and Management
    The invasion of lionfish (Pterois miles and P. volitans) may prove to be one of the greatest threats of this century to warm temperate and tropical...
  • Research report 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 report Assessment of the Commercial Fishery of Saba Bank
    The commercial fishery of Saba Bank, Netherlands Antilles, was assessed for six months from June 1 through November 30, 2007, by conducting port...
  • Research report 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 report Status and Trends of Bonaire’s Reefs in 2017: Clear signs of resilience
    The “resilience” of coral reef ecosystems has been an important goal of managers and policy makers for decades. At its most basic level, resilience...
  • Media 40-year study: Changes on the Coral Reefs of Bonaire and Curaçao
    Although it’s now becoming widely accepted that coral reefs are degrading quickly on a global scale, there have been very few long-term studies where...
  • Research report 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...
  • Media 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...
  • Other resources Dust on Bonaire
    Student Report Introduction  The main goal of this research report is to shed light on the problems surrounding dust on Bonaire, and to give...

Resources

  • Book
  • Other resources
  • Portal
  • Scientific article
  • Maps and Charts
  • Monitoring protocol
  • Media
  • Raw data
  • Research report

Maps

  • Aruba
  • Bonaire
  • Curaçao
  • Saba
  • Saba bank
  • St. Eustatius
  • St. Maarten

Monitoring Indicators

  • Reef
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