Seagrass

Shaping Tomorrow’s Shores: The Future of Coastal Habitat Restoration

Dutch, Papiamento, and Papiamentu below

A new partnership between World Wide Fund for Nature – Netherlands (WWF-NL) the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and Coastal Dynamics will spearhead an initiative to define future conservation and restoration projects within Dutch Caribbean coastal habitats. Centered around mangroves and seagrass beds, this ambitious feasibility study aims to craft a portfolio of forward-looking projects. The objective is to fortify these areas against escalating threats like climate change, pollution, and unsustainable coastal development, ensuring their sustained health and resilience. 

The Dutch Caribbean is home to unique island ecosystems facing challenges from overdevelopment, climate change, and other environmental pressures. Coastal ecosystems represent critically important areas, particularly in regards to their biodiversity, climate resilience, and cultural heritage. The proposed feasibility study seeks to bridge gaps in expertise, resources, and collaboration across all six of the Dutch Caribbean islands (Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, Saba, St. Maarten and St. Eustatius). 

GOALS 

(Black Mangrove roots- Photo credit-Henkjan Kievit (SHAPE-DCNA)-all rights reserved.)

The primary goal of the project is to conduct an in-depth feasibility study under the DCNA’s Conservation and Restoration of Key Habitats Program. Key components of the study include assessing the current status of mangroves and seagrass beds, stakeholder engagement, and conducting an overall resource assessment. 

 

NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS 

The study will focus on coastal area restoration, specifically targeting mangroves and seagrass beds in collaboration with Dutch Caribbean Park Organizations. The aim is to develop a nature-inclusive approach with nature-based solutions to enhance resilience and sustainability.  Overall, this project has two main objectives: 

  • Feasibility Study: Assess the viability of conservation efforts, including technical, financial, and human resource requirements. 
  • Knowledge Sharing & Capacity Building: Present findings, address knowledge gaps, and build capacity among Park Organizations for effective restoration initiatives. 

 

FORWARD PLANNING 

(Red mangroves and seagrass beds-Photo credit-Christian König (SHAPE-DCNA)- all rights reserved.)

The feasibility study’s success is crucial for creating a comprehensive understanding of coastal habitat conditions, fostering collaboration, and laying the groundwork for future restoration programs. By unifying efforts, the study aims to enhance communication, knowledge sharing, and resource utilization across all six islands.

(Green turtle feeding on sea grass. Photo credit- Kai Wulf- all rights reserved.)

DCNA 

The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) supports (science) communication and outreach in the Dutch Caribbean region by making nature-related scientific information more widely available through amongst others the Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database, DCNA’s news platform BioNews and the press. No rights can be derived from the content. DCNA is not liable for the content and the in(direct) impacts resulting from publishing this article.  

 

 

 

Een nieuw samenwerkingsverband tussen het Wereld Natuur Fonds-Nederland (WWF-NL), de Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) en Coastal Dynamics zal het voortouw nemen bij een initiatief om toekomstige instandhoudings- en herstelprojecten binnen de Nederlandse Caribische kustecosystemen te definiëren. Deze ambitieuze haalbaarheidsstudie, gecentreerd rond mangroven en zeegrasvelden, heeft tot doel een portfolio van toekomstgerichte projecten samen te stellen. Het doel is om deze gebieden te versterken tegen bedreigingen zoals klimaatverandering, vervuiling en niet-duurzame kustontwikkeling om zo hun gezondheid en veerkracht te waarborgen. 

De Nederlandse Cariben is de thuisbasis van unieke eilandecosystemen die worden geconfronteerd met uitdagingen door overontwikkeling, klimaatverandering en andere milieudrukken. Kustecosystemen vertegenwoordigen gebieden van cruciaal belang, met name met betrekking tot hun biodiversiteit, klimaatbestendigheid en cultureel erfgoed. De voorgestelde haalbaarheidsstudie is bedoeld om tekortkomingen in expertise, middelen en samenwerking op alle zes de Nederlands-Caribische eilanden (Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Saba, Sint Maarten en Sint Eustatius) te overbruggen. 

DOELEN 

(Black Mangrove roots- Photo credit-Henkjan Kievit (SHAPE-DCNA)-all rights reserved.)

Het primaire doel van het project is het uitvoeren van een haalbaarheidsstudie in het kader van het “Conservation and Restoration of Key Habitats” programma van DCNA. Belangrijke onderdelen van de studie zijn onder meer het beoordelen van de huidige status van mangroven en zeegrasvelden, het betrekken van belanghebbenden en het uitvoeren van een algemene beoordeling van de hulpbronnen. 

 

NATUUR GEBASEERDE OPLOSSINGEN 

Het onderzoek zal zich richten op het herstel van kustgebieden, specifiek gericht op mangroven en zeegrasvelden in samenwerking met Nederlands Caribische park organisaties. Het doel is om een natuur inclusieve aanpak te ontwikkelen met op de natuur gebaseerde oplossingen om de veerkracht en duurzaamheid te vergroten.  Dit project twee hoofddoelstellingen: 

  • Haalbaarheidsstudie: Beoordeling van de haalbaarheid van instandhoudingsinspanningen, inclusief technische, financiële en personele benodigdheden. 
  • Kennisdeling en capaciteitsopbouw: Het in kaart brengen van bevindingen, tekortkomingen in kennis en capaciteitsopbouw bij parkorganisaties voor effectieve herstelinitiatieven. 

 

VOORUITPLANNEN 

(Red mangroves and seagrass beds-Photo credit-Christian König (SHAPE-DCNA)- all rights reserved.)

Het succes van de haalbaarheidsstudie is cruciaal voor het creëren van een alomvattend begrip van de omstandigheden van kustecosystemen, het bevorderen van samenwerking en het leggen van de basis voor toekomstige herstelprogramma’s. Door de inspanningen te bundelen, heeft de studie tot doel de communicatie, het delen van kennis en het gebruik van hulpbronnen op alle zes de Nederlands Caribische eilanden te verbeteren. 

(Green turtle feeding on sea grass. Photo credit- Kai Wulf- all rights reserved.)

 

DCNA 

De Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA)ondersteunt (wetenschaps) communicatie en outreach in de Nederlandse Caribische regio door natuurgerelateerde wetenschappelijke informatie breder beschikbaar te maken via onder meer de Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database, DCNA’s nieuwsplatform BioNews en de pers. Aan de inhoud kunnen geen rechten worden ontleend. DCNA is niet aansprakelijk voor de inhoud en de indirecte gevolgen die voortvloeien uit het publiceren van dit artikel.  

 

 

 

Un  partnership nobo entre Wereld Natuur Fonds-Nederland (WWF-NL)Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) y Coastal Dynamics lo lidera un iniciativa pa defini futuro proyectonan di conservacion y restauracion den e habitatnan costero di Caribe Hulandes. E estudio ambicioso di viabilidad aki, cu ta concentra riba mata di mangel y cama di yerba di lama, tin como meta pa crea un portfolio di proyecto dirigi riba futuro. den e habitatnan costero di Caribe Hulandes. Centrado den mata di mangel y raderas marino, e ambicioso estudio di viabilidad aki tin como meta elabora una cartera di proyecto cu vision di futuro. E meta ta pa fortifica e areanan aki contra menasanan creciente manera cambio di clima, contaminacion y desaroyo di costa no sostenibel, sigurando nan salud duradero y nan resiliencia. 

Caribe Hulandes ta aloha ecosistemanan insular unico cu ta enfrenta retonan debi na desaroyo excesivo, cambio di clima y otro presion ambiental. E ecosistemanan di costa ta representa areanan di importancia critico, particularmente pa loke ta trata nan biodiversidad, resiliencia climatico y patrimonio cultural. E estudio di factibilidad proponi tin como meta  vence e brechanan den experiencia, recurso y colaboracion na e seis islanan Caribe Hulandes (Aruba, Corsou, Boneiro, Saba, St. Maarten y St. Eustatius). 

METANAN 

(Black Mangrove roots- credito di e potret: Henkjan Kievit (SHAPE-DCNA)-all rights reserved)

E meta principal di e proyecto ta pa ehecuta un estudio di factibilidad profundo den cuadro di e Programa di Conservacion y Restauracion di Habitadnan principal di DCNA. E componentenan principal di e estudio ta inclui evaluacion di e estado actual di e mata di mangelnan y e camponan di yerba di lama, participacion di e partinan interesa y realisacion di un evaluacion general di e recursonan. 

 

SOLUCIONNAN BASA RIBA NATURALESA 

E estudio lo enfoca riba restauracion di area di costa, specificamente dirigi riba e camponan di yerba di lama den colaboracion cu e organisacionnan di parke di Dutch Caribbean. E meta ta pa desaroya un enfoke cu ta inclui naturalesa cu solucionnan basa riba naturalesa pa mehora resiliencia y sostenibilidad. En general, e proyecto aki tin dos meta principal:  

Estudio di factibilidad: Evalua e factibilidad di e esfuersonan di conservacion, incluyendo e rekisitonan tecnico, financiero y di recursonan humano. 

Intercambio di conocemento y desaroyo di capacidad: presenta experiencianan, aborda brechanan di conocemento y desaroya capacidad entre e organisacionnan di parke pa iniciativo di restauracion efectivo. 

 

PLANIFICACION ANTICIPA 

(Red mangroves and seagrass beds. Credito di e potret:Christian König (SHAPE-DCNA)- all rights reserved. )

E exito di e estudio di factibilidad ta crucial pa crea un comprension integral di e condicionnan di e habitad di cota, fomenta colaboracion y pone e basenan pa futuro programa di restauracion. Door di uni esfuerso, e estudio tin como meta mehora comunicacion, intercambio di conocemento y uzo di recurso na e seis islanan. 

 

DCNA 

(Tortuga blanku. Credito di e potret: Kai Wulf- all rights reserved.)

Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA)ta sostene comunicacion (cientifico) y  divulgacion den region di Caribe Hulandes door di percura cu e informacion cientifico relaciona cu naturalesa ta ampliamente disponibel a traves di entre otro, Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database, e plataforma di noticia BioNews di DCNA y prensa. DCNA no ta responsabel pa e contenido y e impactonan indirecto cu resulta di e publicacion di e articulo aki.  

 

 

Un laso di kolaborashon nobo entre Wereld Natuur Fonds – Hulanda (WWF-NL)Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) i Coastal Dynamicslo kana dilanti den un inisiativa pa definí futuro proyektonan di konservashon i restorashon dentro di e habitatnan na kosta di e área hulandes karibense. E estudio di faktibilidat ambisioso akí, ku ta konsentrá rònt di palu di mangel i kama di yerba di laman, tin komo meta pa kompilá un portofolio di proyekto ku enfoke riba futuro. E meta ta pa fortifiká e áreanan akí kontra menasanan ku ta eskalando, manera kambio di klima, kontaminashon i desaroyo no-sostenibel di kosta, di manera ku den un forma duradero nan ta keda salú i resiliente. 

Àrea karibense ta hospedá ekosistemanan úniko ku ta enfrentá desafionan manera konsekuensia di sobredesaroyo, kambio di klima i otro formanan di preshon riba medio ambiente. Ekosistemanan na kosta ta representá áreanan di importansia krusial, prinsipalmente ora ta trata di nan biodiversidat, resiliensia klimátiko i patrimonio kultural. E estudio di faktibilidat proponé tin komo meta pa yena e burakunan ku tin riba tereno di ekspertisio, rekurso i kolaborashon na tur e seis islanan di Karibe Hulandes (Aruba, Kòrsou, Boneiru, Saba, Sint Maarten i Sint Eustatius). 

META 

(Black Mangrove roots- Fuente di foto -Henkjan Kievit (SHAPE-DCNA)-all rights reserved.)

E meta prinsipal di e proyekto ta ehekushon di un estudio di faktibilidat profundo den kuadro di DCNA su Programa di Konservashon i Restorashon di Habitatnan Mas Importante. E partinan mas importante di e investigashon ta entre otro evaluashon di e estado aktual di palu di mangel i kama di yerba di laman, enbolbimentu di stakeholdernan i realisashon di un evaluashon general di e rekursonan. 

 

SOLUSHON BASÁ RIBA NATURALESA 

E investigashon ta bai dirigí su mes riba restorashon di áreanan di kosta, ku un enfoke spesífiko riba palu di mangel i kama di yerba di laman, den kolaborashon ku organisashonnan di parke di Karibe Hulandes. E meta ta pa desaroyá un aserkamentu naturalesa-inklusivo ku solushonnan basá riba naturalesa pa oumentá resiliensia i sostenibilidat. En general e proyekto akí tin dos ophetivo prinsipal: 

  • Estudio di faktibilidat: Evaluá viabilidat di esfuersonan di konservashon di naturalesa, inkluso eksigensianan tékniko, finansiero i di rekurso humano. 
  • Kompartí konosementu i desaroyá kapasidat: Presentá konklushonnan, atendé ku falta di konosementu i desaroyá kapasidat serka organisashonnan di parke pa inisiativanan efektivo di restorashon. 

 

PLANIFIKASHON ADELANTÁ 

(Red mangroves and seagrass beds. Fuente di foto -Christian König (SHAPE-DCNA)- all rights reserved.)

Éksito di e estudio di faktibilidat ta krusial pa krea un komprendementu integral di kondishon di e habitatnan na kosta, pa promové kolaborashon i  pa pone un base pa futuro programanan di restorashon. Pa medio di uni esfuerso, e investigashon ke mehorá komunikashon, interkambio di konosementu i uso di rekurso na tur e seis islanan. 

(Tortuga blanku. Fuente di foto: Kai Wulf- all rights reserved.)

 

DCNA

Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA)ta sostené komunikashon (sientífiko) i ‘outreach’ den region hulandes karibense pa medio di hasi informashon sientífiko relashoná ku naturalesa mas ampliamente disponibel via entre otro Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database, DCNA su plataforma di notisia BioNews  i via prensa. No por derivá ningun derecho for di e kontenido. DCNA no ta responsabel pa e kontenido i e konsekuensianan (in)direkto ku ta surgi for di publikashon di e artíkulo akí.    

 

 

 

Published in BioNews 70

 

Date
2023
Data type
Other resources
Theme
Governance
Research and monitoring
Geographic location
Aruba
Bonaire
Curacao
Saba
Saba bank
St. Eustatius
St. Maarten
Author

The invasive octocoral Unomia stolonifera (Alcyonacea, Xeniidae)is dominating the benthos in the Southeastern Caribbean Sea

Abstract. The Indo-Pacific octocoral Xenia sp. has been reported as a successful invasive species of the Venezuelan coral reefs (Southeastern Caribbean Sea), and the first xeniid octocoral
with such invasive properties. This taxon has been recently identified, and assigned to a new genus and combination as Unomia stolonifera. Since its first appearance there, it has dispersed
along the shallow reefs, overgrowing any hard substrate, including corals and seagrass. Quantitative surveys revealed that U. stolonifera dominated all studied sites, featuring an average
percentage cover of 30 - 80%, far above that of the native corals or any other benthic taxa. An inverse relationship exists between the loss of diversity and the reduction in coral cover. The
spread of U. stolonifera in places where it has become established while displacing native benthic species and leads to a decrease in diversity and evenness of the benthic communities.
Dispersal of the invasive along the reefs has been intensified by drifting colonies, by colonies settled on detached Thalassia testudinum fragments and, additionally, by colonies entangled
on fish nets and consequently translocated. The present study explicitly demonstrates that this intensifying invasion is causing severe ecological damage to the Venezuelan reefs. Consequently, Unomia stolonifera, should be considered harmful invasive species that requires monitoring and management programs in the vicinity of already invaded reefs. The current
study highlights the ecological consequences of this new invasive species.

Date
2021
Data type
Scientific article
Theme
Research and monitoring

2023 Tropical Restoration Workshop Report

After the 2021 Workshop on Mangrove Restoration held on Bonaire, Jessica Johnson (Coastal Dynamics; Bonaire), Jimena Samper Villareal (Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología (CIMAR) of the University of Costa Rica (UCR)) and Sabine Engel (Internos/Mangrove Maniacs; Bonaire) joined forces to establish the Tropical Restoration Network. The aim of this network is to provide a platform for the collaboration and methodological harmonization of the many efforts for restoration of blue carbon habitats, focused on seagrasses and mangroves, in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and Eastern Tropical Pacific region.

 

Building off the momentum of the 2021 Workshop, a follow on Tropical Restoration Workshop was planned for 6-8 June 2023 hosted by the University of Costa Rica in San Jose. Participants from across the region were invited to attend, either virtually or in person

Date
2023
Data type
Other resources
Theme
Education and outreach
Research and monitoring
Geographic location
Aruba
Bonaire
Curacao
Saba
St. Eustatius
St. Maarten

Mangrove and Seagrass Restoration on Bonaire

Summary
Vegetated coastal ecosystems provide important ecosystem services on which humans depend. Mangrove and seagrass ecosystems function as a nursery for fish, sequester large amounts of carbon and protect our coasts. Mangroves and seagrasses worldwide are threatened by human disturbances like coastal development, tourism, pollution, and climate change. Therefore, the protection of these valuable ecosystems is crucial and understanding underlying dynamics becomes increasingly important. Monitoring restoration efforts of mangroves and seagrasses provides more knowledge on effective restoration measures. On the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire, both large areas of mangrove forest and seagrass beds are present. Nature organisations like Mangrove Maniacs and STINAPA work together on mangrove and seagrass restoration. However, there are still knowledge gaps on the most suitable restoration measures for certain areas and there is a lack of monitoring. Therefore, this four month professional internship with Mangrove Maniacs focussed on monitoring mangrove and seagrass restoration efforts. In consultation with the internship host, activities included monitoring a new mangrove restoration pilot in the mangrove forest of Lac Bay, a reforestation area near Lac Bay and a new seagrass restoration experiment at Klein Bonaire. Besides, helping to set up a regional blue carbon network, analysing data and conducting a literature review were also part of this internship, next to joining the weekly Tuesday morning of channel maintenance with the Mangrove Maniacs. With this internship research, I was able to provide new insights on mangrove and seagrass restoration on Bonaire which could help steering future research and restoration plans of the host organisation.

Date
2023
Data type
Research report
Theme
Research and monitoring
Report number
Internship Report
Geographic location
Bonaire

SUSTAINING SEAGRASS: A THESIS ON STRESS FACTORS AND RESTORATION TECHNIQUES

Abstract
Seagrass meadows provide essential ecosystem services. However, seagrass cover has decreased the past decades, due to climate change and other disturbing factors. To ascertain coastal stability, biodiversity and ecological well-faring, seagrass meadows need to be restored. In this thesis, we unfold complex interactions that need to be taken into account during such restoration projects.

In particular, this study explores the spatial distribution and factors influencing seagrass cover in Lac Bay, Bonaire, with a focus on the interactions between turtle grazing, bioturbation, invasive seagrass (Halophila stipulacea), and native seagrass (Thalassia testudinum). The observational study reveals competition between the two seagrass species, as well as the negative impact of high grazing pressure and bioturbation on T. testudinum. A linear mixed model identifies significant predictors for T. testudinum cover, including macroalgae cover, turtle grazing pressure, H. stipulacea cover, and mound cover. Additionally, a negative influence between H. stipulacea and T. testudinum is observed. Bioturbation is found to negatively affect T. testudinum but does not significantly impact H. stipulacea. The experimental study investigates the effect of bioturbation on seagrass growth using different planting techniques, indicating that transplanting T. testudinum fragments can be successful for restoration. However, no significant differences are found between lattice and mesh treatments. The study concludes that the complex interactions between these factors contribute to the decline of T. testudinum and the proliferation of H. stipulacea. Future research is suggested to further investigate these interactions and evaluate the long-term effects of bioturbation and planting techniques on seagrass growth. The findings emphasize the importance of considering multiple variables when studying seagrass ecosystems and propose transplanting as a potential restoration measure in areas with high bioturbation.

Date
2022
Data type
Research report
Report number
Thesis number: 2022 M64
Geographic location
Bonaire
Author

Seagrass ecosystem metabolic carbon capture in response to green turtle grazing across Caribbean meadows, 2016 - 2018

This dataset contains ecosystem metabolism and seagrass meadow data from five locations in the Greater Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico regions at which green turtle populations had established foraging areas. Ecosystem metabolic rates were compared between grazed and adjacent ungrazed areas of seagrass (Thalassia testudinum) to investigate the effects of green turtle grazing on metabolic carbon capture rates in seagrass meadows across a wide geographic area. Seagrass data are provided for site descriptions and drivers of variation in metabolic rates. Ecosystem metabolic rates are also included for meadows of the invasive seagrass Halophila stipulacea from two locations for comparison to rates in the native seagrass meadows where this invasive seagrass is encroaching upon green turtle foraging areas. Data were collected from one location (Little Cayman) in 2016, and from the remaining four locations (Bonaire; St. Croix; Eleuthera, Bahamas; west coast of Florida) in 2018.

Date
2019
Data type
Raw data
Theme
Research and monitoring
Geographic location
Bonaire

Dutch Minister for Climate and Energy visits the mangrove forests of Bonaire

Dutch, Papiamento, and Papiamentu below

On Tuesday, May 9th, 2023, the Minister for Climate and Energy, Drs. Rob Jetten, and his delegation visited Bonaire’s mangrove forest at Lac Bay. He was received by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and the Mangrove Maniacs Foundation that gave him a tour. He learned about the forest and the mangrove restoration taking place as well as the seagrass and coral restoration efforts by STINAPA. The Minister also got into the mud helping the volunteers with opening a channel.  

Minister Jetten and DCNA director Arno Verhoeven. Photo credit: Casper Douma / DCNA

Mangrove ecosystems are very important for biodiversity and strengthen coastal areas against extreme weather conditions. They are important for tourism and fishery, and they are true carbon storage champions. Together with sea grass and wetlands, mangroves can play an important role in nature-based solutions to climate change, both in adaptation and mitigation strategies.  

The mangrove forest on Bonaire, the largest of the Kingdom, is struggling. Erosion and siltation cause bad water quality – including high salinity. This has resulted in continuing die offs of mangrove trees. Based on fisherman’s knowledge, satellite imagery, and local research, the Mangrove Maniacs open up channels to restore water circulation. A tough job, hence, their name ‘Maniacs’. In the last 10 years, the volunteers have already maintained more than 3km of channels by hand.  

The Minister for Climate and Energy, Drs. Rob Jetten, is co-hosting the Caribbean Climate & Energy Conference on Aruba from the 10th to the 12th of May. Before traveling there, he visited Bonaire. On the 9th of May 2023, the Mangrove Maniacs and the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) escorted the Minister and his delegation on a tour through Bonaire’s mangrove forest in Lac Bay. During this tour, the Minister and the two organizations discussed the importance of mangrove forests, the stress the trees experience, and the need for mangrove and seagrass restoration. Not just for Bonaire, but also for the other five Dutch Caribbean islands. 

Globally, research is being conducted into how mangroves, sea grass, coral and wetlands can play a role in tackling the climate crisis. Through the local park management organizations and many other local NGOs in conservation, the Dutch Caribbean islands already possess a lot of knowledge and expertise on these ecosystems, how they can be restored, and how they can be used in climate mitigation and adaptation. The DCNA emphasized, however, that capacity building and structural financing is necessary and that cooperation between and with the six Dutch Caribbean islands is key.   

Minister Jetten working in the mangroves. Photo credit: Casper Douma / DCNA

Besides the fruitful conversations between the Minister and his delegation, the Mangrove Maniacs, and the DCNA, the Minister also got his hands ‘dirty’ while helping the volunteers of the Mangrove Maniacs with opening a channel.  


 

 

Op dinsdag 9 mei 2023 bezocht de Minister van Klimaat en Energie, drs. Rob Jetten, samen met zijn delegatie het mangrovebos van Bonaire in Lac Bay. Hij werd begeleid door de Mangrove Maniacs en de Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA), die hem rondleidden en uitleg gaven over het belangrijke werk van mangroveherstel door de Mangrove Maniacs. Ook het zeegras- en koraalherstel in het gebied door STINAPA werd onder de aandacht gebracht. De minister stak ook zijn handen uit de mouwen toen hij de vrijwilligers van de Mangrove Maniacs hielp bij het openen van een kanaal. 

Minister Jetten en DCNA director Arno Verhoeven. Foto: DCNA

Mangrove-ecosystemen zijn erg belangrijk voor de biodiversiteit en spelen een rol in het versterken van kustgebieden tegen extreme weersomstandigheden. Ze zijn belangrijk voor toerisme en visserij en ze zijn echte kampioenen in koolstofopslag. Samen met zeegras en wetlands kunnen mangroven een belangrijke rol spelen in op natuur gebaseerde oplossingen voor klimaatverandering, zowel in aanpassings- als mitigatiestrategieën. 

Maar het mangrovebos op Bonaire, het grootste van het Koninkrijk, heeft het moeilijk. Erosie en verzanding hebben een slechte invloed op de waterkwaliteit – zo veroorzaakt het een hoog zoutgehalte. Dit heeft geresulteerd in een voortdurende afsterving van mangrovebomen. Op basis van de kennis van vissers, satellietbeelden en lokaal onderzoek openen de Mangrove Maniacs kanalen om de watercirculatie te herstellen. Een zware klus, vandaar hun naam ‘Maniacs’. In de afgelopen 10 jaar hebben de vrijwilligers al meer dan drie kilometeraan kanaal met de hand onderhouden. 

De Minister voor Klimaat en Energie, drs. Rob Jetten is van 10 tot en met 12 mei mede-gastheer van de Caribische Klimaat & Energie Conferentie op Aruba. Voor zijn reis naar Aruba, bezocht hij Bonaire. Op 9 mei 2023 begeleidden de Mangrove Maniacs en de Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) de minister en zijn delegatie op een tour door het mangrovebos van Bonaire in Lac Bay. Tijdens deze rondleiding bespraken de minister en de twee organisaties het belang van mangrovebossen, de druk die de bossen ervaren en de noodzaak van mangroveherstel. Niet alleen voor Bonaire, maar ook voor de andere Caribische eilanden van het Koninkrijk waar mangroven voorkomen. 

Wereldwijd wordt onderzocht hoe mangroven, zeegras, koraal en wetlands een rol kunnen spelen bij het aanpakken van de klimaatcrisis. Natuurbeheerorganisaties en de vele lokale ngo’s  zorgen er voor dat er op de eilanden al over veel kennis en expertise over deze ecosystemen kan worden beschikt. Wat is er mogelijk en wat moet er gebeuren? Vooral zogenaamde nature based solutions kunnen een belangrijke rol spelen bij klimaatadaptatie. Zeker om dat de natuur al een cruciale rol speelt in vrijwel alle facetten van het leven op de eilanden. Tijdens de ontmoeting, benadrukte de DCNA dat capaciteitsopbouw en structurele financiering echter noodzakelijk zijn en dat samenwerking tussen en met de zes Nederlands Caribische eilanden centraal moet staan. 

Minister Jetten working in the mangroves. Foto: DCNA

Naast de vruchtbare gesprekken tussen de minister en zijn delegatie, de Mangrove Maniacs, en de DCNA, heeft de minister ook de handen uit de mouwen gestoken en hielp hij de vrijwilligers van de Mangrove Maniacs bij het openen van een kanaal. 


 

 

Diamars dia 9 di mei 2023 Minister di Clima y Energia, Drs. Rob Jetten hunto cu su delegacion a bishita e mondi di palo di mangel di Boneiro na Lac Baai. El a wordo compaña pa Mangrove Maniacs y Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA), kendenan a mustr’e e alrededornan y a splica tocante e trabou importante di restauracion di e palo di mangelnan door di Mangrove Maniacs y restauracion di lima di lama door di STINAPA y e importancia di conservacion di naturalesa en general. E minister tambe a saca man yuda e boluntarionan di Mangrove Maniacs habri un canal.  

Minister Jetten and DCNA director Arno Verhoeven. Foto: DCNA

Ecosistema di palo di mangel ta masha importante pa biodiversidad y ta fortalece e zonanan di costa contra condicion climatico extremo. Nan ta importante pa turismo y pesca, y ta berdadero campeon den almacenamento di carbon. Hunto cu lima di lama y e humedalnan, e palo di mangelnan por desempeña un papel importante den solucion di cambio climatico basa riba naturalesa, tanto den strategia di adaptacion como di mitigacion.  

Pero e mondi di palo di mangel na Boneiro, esun mas grandi di Reino, tin e dificil. Erosion y sedimentacion ta provoca un mal calidad di awa, incluyendo un nivel halto di salo. Esaki a resulta den murimento continuo di palo di mangel. Basa riba conocemento di e piscadonan, imagen di satelite y investigacion local, Mangrove Maniacs ta habri canal pa restaura circulacion di awa. Un trabou duro, door di esey e nomber “Maniacs”. Den e ultimo 10 añanan e boluntarionan ya a mantene mas di 3 km di canal cu man.  

Minister di Clima y Energia, Drs. Rob Jetten, ta coanfitrion di e Conferencia Caribense di Clima y Energia na Aruba di dia 10 pa 12 di mei. Prome di biaha bay eynan, el a bishita Boneiro. Dia 9 di mei di 2023 Mangrove Maniacs y Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) a compaña Minister y su delegacion den un recorido door di e mondinan di palo di mangel di Boneiro na Lac Baai. Durante e gira aki Minister y e dos organisacionnan a discuti importancia di e mondinan di palo di mangel, e presion cu e matanan ta experimenta y e necesidad pa restaura e palonan di mangel. No solamente pa Boneiro, sino tambe pa e otro islanan di Caribe Hulandes den cuanan bo ta haya mata di mangel.  

Na nivel mundial, nan ta realisando investigacion tocante con e palo di mangelnan, e limanan di lama y e humedales por desempeña un papel den e lucha contra e crisis climatico. Entre e organisacionnan di maneho di parke y otro organisacion di conservacion, e islanan di Caribe Hulandes ya ta posee hopi conocemento y experencia tocante e ecosistemanan aki, con por restaura nan y con por uza nan den mitigacion y adaptacion climatico. Sinembargo, DCNA a enfatisa cu desaroyo di e capacidadnan y financiamiento structural ta necesario y cu e cooperacion entre y cu e seis islanan di Caribe Hulandes ta central.  

Minister Jetten working in the mangroves. Foto: DCNA

Ademas di e combersacionnan fructifero entre e Minister y su delegacion, Mangrove Maniacs y DCNA, e Minister tambe a saca man, yuda e boluntarionan di Mangrove Maniacs habri un canal.  


 

 

Riba djamars 9 di mei 2023, e Minister di Klima i Energia, Drs. Rob Jetten, huntu ku su delegashon a bishitá e mondinan di palu di mangel di Boneiru na Bahia di Lac. E tabata kompañá pa The Mangrove Maniacs i Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA), ku a duna un guia na e sitio i tambe un splikashon di e trabou importante di restorashon di mondi di palu di mangel ku The Mangrove Maniacs ta hasi i e restorashon di yerba di laman ku ta na enkargo di STINAPA i e importansia di konservashon di naturalesa en general. E Minister a pone man na obra tambe dunando asistensia na e boluntarionan di The Mangrove Maniacs den nan trabou sushi di habri un kanal den lodo. 

Minister Jetten and DCNA director Arno Verhoeven. Foto: DCNA

E ekosistemanan di Palu di mangel ta hopi importante pa biodiversidat i pa fortalesé áreanan na kosta kontra kondishonnan ekstremo di wer. Nan ta hopi importante pa turismo i peska, i nan ta un mangasina kampion pa almasená karbon. Huntu ku yerba di laman i áreanan akuátiko, palu di mangelnan por tin un papel importante den solushonnan basá riba naturalesa pa kambio di klima, tantu den strategianan di adaptashon komo den strategia di suavisá. 

E mondi di palu di mangel na Boneiru, ku ta esun di mas grandi den Reino hulandes, ta luchando pa sobrebibí. Eroshon i oumentu di sedimento ta kousa mal kalidat di awa – inkluso grado haltu di salu. Esaki a duna resultado ku palu di mangelnan ta muri bai kontinuamente. Basá riba konosementu di piskadó, mapanan di satélite, i investigashon lokal; The Mangrove Maniacs ta koba lodo pa habri kanal pa por restorá sirkulashon di awa. Un trabou duru, no ta pa nada e nòmber ‘Maniacs’. Den e último 10 añanan, e boluntarionan a logra kaba di habri mas ku 3 km di kanal ku trabou na man. 

E Minister di Klima I Energia, Drs. Rob Jetten, ta kompartí e funshon di anfitrion di e Caribbean Climate & Energy Conference na Aruba di 10 pa 12 di mei. Promé di biaha pa Aruba, el a bishitá Boneiru. Riba 9 di mei 2023 The Mangrove Maniacs ku Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) a duna e Minister ku su delegashon un eskurshon rònt di e mondinan di palu di mangel di Boneiru den Bahia di Lac. Durante e eskurshon, e Minister huntu ku e dos organisashonnan a diskutí e importansia di mondi di palu di mangel, e strès ku e palunan ta eksperensiá, i e nesesidat pa restorashon di palu di mangel. No solamente pa Boneiru, pero tambe pa e otro islanan di Hulanda Karibense ku tin palu di mangel. 

Na nivel global, ta hasiendo investigashon pa wak kon palu di mangel, yerba di laman i área akuátiko por hunga un papel den atendé ku e krísis di klima. Denter di e organisashonnan di maneho di parke natural i otro organisashon di konservashon di naturalesa, e islanan di Hulanda Karibense tin kaba hopi konosementu i ekspertisio di e ekosistemanan akí den nan man, tokante kon pa restorá nan i kon por usa nan den suavisá i adaptá kambio di klima. DCNA sinembargo a enfatisá, ku krea kapasidat i finansiamentu struktural ta nesesario i ku koperashon entre e seis islanan di Hulanda Karibense ta importante.  

Minister Jetten working in the mangroves. Foto: DCNA

Fuera di e kombersashonnan fruktífero entre e Minister i su delegashon, ku The Mangrove Maniacs, i DCNA, e Minister a pone tambe man na obra sushi di lodo pa asistí e boluntarionan di The Mangrove Maniacs den kobamentu pa habri un kanal. 

 

 

Published in BioNews 65

Date
2023
Data type
Media
Theme
Governance
Education and outreach
Geographic location
Bonaire
Author

Report on seagrass and Halimeda monitoring in Lac Bay 2022

4. Discussion and Recommendations
Seagrass

Overall, there has been a decrease in the native species of T. testudinum and an increase in the invasive species H. stipulacea. S. filliforme populations appear to be stable, with a slight increase in coverage. Native seagrass Thalassia testudinum (Tt) has had an overall decrease in coverage from 48.78% in 2011 to 20.61% in 2022 . Over this same time period there has been a slight
increase in native seagrass Syringodium filiforme, from 3.85% in 2011 to 6.44% in 2022.

Lastly, there has been an alarming increase in the invasive seagrass Halophila stipulacea, growing from 6.01% in 2011 to 35.24% in 2022. A table with the annual averages for the three seagrasses can be found below in Table 1.

Sargassum has been an issue within Lac Bay, with several of the survey sites being locations where decaying sargassum has created a thick mat, which in most cases was slowly removed with the tide. Physical impact of the sargassum landings can be seen by the seagrass dieback all along the mangrove border from the south until just north of Punto Kalbas. This is noticeable at G.
Additionally, at location E, a very fluffy sediment was found to be covering the substrate. A likely explanation is that this is the result of decomposed sargassum settling at this site. The overall cover by all species together seems to be stable, but in terms of biomass it would appear to be lower. The ecosystem services provided by Halophila stipulacea are significantly lower than those of
Thalassia testudinum due to its shallow root structure (Smulders et al., 2017) and the fact that it is less nutrient rich than native seagrass species (Boman et al., 2019). The shift towards this nonnative species is of concern and should be closely monitored.

 

Benthic Species
Since 2018 Halimeda species and in 2022 bioturbation observations were added to the methodology of these surveys. Although bioturbators were noted in 2020, they were not quantified in such a way to allow objective, quantitative comparisons moving forward. Overall cover by Halimeda seems to have decreased but a longer time series is required to draw more definitive conclusions.
Two students have looked into carbonate sand production by Halimeda during the Lac Ecological Restoration project: Laura Timmermans (2018) and Valeria Pesch (2019). Results from these studies were inconclusive, highlighting the need for additional research to fully understand the contribution of Halimeda to carbonate sands and infilling of the bay.

In addition, more information is needed on the influence of eutrophication (Slijkerman et al., 2011) on this process. Table 2 below shows the overall averages for both species of Halimeda from 2018 to 2022. Table 2: Overall Halimeda averages between 2018 and 2022.

Sand particles size in Lac was measured during the Conch Stock Restoration project. Largerfractions often show Halimeda segments next to small shells and other carbonate particles(Figure 5). For this reason, it is believed thatHalimeda sp.are a major contributor of sandwithin the bay.

Sediments have been analyzed for carbonate content in several other studies such as theEHLZK projectand duringthe baseline surveys conducted in 2012 (Debrot et al, 2012).Although the findings have not been published, the data showed that sediments towards thecenter of the bay have a higher CaCO3content, and the distribution sand, silt, clay changes(Appendix VI). In addition, it was foundthat terrigenous sediments were most prevalent alongthe borders of Lac-mainly in the northwestern sector, whereas endogenous sediments werefound in the central part of the bay and towards the reef. 

Bioturbators have also been added to recent surveys as it is believed to be important as itmay cause a loss of sequestered carbon, and new sediment may facilitate settlement ofH.stipulacea. Bioturbators are considered to be ecosystem engineers, changing the substratelandscape.Common bioturbators are callianassid (burrowing ghost) shrimp, the lugworm,mantis shrimp and the burrowing sea cucumber.

 

Date
2022
Data type
Research report
Theme
Research and monitoring
Geographic location
Bonaire

Report on seagrass and Halimeda monitoring in Lac Bay 2020

Historical Data and Background

The first known qualitative seagrass survey in Lac Bay was conducted in 1969. Sincethen, additional quantitative surveys were conducted in 1999 and 2007 and on a regularbasis since 2011 (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2018,2019, 2020).After each survey, raw dataforseagrass observationswereuploaded to the DutchCaribbeanBiodiversityDatabase (DCBD)and have beenreferenced innumerouspublications, most notably the seagrassandsea turtle research byChristianen andSmulders from Wageningen University and Research (WUR).In 2010, the invasive speciesHalophila stipulaceawas first documented in Lac Bay, andhas continued to spread since. This is a concern as this species is fast growing andhas been known to outcompete local species of seagrasses. If left unchecked,Halophila stipulaceais a threat to native seagrasses and the species of which dependon it (such as green turtle and queen conch).

Discussion

In recent monitoring (2019, 2020) pictures were taken of all quadrants surveyed as wellas of the surroundingarea.SeagrassOverall, there has been a decrease in the native species ofT. testudinumand anincrease in the invasive speciesH. stipulacea. S. filliformepopulations appeartobe stable, with a slight increase in coverage.Sargassum has been an issue within Lac Bay, with several of the survey sites beinglocations where decaying sargassum has created a thick mat, which in most cases wasslowly removed with the tide. Two ofthese sites, Locations A and G were completelycovered by sargassum. Physical repercussions of the sargassum landings can be seenby the seagrass dieback all along the mangrove border from the south until just north ofPunto Kalba.Additionally, at location E, a very fluffy sediment was found to be covering the substrate.A likely explanation is that this is the result of decomposed sargassum settling at thissite.The overall cover by all species together seems to be stable, but in terms of biomass itwould appear to be lower. The ecosystem services provided byHalophila stipulaceaaresignificantly lower than those ofThalassia testudinumdue to its shallow root structure(Smulders et al., 2017) and the fact that it is less nutrient rich than native seagrassspecies (Boman et al., 2019).The shift towards this nonnative species is of concern andshould be closely monitored.

Halimeda

Since 2018 Halimeda species and bioturbation observations were added to themethodology of these surveys. 2020Data onHalimeda sp.occurrence can be found inAppendix III.Overall cover by Halimeda seems to have decreasedbut a longer time series isrequired to draw more definitive conclusions. Two students have looked into carbonatesand production by Halimeda during theLac Ecological Restoration project: LauraTimmermans (2018)and Valeria Pesch (2019). Results from these studies wereinconclusive, highlighting the need for additional research to fully understand thecontribution of Halimeda to carbonate sands and infilling of the bay. In addition, moreinformation is needed on the influence of eutrophication (Slijkerman et al., 2011) on thisprocess.

Sand particles size in Lac was measured during the Conch Stock Restoration project.Larger fractions often show Halimeda segments next to small shells and othercarbonate particles (Figure 5). For this reason, it is believed thatHalimeda sp.are amajorcontributor of sand within the bay.Sediments have been analyzed for carbonate content in several other studies such asthe EHLZK project and during the baseline surveys conducted in 2012 (Debrot et al,2012). Although the findings have not been published, the data showed that sedimentstowards the center of the bay have a higher CaCO3content, and the distribution sand,silt, clay changes (Appendix V). In addition, it was found that terrigenous sedimentswere most prevalent along the borders of Lac-mainly in the northwestern sector,whereas endogenous sediments were found in the central part of the bay and towardsthe reef.

 

Bioturbators

Bioturbators have also been added to recent surveys as it is believed to be important asit may cause a loss of sequestered carbon, and new sediment may facilitate settlementofH. stipulacea. Bioturbators are considered to be ecosystem engineers, changingthesubstrate landscape. Common bioturbators are callianassid (burrowing ghost) shrimp,the lugworm, mantis shrimp and the burrowing sea cucumber. To date, surveys haveonly included rough estimates as to the number of mounds per square meter.After discussing this issue among local researchers, it has been decided to amend theprotocol for next year to count all mounds in the same quadrant as the seagrass cover.If more than half of the mound falls out of the quadrant the mound will not be counted

 

Date
2020
Data type
Research report
Theme
Research and monitoring
Geographic location
Bonaire

Superior growth traits of invaded (Caribbean) versus native (Red sea) populations of the seagrass Halophila stipulacea

Abstract

The seagrass Halophila stipulacea is native to the Red Sea. It invaded the Mediterranean over the past century and most of the Caribbean over the last two decades. Understanding the main drivers behind the successful invasiveness of H. stipulacea has become crucial. We performed a comprehensive study including field measurements, a mesocosm experiment, and a literature review to identify ‘superior growth traits’ that can potentially explain the success story of H. stipulacea. We assessed meadow characteristics and plant traits of three invasive H. stipulacea populations growing off the Island of Sint Eustatius (eastern Caribbean). We compared similar parameters between native (Eilat, northern Red Sea) and invasive (Caribbean) H. stipulacea plants in a common-garden mesocosm. Lastly, we compared our field measurements with published data. The newly arrived H. stipulacea plants from St. Eustatius were characterized by higher percent cover, higher below- and above-ground biomasses, more apical shoots, and faster leaf turnover rates than those measured in both native and older invaded habitats. These results were further confirmed by the mesocosm experiment where the invasive H. stipulacea plants grew faster and developed more apical shoots than the native plants. Results suggest that increased growth vigour is one of the main invasive traits that characterize successful invasive H. stipulacea populations in the Caribbean and potentially in other invaded areas. We encourage long-term monitoring of H. stipulacea in both native and invaded habitats to better understand the future spread of this species and its impacts on communities and their ecosystem functions and services.

Date
2023
Data type
Scientific article
Theme
Research and monitoring
Geographic location
St. Eustatius