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ISSUE 13 - 2018
BIONEwS
BIONEWS ISSUE 13
Editor’s Letter Dutch Caribbean, May 2018
2 Editor’s Letter The threat of invasive species is a recurring topic Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB) has con-
in BioNews, and for good reason, since invasive ducted standardized in-water surveys and tagging
3 Urgent Conservation Action species pose a significant threat to the natural programs since 2003 to gather vital information on
Needed To Save The Lesser environment and native species on our islands. turtle abundance and distribution as well as annual
Antillean Iguana New work from St. Eustatius highlights the population estimates. In order to optimize their
escalating threat to the endemic Lesser Antillean survey methodology and improve protection of
6 NICO Expedition: iguana (Iguana delicatissima) by non-native Green the island’s sea turtles, STCB is now introducing a
Mapping The Sea Bottom iguana (Iguana iguana). A study by RAVON has new and improved research methodology, which
revealed evidence of hybridization between Lesser will include randomized repeat surveys to improve
9 New Sea Turtle Antillean iguanas and non-native Green iguanas, data robustness.
Monitoring Methods which threatens the genetic integrity and longer-
term survival of the native iguana. Last but by no means least, we are excited to pre-
11 POP Bonaire: Rural Development sent an overview of Bonaire’s Rural Development
Program: 2014-2018 Research is a key component of conservation Program (POP Bonaire). Funded by the Dutch
efforts in the Dutch Caribbean. In this edition of Ministry of Agriculture’s “Nature Fund”, this
14 Research Overview BioNews, we report on advances in marine map- important initiative aims to revitalize Bonaire’s
ping and the availability of detailed bathymetric rural areas through entrepreneurship, self-reliance
16 Long-Term Projects Overview data for the leeward islands. Scientists aboard and sustainable agriculture. The key components
the NIOZ research vessel “R.V Pelagia” have of the project: sustainable goat husbandry, rural
24 Monitoring Overview been gathering data on Bonaire and Curaçao’s tourism development, strengthening of entre-
mesophotic reefs, which required more accurate preneurship and the future establishment of an
27 List of Acronyms bathymetric maps than were currently available in important knowledge centre are presented here.
order to locate these deep reefs. Dr. Henk de Haas
28 Reports and Publications (NIOZ) was able to produce detailed bathymetric
maps of the deep-water environment around the Happy reading!
29 Calendar islands thanks to state of the art equipment, The DCNA Team
which generates fast and accurate measurements
30 Members and Contact of the sea floor.
Cover photo by: © Thijs van den Burg
31 References & Editor’s Letter photo by: © Jannie Koning
BioNews 13 - Content 2 3 4 5 6 ...Photo by: ©Thijs van den Burg
Urgent Conservation Action Needed To Save The Lesser Antillean Iguana
By Thijs van den Burg
The Lesser Antillean Iguana is an endangered endemic has led to the discovery and capture of eight hybrid
reptile found in the Lesser Antilles whose population individuals to date in addition to two Green Iguanas.
is rapidly decreasing. Although once also found on St. The Green Iguanas arrived by boat from St. Maarten,
Maarten, St. Eustatius is currently the last stronghold in which is home to large numbers of these non-native
the Dutch Kingdom of this tree-dwelling iguana. Recent reptiles. The size variation of the hybrids indicates that
events could change its fate. a minimum of two hybrid nests have successfully hatched
on St. Eustatius. It is therefore extremely likely that more
Early 2014 RAVON and STENAPA launched efforts to hybrid iguanas are present.
study and conserve the remaining population of the Lesser
Antillean Iguana (Iguana delicatissima) on St. Eustatius. Based on the identification of hybridization and remaining
Data on nearly 300 iguanas were collected during several presence of non-native iguanas, conservation manage-
studies, and the majority of these iguanas were uniquely ment action is crucial to ensure the genetic integrity and
tagged to allow the collection of valuable data over time. longer-term survival of St. Eustatius’s Lesser Antillean
A primary goal was to assess whether the population is Iguana. Fortunately, a successful grant application with the
genetically pure with respect to the wide-spread hybridiza- Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund will boost
tion between non-native Green Iguanas (Iguana iguana) conservation work by providing accommodation to two
and native Lesser Antillean Iguanas that occur throughout experienced researchers on St. Eustatius. These scientists
the Lesser Antilles. Since the identification of hybrids can will perform a systematic survey of non-native iguana
be made based on morphological (Breuil, 2013) and genetic distribution and abundance, which will help visualize the
differences (Stephen et al., 2013; Vuillaume et al., 2015; van current extent of the non-native invasion. Distribution
den Burg et al., 2018), both methods were used. The results knowledge of non-native iguanas will allow the identifica-
indicated that no hybrids or Green Iguanas were present in tion of priority areas for removal actions in an effort to
2015, which suggests that they are absent on remove all non-native iguanas.
St. Eustatius (van den Burg, 2016).
The discovery of an adult female I. iguana in early 2016 and
of the first individual with hybrid characteristics in mid-
2016 is alarming. Genetic and morphological data has con-
firmed that this individual and several subsequently found
iguanas are indeed Iguana delicatissima x Iguana iguana
hybrids (Figure 1; van den Burg et al., 2018). Ongoing field-
work performed by local organizations and collaborating
partners (STENAPA, Ecological Professionals, and RAVON)
Figure 1 - Iguanas on St. Eustatius. Left to right: Iguana iguana - hybrid -
Iguana delicatissima. © Thijs van den Burg and Tim van Wagensveld
BioNews 13 - Content 2 3 4 5 6 ...The progress of biological invasions and the health screenings, two animals of each sex preserved and that future invasions by Green
potential for eradication can be visualized were transported from St. Eustatius to the Iguanas onto these last strongholds are
using an invasion curve (Figure 2), which is an Rotterdam Zoo in early May. They will be dis- prevented.
interplay of three factors: 1) time since the played at the Zoo (after a quarantine period)
invasion, 2) spread of the invasive species, to increase public awareness. Their offspring Grateful thanks to STENAPA, RAVON, CNSI,
and 3) costs for controlling the invasion. On will eventually be crossed with breeding University of Amsterdam, San Diego Zoo
St. Eustatius, the lack of hybrids in our initial lines that originate from Dominica present in Institute for Conservation Research, IRCF,
large dataset and low number of discovered collaborating Zoos. FONA conservation (S151.65) and Mohamed
hybrid iguanas suggests the current invasion bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund
is of recent origin. It would seem that there is Sadly, similar declines in Lesser Antillean (150510459/172517158) for financial and/or
only one small infested area which indicates Iguana populations are taking place through- logistical support of this project.
that eradication at this stage is still feasible. out the species’ entire range (Anguilla to
This needs to be verified by thorough survey Martinique) as a result of hybridization,
efforts. A similar situation to several other habitat destruction and poaching (Knapp
Lesser Antillean islands, where larger num- et al., 2014). Besides St. Eustatius recent
AREA INFESTED
bers of non-native iguanas are present, will invasions of Green Iguanas on La Désirade
Control COsts
however arise if no dedicated/committed and Dominica have also been reported. In
action is taken at this point. Besides a loss of fact, this species’ distribution is predicted
the native Lesser Antillean Iguana popula- to have decreased by 87% by 2050 and only
tion, these non-native iguana can cause inhabit Dominica if the current rate of decline
extensive economic damage as is evident continues (van den Burg et al., accepted).
from other islands, e.g. Grand Cayman. As a result, the IUCN Red List status of the
Lesser Antillean Iguana will change from TIME
The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust is “Endangered” to “Critically Endangered”
currently leading a Lesser Antillean Iguana (van den Burg et al., accepted). Conservation
breeding program in collaboration with action along with increased biosecurity is ur- Figure 2 - Invasion curve,
several European Zoos, including Rotterdam gently needed throughout the iguana’s range © Protect Lake George; Davis (2009).
Zoo. To this end, and following necessary to ensure that all remaining populations are
Photo by: © Thijs van den Burg
Urgent Conservation Action Needed To Save The Lesser Antillean Iguana Would you like to share a news item?
Please e-mail us: research@DCNAnature.org
BioNews 13 - Content 2 3 4 5 6 ...Concerted Caribbean effort for Lesser Antillean Iguana
A team from St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation (STENAPA) laid the fundaments
for a Caribbean conservation plan for the Lesser Antillean Iguana during a workshop in
Anguilla in March 2018.
Representatives of the islands with remaining Lesser Antillean Iguanas shared their ideas
during the workshop about how to build a bright future for their native iguana. All islands
share the main threats to their native iguana, such as habitat loss due to roaming goats,
predation by wild cats and rats, car accidents, poaching and the arrival of the invasive
Green Iguana. Apart from that, the present iguana population in St. Eustatius is possibly
not viable given its small size and fragmented distribution, however there is no genetic
structure within this population (van den Burg et al., 2018). Therefore STENAPA works on
improving connectivity, putting in place checks in the harbor of incoming containers, and
decreasing the roaming goats and wild cats.
In Anguilla the situation with the iguana on the main island has become so critical that
the Anguilla National Trust translocated the last individuals to a small-uninhabited
island nearby, Prickley Pear East. During one of the night patrols in Anguilla last week,
STENAPA’s National Parks Ranger Rupnor Redan found one of the last remaining native
iguanas. It has been put in quarantine and will be send to Prickely Pear East after genetic
testing.
Besides Redan, the STENAPA team was represented by Director Clarisse Buma, Tim
van Wagensveld (RAVON) and Sandra Bijhold (Rotterdam Zoo). Buma: “This workshop
was very inspiring. We want to increase the corporation with especially Anguilla and St.
Barths. We can learn from each other. Anguilla is interested to have an exchange with our
ranger and do night patrols with them. And STENAPA can learn from St. Barths, where
they made progress in the field of checking sea containers for invasive species. I am look-
ing forward to bring our recovery plan a step further”. The development of the recovery
plan is supported by the EU Best 2.0 program for overseas territories.
Photo: STENAPA’s ranger Rupnor Redan has caught an invasive Green Iguana on Anguilla and checks it with
colleagues from Rotterdam Zoo, Les Fruits de Mer (Sint Maarten) and Anguilla National Trust. © STENAPA
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BioNews 13 - Content 2 3 4 5 6 ...NICO Expedition: Mapping the Sea Bottom
Researchers aboard the Pelagia research vessel of underwater features like seamounts or ocean The multibeam echo sounder generates fast Curaçao. So far, the maps have resulted in some
have been collecting invaluable data on marine trenches. These maps are crucial to ocean and accurate bathymetric measurements and exciting discoveries, notably the presence of deep
biomes in the Caribbean since January as part research as they enable scientists to locate the allows the creation of detailed topography maps. channels around Curaçao. This was a real surprise
of the “Netherlands Initiative Changing Oceans specific ecosystems which are being investigated. In fact, because many of the bundles take two as such deep channels are not always common for
(NICO)” expedition organized by the Royal For example, coral reefs are not found in areas measurements simultaneously, Dr. de Haas notes small islands. As Dr. de Haas concludes, “there is
Netherlands Institute of Sea Research (NIOZ) with strong water currents and would therefore that the system on board the Pelagia allows for still much to explore here”.
and NWO-Science (ENW). The research ves- not be located in underwater valleys where water at maximum 432 depth measurements to be
sel has visited the Southern Caribbean where flow is powerful. produced per sound pulse. The size of the area
work focused on the mesophotic reefs (> 30m mapped is dependent on water depth - the width
deep) of Bonaire and Curaçao. Bathymetric In the past, sea depth was measured using a type of the bundle is about five times the water depth,
maps from the 1970s did not offer enough detail of sonar called an echo sounder. A sound pulse meaning that the bundle will be narrower in
for the research team to locate the reefs and would be sent out by a transmitter located on the shallow waters. The multibeam echo sounder can
cyanobacterial mats, which were the focus of hull of the ship. The longer it took for sound to also help determine the nature of the seabed and
their studies. Detailed bathymetric data was travel to the sea floor and back to the receiver on whether there is soft or hard sediment. If the sedi-
absent for other Dutch Caribbean islands, the ship, the deeper the ocean floor. The problem ment is hard, such as sand, the sonar signal will
including the Saba Bank and bathymetric maps with this technique is that just one measurement come back stronger. As explained by Dr. de Haas,
will therefore be created. Dr. Henk de Haas, can be taken at a time, making the mapping of “a map of the strength of the reflected sound signal
an acoustic researcher and data scientist of the sea floor very labor intensive and not very is actually a map of the sediment on the seabed”.
the research institute NIOZ who is onboard accurate. “We would very often have to sail lines
the Pelagia, has provided insight about how back and forth to make a map of a piece of seabed”, So every night, in cooperation with the crew
he goes about creating these maps that are so explains Dr. de Haas. member at the bridge Dr. de Haas stays up col-
crucial to the success of among others research. lecting data from the Pelagia’s multibeam echo
Nowadays, acoustic scientists use a modern sounder while everyone else is sound asleep.
Bathymetry is the measurement of depth of multi-beam version of the echo sounder. The The next morning, after checking the data, he
water in oceans, seas, or lakes. Bathymetric maps model installed underneath the Pelagia transmits is able to create the bathymetric maps that the
provide a visual representation of the topography 288 sound beams per pulse simultaneously in a research team needs to locate mesophotic reefs
of the sea floor including the shape and elevation fan shape instead of just one vertical pulse. and cyanobacterial mats around Bonaire and
Photo by: © NICO Expeditie
BioNews 13 - Content ... 6 7 8 9 10 ...3D image of a sea bottom area around Bonaire. Difference between a normal eco sounder and the modern version of the echo sounder, the multibeam
The colour bar presents the water depth in meters. Horizontal scale: the bottom of the deep echo sounder.
channel in the front is about 250 meters wide. It is clear that the sea bottom is not flat and has
many deep channel. Normal echo sounder:
Transmitting one sound pulse at once in a relative large area. One measurement per “ping”.
Image credit: NIOZ/ WUR/UvA
Multibeam Echo sounder:
Transmitting several sounds pulses at once in a fan shape in relative small areas. The model installed
underneath the Pelagia allows for 432 measurements per “ping”.
Image credit: Henk de Haas, NIOZ
NICO Expedition: Mapping the Sea Bottom Would you like to share a news item?
Please e-mail us: research@DCNAnature.org
BioNews 13 - Content ... 6 7 8 9 10 ...www.nico-expeditie.nl
Example of backscatter data: strength of the reflected sound
signal of a sea bottom area. You can track the journey of RV Pelagia here:
https://www.marinefacilitiesplanning.com/programme/map
Curaçao is located just above this image. So in this image from
top to bottom it becomes deeper. The lighter the gray, the
stronger the signal. The light gray, slightly curved tracks from
the right corner above towards the left corner below are small https://www.facebook.com/NICO-expedition-370772906669783/
channels on the sea bottom. Here the speed of the current
is higher than in the surrounding areas (somewhat darker
gray). The light color gray indicates that the sediment in the https://twitter.com/nicoexpedition
channels is somewhat more sandy (bounces the sound better
back) than the more fine-grained sediment in the surrounding
area. The round light gray points in the left corner are possibly https://www.instagram.com/nicoexpedition/
blocks that have tumbled down from the steep slopes. The
black in the right corner above indicates that here no measure-
ments are taken. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBWZgT2OKVX5k2VromJ4EDg/videos
Image credit: NIOZ/ WUR/UvA
https://www.flickr.com/photos/154353019@N02/albums
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Please you like
us:toresearch@DCNAnature.org
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BioNews 13 - Content ... 6 7 8 9 10 ...New Sea Turtle Monitoring Methods
Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB) has worked STCB works with Population Ecologist and statistician Dr.
tirelessly since 1991 to protect Bonaire’s sea turtle Frank Rivera-Milán (US Fish & Wildlife Services) to analyze
population and to ensure a safe, protected environment in-water transect counting, netting, and nesting data that
for them on land and in the sea. Bonaire is home to three STCB has collected over the years and to optimize their
of the world’s seven species of sea turtles: green turtles methodology for in-water and netting surveys. Together
(Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys im- with Rivera-Milán, Wildconscience has also been contract-
bricata) are found year-round, while loggerhead turtles ed to help design an improved field methodology, which
(Caretta caretta) generally visit the island only during will result in more accurate yearly population estimates
the nesting season. Set up as a non-profit organization, for Bonaire, critical to ensure well-informed management
STCB began conducting standardized in-water surveys decision making. Enhanced methods will also help improve
and tagging programs in 2003 to gather information on STCB’s visibility as a premier partner, provide information
sea turtles in the waters surrounding the island. STCB to enhance research throughout the region through scien-
staff and volunteers have tagged approximately 3,000 tific publications and well-recognized scientific journals,
turtles and collected data on turtle abundance, health and feed the regional pool of information to enhance sea
status, movement patterns, growth rates and turtle research in the Caribbean and – at the same time –
preferred habitats. This invaluable information has work towards standardization of methods.
helped to improve conservation efforts and build support
for sea turtle conservation on the island. For example,
monitoring efforts in Lac have highlighted the impor-
tance of this area to the green turtle population; green
turtles that inhabit Lac have much higher growth rates
than have been recorded elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Survey Planning (2018)
1. State measurable objectives
2. Define the target population and sampling frame (list of sampling units)
3. Select a sampling scheme (systematic)
4. Define the parameters to be estimated and desired precision (CV N)
5. Select count methods for parameter estimation and modeling
6. Decide how to allocate resources (cost-effective sampling)
Photo by: © Frank Rivera-Milán, STCB
BioNews 13 - Content ... 6 7 8 9 10 ...STCB’s improved statistical design includes coral cover, depth, date and time as well as
randomized surveys, repeated visits (same area, disturbance (boat and human presence in water)
time and observer power), and the accurate meas- and the number of observers and their experience.
urement of the survey area and survey region.
The four survey regions are Northwest Bonaire, A very exciting development is that STCB’s in-
Klein Bonaire, Southwest Bonaire and Southeast water surveys now also include the monitoring
Bonaire. Data from the Southeast Bonaire survey of a number of other species, notably sharks,
region (Lac) will be analyzed separately as surveys barracudas, tarpons and marine mammals. There
there are not randomized but follow one fixed is some concern over the declining population
transect. STCB’s new survey methodology also of barracudas, and monitoring efforts will help
means that turtles are no longer caught to be gauge whether the population is healthy or not.
tagged and measured onboard during the count Additionally, the number of boats as well as
surveys on the West coast. Instead, the “observ- fishermen on shore will be tallied to better under-
ers” record the species, number of individuals, stand fishing pressure in the waters surrounding
and estimated length while the turtles are in the Bonaire. STCB has been central to the protection
water. A number of environmental measurements of Bonaire’s exceptional biodiversity for close to
are now also recorded during each survey to three decades, and the improvement of their
help understand if and how these environmental science for higher precision and accuracy of
factors influence sea turtle abundance. Recorded populations estimates will ensure that they
covariates include visibility, wind direction, water remain a model of excellence for research and
temperature, abundance of jellyfish, rugosity, conservation for many years to come.
Four Survey Regions. Map by © STCB
Would you like to share a news item?
New Sea Turtle Monitoring Methods Please e-mail us: research@DCNAnature.org
BioNews 13 - Content ... 6 7 8 9 10 ...POP Bonaire: Rural Development Program: 2014-2018
Increasing concern over Bonaire’s dependence only threatens local vegetation and the fauna that
on dive tourism and the importation of food relies on these plants, but the resulting wind and
products has led the government to push for water erosion threatens the health of Bonaire’s
the sustainable development of Bonaire’s coral reefs.
rural areas. The “2014-2027 Policy Vision for
Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries”, devel- Stakeholders and “kunukeros” (farmers) from two
oped at the request of the Public Entity Bonaire rural areas, Rincon and Bara di Karta, attended
(Openbaar Lichaam Bonaire) highlights the workshops organized by the Department of
pressing need for the expansion of the island’s Spatial Planning and Development (DRO) and
agricultural and fisheries sector (LVV)1 in the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture (formerly the
order to boost local food production as well as Ministry of Economic Affairs) in 2012 and 2013 to
diversify the island’s tourism product. While identify bottlenecks and opportunities for rural
Bonaire’s leeward shore has been developed development. These workshops resulted in the
to accommodate the thousands of tourists development of the Rural Development Program
that visit the island each year, the rural areas (POP) for Bonaire, which is financed by the Dutch
have for the most part been overlooked. The Ministry of Agriculture through their Nature Fund
neglected agricultural areas in the countryside (Natuurgelden) initiative. The aim of POP Bonaire
are a stark contrast to the western coast fringed is to revitalize Bonaire’s rural areas by stimulating
with hotels, shops and restaurants. entrepreneurship, self-reliance and sustainable
agriculture. A total of forty projects are being
Agriculture on Bonaire has always been severely carried out within four main categories: a
limited due to the island’s dry climate and unpre- knowledge center, sustainable goat husbandry,
dictable rainy seasons. As a result each year 95% rural tourism development and strengthening
of the food needed to feed both locals and visitors of entrepreneurship. The Program is lead by
is imported. Goat farming has dominated rural Jan Jaap van Almenkerk (Wayaká Advies) and
life throughout Bonaire’s history, however cur- Sherwin Pourier (BAAB BV) and has broad support
rently more than half (65%) of the island’s 32,000 and cooperation of stakeholders such as Kriabon,
goats roam free. Free-roaming goats and their TCB, Mangazina di Rei, SELIBON, Chamber of
endless appetite for young shoots and seedlings Commerce, Integral District Approach, and
have emerged as one of the biggest threats to local schools.
the island’s natural biodiversity. Overgrazing not With goats (left) and without goats (right). Photo by: © Wayaká Advies
1
The LVV (Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries) department is a government department within the Spatial Planning and Development Department.
BioNews 13 - Content ... 11 12 13 14 15 ...Knowledge Center “Sembra Futuro” Sustainable Goat Farming
The knowledge centre, “Sembra Futuro”, which is under Since 2015 researchers from the University of Wageningen
development, is intended to become a hub of activity, have been evaluating the potential for sustainable goat
information and education for agriculture, horticulture and husbandry. Recommendations include the professionaliza-
livestock farming. Based at a site owned by the Ministry of tion of goat husbandry in order to make it sustainable. The
Agriculture, where twenty hectares of good soil will allow resulting action plan - which has the support of local kunuk-
plots of land to be leased to agricultural entrepreneurs for eros - includes improved management of goats through a
the production of fruit, vegetables or cattle fodder. Farmers central registration, improved breed selection, production of
will not only benefit from access to cultivable land and water quality meat products labelled “Platina di Boneiru”, produc-
but will also be encouraged to join forces and share exper- tion of a central cattle feed and fenced-in goats and will take
tise, equipment and surveillance. Knowledge about agri- 5 years to implement. Fifty of Bonaire’s 175 goat farmers
culture and horticulture is being made accessible through a have already attended workshops on goat management and
series of workshops as well as practical handbooks. To date lamb production, and 14 participants have attended a course
eight workshops have been organized providing information on professional goat farming. Access to high quality feed is
on the small-scale cultivation of fruit and vegetables. An an essential component towards sustainability as it will allow
estimated 300 school children have attended horticulture kunukeros to keep goats fenced instead of letting them
workshops organized in collaboration with Mangazina di Rei. graze freely. POP Bonaire has carried out a high-quality feed
Several unemployed youngsters have also received training pilot project over the past few years with the participation of
in agriculture and the use of agricultural machinery in col- eight local goat farmers. Two of the eight grasses tested for
laboration with the Society and Care Directorate. fresh cattle feed and hay show promise.
Photo by: © Wayaká Advies.
POP Bonaire: Rural Development Program: 2014-2018
BioNews 13 - Content ... 11 12 13 14 15 ...Photo by: © Wayaká Advies.
Rural Tourism Development Strengthen entrepreneurship POP Bonaire is an ambitious initiative, but with clear
objectives and the support of local stakeholders
Bonaire’s rural areas - Bara di Karta, Rincon and Tras Many locals in Bonaire’s rural areas have ideas for its chances of success are very high. The next step
di Montaña - have great potential in attracting tour- their own business in agriculture or kunuku tour- towards the completion of this Program will be the
ists if they are revitalized and made accessible. Rincon ism, but the vast majority do not have the funds or set-up of the “Sembra Futuro” knowledge center
is the island’s oldest village and has a strong cultural expertise to turn these ideas into successful busi- and the implementation of the plans for the profes-
identity. Bara di Karta has a typical Bonairean agrar- nesses. POP Bonaire aims to stimulate rural economic sionalization of goat farming. The goal of producing
ian landscape with many kunukus and some historic development by offering entrepreneurs advice and 40% of all fresh fruit and vegetables consumed on the
plantations. POP Bonaire aims to facilitate the eco- support in the development and implementation of island may take many years to reach, but the encour-
nomic development of the countryside through their business plan. So far, 115 consultations have agement towards self-sufficiency and sustainable
the creation of tourist routes and by supporting the been held with entrepreneurs, and 10 business plans development within the island’s rural areas is already
refurbishment of old farms into tourist attractions. have been approved and supported with an in-kind showing promise.
Several tourist routes were set up in cooperation with donation. As many entrepreneurs lack the necessary
kunukeros and include four car routes, eight walk- funds to start up a business, POP Bonaire has set up
ing trails and five mountain bike routes [see map]. an Entrepreneurs fund which is managed by Stichting Would you like to stay up-to-date?
Paper maps that highlight these routes and provide Ondernemersfonds Bonaire. Entrepreneurs with an
information about the culture and nature in the area approved business plan can request a loan. To be You can follow POP Bonaire on Facebook
are being distributed to visitors. POP Bonaire also selected, entrepreneurs must bring onto the market @POPBonaire.
supports a number of projects that are making the an innovative and commercial product. Punta Blanku
region more attractive to tourists such as the clean-up Farms, which delivers daily fresh free-range eggs to You can also follow all the Nature fund projects on
of debris and car wrecks along tourist routes and the island supermarkets, received money from the fund Bonaire on Facebook
installation of traditional cactus fences. Farmers have to purchase a machine that converts seawater into @NTBDN.
begun to renovate farms due to an increase in visitors drinking water for its chickens.
in the island’s countryside. Several attractions are For more information about the hiking, biking and
now offered, including a kunuku tour and a tea house. car trails on Bonaire, please visit:
http://www.explore-bonaire.com
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BioNews 13 - Content ... 11 12 13 14 15 ...Research Overview April - May 2018
CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST
Gent University, Belgium: Christian Stolpe
Algae Ecology of Loborphora species CUR
CARMABI
Suitability study and reforestation of exclosures facilitating the Yellow-shouldered Amazon Parrots (Amazona barbadensis)
Birds BON Echo: Lauren Schmaltz, Quirijn Coolen
on Bonaire
Marhaverlab, Curacao: Kristen Marhaver
Coral Reef ecosystems Larval biology of corals and reef microbiology CUR
CARMABI
UvA: Petra Visser
Cyanobasteria Cyanobacteria on reefs CUR
CARMABI
SCF (SBMU): Ayumi Kuramae Izioka
Fish Red Hind population on the Saba Bank SAB WUR: Dolfi Debrot
HAS: Yosha Bakkers (student)
Leiden University: Serena Rivero (student)
WUR: Dolfi Debrot
Invasive species Testing and comparing various lionfish traps to study their potential use in a directed lionfish fishery SAB SCF (SBMU): Ayumi Kuramae Izioka
7Senses: Madelon van Eelderink
& Evert-Jan van Hasselt
NFSXM: Tadzio Bervoets
Invasive species Research into mitigation measures for Sargassum Seaweed SXM
Government of St. Maarten
SAB Naturalis: Klaas-Douwe Dijkstra, Maarten Schrama
EUX ECPHF: Teresa Leslie
Mosquitos Mosquito mapping
SXM Students: Maud Kok, Sam Boerlijs, Loes Busscher,
Delia Goilo,Jordy van der Beek
National Initiative Changing Oceans (NICO) expedition (NWO-Science & NIOZ)
Multidisciplinary scientific
All See article on page 6
expedition The multidisciplinary scientific expedition aimed at providing the Netherlands with a better understanding of changing seas
and oceans, crucial for climate stability and sustainable economic activities.
Plants Testing effective ways to grow native plants BON Echo: Quirijn Coolen, Johan van Blerk
BioNews 13 - Content ... 11 12 13 14 15 ...Research Overview April - May 2018
CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST
Echo: Quirijn Coolen, Lauren Schmaltz
WUR: Pieter Zuidema
Plants Factors influencing growth analysis of planted native trees in herbivore free exclusion areas. BON VHL: Anko Stilma
WUR: Nils Buisman (student)
VHL: Bram Dicou (student)
Plants Germination of seeds of indigenous trees of Curaçao CUR CARMABI: John de Freitas
UU: Kevin Verdel
Reptiles A population assessment of the Red-bellied racer snake in The Quill-Boven National Park EUX
CNSI: Hannah Madden
VHL: Mavelly Velandia (student)
The impact of recreational SCUBA divers on the abundance of sea turtles
Reptiles BON STCB:Mabel Nava
(Part of STCB’s new in-water surveys)
Wildconscience: Fernando Simal, Frank F. Rivera-Milan
Local and regional drivers of fish assemblages associated to seagrass meadows in the Caribbean following varying
Seagrass BON Swansea University: Alex Bartlett
levels of protection
NIOZ and WUR: Didier de Bakker
Sponges Sponge community ecology CUR
CARMABI
Uva: Jasper de Goeij
Sponges Sponge ecology and energetics CUR
CARMABI
Would you like to share a news item?
Please e-mail us: research@DCNAnature.org
BioNews 13 - Content ... 11 12 13 14 15 ...Long Term Projects
CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST
Coral Reef Ecosystems Deep Reef Observation Project (DROP) (ARMS: Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures) CUR Smithsonian: Carole Baldwin
NFSXM: Tadzio Bervoets, Melanie Meijer zu
Coral Reef Eccosystems St. Maarten’s Coral Restoration Project SXM Schlochtern
CRF
CRF Bonaire: Augusto Montbrun, Francesca Virdis
BON, CUR, SECORE Project
Coral Reef Ecosystems Development of restoration methods for threatened Caribbean coral species
SAB CARMABI: Mark Vermeij
UvA: Valerie Chamberland
Developing a plan to manage the waters around Curaçao sustainably, profitably, and enjoyably for this and future Waitt Institute (Blue Halo Curaçao):
Coral Reef Ecosystems CUR
generations- including mesophotic reef dropcam project Kathryn Mengerink
Dutch Caribbean Species Register: Taxonomic knowledge system Dutch Caribbean Naturalis: Sander Pieterse, Hannco Bakker, Bert
Database All
(http://www.dutchcaribbeanspecies.org/) Hoeksema
Naturalis: Arjen speksnijder
Interstitial biodiversity Moleculair biodiversity analysis of marine communities by metabarcoding EUX
ANEMOON: Niels Schrieken
IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group ISSG: Shyama
Invasive species Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species GRIIS All
Pagad
Development and Knowledge Sociology, ZMT:
Rapti Siriwardane
BON
Invasive species CIRCULATIONS (Connectivities between Islands Alters Traveling Invasive Seagrasses) Mangrove Ecology, ZMT: Lucy Gillis
Algae and Seagrass Ecology, ZMT:
Inés González Viana
STINAPA Sabine Engel, Caren Eckrich
Marine ecosystems Taxonomy and biodiversity in Lac Bay BON Ecosub: Godfried van Moorsel
CEAB: Daniel Martin
Would you like to share a news item?
Please e-mail us: research@DCNAnature.org
BioNews 13 - Content ... 16 17 18 19 20 ...Long Term Projects
CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST
Naturalis: Bert Hoeksema
Marine ecosystems Marine species discoveries in the Dutch Caribbean All CNSI
CARMABI
WUR: Aad Smaal, Leo Nagelkerke, Martin de Graaf
EUX, SAB, Erik Boman (PhD candidate)
Molluscs Population dynamics and role in the food chain of the Queen Conch Lobatus gigas in the Dutch Caribbean Territories
SXM SCF (SBMU): Ayumi Kuramae Izioka
CNSI
Naturalis: Klaas-Douwe B. Dijkstra
CUR
Public Health DNA waterscan: Monitoring disease vectors in the Caribbean (mosquitoes and midges) ECPHF: Teresa Leslie
EUX
CBHRI: Delia-Maria Goil0 (NWO DUCAMID project)
BON,CUR, NIOZ: Fleur van Duyl
Sponges Bioersion of reefs by coral-excavating sponges
SAB, EUX WUR: Erik Meesters, Didier de Bakker (PhD student)
Uva: Jasper de Goeij
UvA: Benjamin Mueller
CARMABI: Mark Vermeij
PhD students:
The role of sponges as key ecosystem engineers of coral reef ecosystems
WUR: Misha Streekstra
Sponges CUR
UvA: Sarah Campana*, Meggie Hudspich*,
Pumping iron: can iron availability fuel the sponge loop and affect coral reef community structure? (Misha Streekstra)
Niklas Korner*
* Part of the ERC project “SPONGE ENGINE — Fast and
efficient sponge engines drive and modulate the food
web of reef ecosystems”
Naturalis: Michael Stech, Berry van der Hoorn,
Jeremy Miller
Terrestrial biodiversity Baseline assessments and DNA barcoding of biodiversity of St. Eustatius EUX
STENAPA
CNSI
NWO Projects in the Dutch
Caribbean
WUR: R.H. Wijffels
Bioproducts Stand-alone production of algal products for food, feed, chemicals and fuels BON
CIEE: Rita Peachey
BioNews 13 - Content ... 16 17 18 19 20 ...Long Term Projects
CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST
NIOZ: Fleur van Duyl, Steven van Heuzen (PostDoc),
Caribbean coral reef ecosystems: interactions of anthropogenic ocean acidification and eutrophication with bioerosion by
BON, SAB, Alice Webb (PhD student)
Coral Reef Ecosystems coral excavating sponges
EUX STENAPA
- Bioerosion and climate change
CNSI
VHL: Alwin Hylkema, Marlous Heemstra
WUR: Dolfi Debrot
STENAPA: Jessica Berkel, Erik Houtepen
SAB
Coral restoration Artificial Reefs On Saba and Statia (AROSSTA) SCF: Kai Wulf, Aymi Kuramae Izioka
EUX
CNSI: Johan Stapel
Students: Marijn van der Laan, Daniel Heesink, Marit
Pistor, Callum Reid, Jan Koschorrek
AUA, BON, VU: Jacintha Ellers, Matt Helmus, Wendy Jesse (PhD.
Environmental Caribbean island biogeography meets the anthropocene CUR, EUX, Student), Jocelyn Behm (Postdoc)
SXM CNSI
KITLV, Leiden University:
Confronting Caribbean Challenges: Hybrid Identities and Governance in Small-scale Island Jurisdictions BON, SAB, Gert Oostindie (Project director)
Environmental psychology
- Behavioral differences between/within the BES islands when it comes to nature conservation and cultural heritage. EUX KITLV, Leiden University:
Stacey Mac Donald (PhD student)
UU: Henk Dijkstra, NIOZ: Peter Herman, Rebecca
Stability of Caribbean coastal ecosystems under future extreme sea level changes (SCENES) BON, EUX, James (PhD student) TU Delft: Julie Pietrzak
Geosciences
- The effects of climate change on calcifying algae SXM STENAPA
CNSI
UU: Wim Spakman
4D crust-mantle modelling of the eastern Caribbean region: toward coupling deep driving processes to surface evolution NIOZ: Lennart de Nooijer
Geomorphological EUX
- Reconstructing past climate change Alfred Wegener Institute Germany
CNSI
(1) UU: Jetske Vaas (PhD student), Peter Driessen,
Exotic plant species in the Caribbean: foreign foes or alien allies? Frank van Laerhoven and Mendel Giezen (2) UU:
BON, SAB,
Invasive species (1) Socio-economic impacts of invasive plant species (2) Ecological impacts of invasive plant species Elizabeth Haber (PhD student), Martin Wassen, Max
EUX
Rietkerk,Maarten Eppinga.
CNSI
BioNews 13 - Content ... 16 17 18 19 20 ...Long Term Projects
CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST
WUR: Marjolijn Christianen
Invasive species Global defaunation and plant invasion: cascading effects on seagrass ecosystem services BON
Smithsonian: Olivier Kramer
RuG: Per Palsbøll, Jurjan van der Zee (PhD student)
RU: Marjolijn Christianen,
AUA, BON, WUR: Lisa Becking
Reptiles Ecology and conservation of green and hawksbill turtles in the Dutch Caribbean CUR, SAB, STCB: Mabel Nava
EUX, SXM CARMABI
STENAPA
CNSI
Tourism and sustainable Vulnerability is dynamic: Enhancing adaptive governance to climate change for Caribbean tourism through WUR: Jillian Student, Machiel Lamers
CUR
development interactive modelling UOC: Filomeno A. Marchena
BO-projects in the Dutch
Caribbean (Min EZ)
BO-43-021.04-003 –Inventory corals
Coral Reef Ecosystems BON, CUR WUR: Erik Meesters
Includes monitoring and research of the longest coral reef time-series in the world (since 1973)
AUA, BON,
DCBD BO-43-021.04-001 - Expansion knowledge system Dutch Caribbean CUR, SAB, WUR (Alterra): Peter Verweij
EUX, SXM
Envirnomental Hazards BO-43-021.04-008 - Sunscreen and risks for coral reefs BON WUR: Diana Slijkerman
WUR: Dolfi Debrot
EUX, SAB, CNSI: Kimani Kitson-Walters
Fisheries Fish stocks and fisheries Caribbean Netherlands
BON PiskaBon, STINAPA
SCF: Kai Wulf, Ayumi Kuramae
Marine biodiversity BO-43-021.04-002 – Saba Bank – Marine biodiversity SAB WUR: Erik Meesters (benthic communities), Dolfi
Debrot, Thomas Brunel, Leo Nagelkerke (fish stocks)
BioNews 13 - Content ... 16 17 18 19 20 ...Long Term Projects
CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST
WUR: Dolfi Debrot, Dick de Haan, Meike Scheidat,
Marine mammals & sharks BO-43-021.04-005 – Management plan marine mammal and shark sanctuary Yarari SAB, EUX Ayumi Kuramae Izioka
SCF (SBMU): Ayumi Kuramae Izioka
WUR: Dolfi Debrot, Dick de Haan, Hans Verdaat
Marine mammals BO-43-021.04-009 Acoustic monitoring of cetacean distribution SAB
SCF: Kai Wulf, Ayumi Kuramae
BON, SAB,
Marine mammals BO-43-021.04-007 –Marine mammals in the Dutch Caribbean WUR: Dolfi Debrot, Dick de Haan, Meike Scheidat
EUX
WUR: Dolfi Debrot
Wolfs Co.: Esther Wolfs
UNESCO: Josephine Langley
World Heritage nomination BO-43-021.04-004 – World Heritage nomination Bonaire National Marine Park BON
DRO: Frank v Slobbe
CARMABI: Mark Vermeij, John de Freitas
Curacao Footprint Foundation: Leon Pors
“Nature Funding” Projects
in the Dutch Caribbean
(Min EZ)
STINAPA: Sabine Engel
Coastal ecosystems (Lac Bay: Ecological restoration Lac Bay and South coast, Bonaire WUR: Klaas Metselaar
BON
Mangroves and seagrass beds) STCB: Mabel Nava
DRO: Frank van Slobbe
Bonaire Agri & Aqua Business BV: Sherwin Pourier
Sustainable Agriculture The sustainable agriculture and rural development program (POP Bonaire) BON Wayaká Advies BV: Jan Jaap van Almenkerk
DRO: Frank van Slobbe
Echo: Julianka Clarenda
Invasive species Feral Pig Control BON
DRO: Frank van Slobbe
Echo: Lauren Schmaltz, Quirijn Coolen
Reforestation Reforestation Project BON
DRO: Frank van Slobbe
STINAPA
Invasive species Goat eradication and control in Washington Slagbaai National Park BON
DRO: Frank van Slobbe
BioNews 13 - Content ... 16 17 18 19 20 ...Long Term Projects
CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST
CRF Bonaire: Augusto Montbrun
Coral ecosystems Coral Restoration BON
DRO: Frank van Slobbe
Wolfs Company: Esther Wolfs, Boris van Zanten,
World Heritage nomination World Heritage Nomination Bonaire Marine Park and/or other interconnected sites BON Amilcar Guzman, Viviana Lujan
DRO: Frank van Slobbe
Bonaire Agri & Aqua Business BV: Sherwin Pourier
Terrestrial ecosystems Combating Erosion and Nature Restoration on Bonaire BON Wayaká Advies BV: Jan Jaap van Almenkerk
DRO: Frank van Slobbe
DRO: Frank van Slobbe
Terrestrial ecosystems Cave and karst nature reserve BON
CARIBSS: Fernando Simal
Nature communication Campaign environment and nature on Bonaire BON DRO: Frank van Slobbe, Peter Montanus
Agriculture Horicultural Project SAB Government of Saba: Randall Johnson
Recreation Hiking trails SAB Government of Saba: Robert Zagers
Pollution Tent Reef Protection SAB Government of Saba: Robert Zagers
Invasive species Goat buy-back program SAB Government of Saba: Randall Johnson
Government of Saba
Yacht mooring project SAB
SCF: Kai Wulf
Government of Saba
Saba national park SAB SCF: Kai Wulf
SABARC: Ryan Espersen
Government of Saba: Robert Zagers
Crispeen trail project SAB
SCF: Kai Wulf
BioNews 13 - Content ... 21 22 23 24 25 ...Long Term Projects
CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST
Government of St Eustatius
Nature Awareness project
Community outreach EUX STENAPA: Clarisse Buma
CNSI: Johan Stapel, Hannah Madden
Government of St Eustatius
Nature management Strengthening management of nature EUX
STENAPA: Clarisse Buma
Government of St Eustatius
Invasive species Rodent assessment and control EUX CNSI: Johan Stapel, Hannah Madden
ECPHF: Teresa Leslie
Government of St Eustatius
Coral ecosystems Coral restoration EUX STENAPA: Jessica Berkel
CNSI: Johan Stapel
Government of St Eustatius
Erosion Erosion control EUX
CNSI: Johan Stapel
EU-BEST funded Projects in
the Dutch Caribbean
Directie Natuur en Milieu: Gisbert Boekhoudt
Marine ecosystems Marine Park Aruba AUA
TNO: Kris Kats
Coral Reef Restoration Scaling-up efforts to rehabilitate threatened coral communities using recruits rared from wild-caught gametes CUR CARMABI: Mark Vermeij
Coral Reef Restoration Pop-Up Nursery and Coral Restoration (Oil Slick Leap) BON CRF: Francesca Virdis
WUR: Erik Meesters
SCF (SBMU): Ayumi Kuramae Izioka
Coral Reef Restoration Restoration Ecosystem Services and Coral Reef Quality (Project RESCQ) SAB, EUX STENAPA: Clarisse Buma
Turks & Caicos Reef Fund
Students: Ginger Fairhurst en Mirka Fontijn
BioNews 13 - Content ... 21 22 23 24 25 ...Long Term Projects
CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST
Conservation Watershed & Biodiversity Conservation of Roi Sangu valley BON Echo: Lauren Schmaltz, Quirijn Coolen
Reptiles Enacting a news regional recovery plan for the Lesser Antillean iguana:an endangered ecological keystone species EUX STENAPA: Clarisse Buma
Government of Saba: Menno van der Velde
Terrestrial ecosystems North Saba National Park, Phase I SAB SCF: Kai Wulf
SABARC
EPIC (Project lead): Kippy Gilders
Subcontractors:
Les Fruits des Mer: Mark Yokoyama
Terrestrial habitat restoration Restoration of Key Biodiversity Areas of St. Maarten SXM
(reptile, amphibian, and invertebrate assessment)
The Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve, Bahamas:
Ethan Freid (plant assessment)
BioNews 13 - Content ... 21 22 23 24 25 ...Monitoring Overview May 2018
CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST
DRO: Frank van Slobbe
Birds Flamingo Abundance BON Cargill
STINAPA: Paulo Bertuol
Birds Monitoring vulnerable parrot nests (remote camera sensing work) BON Echo: Laura Schmaltz, Sam Williams
Echo: Lauren Schmaltz
Birds Yellow-shouldered Amazon parrot roost counts BON DRO: Peter Montanus
STINAPA: Paulo Bertuol
STINAPA: Paulo Bertuol
Birds Bird Monitoring (Caribbean Waterbird Census) BON
EPIC: Adam Brown
SXM
STINAPA: Paulo Bertuol
Cargill
Birds Tern monitoring(artificial nesting islands) BON
DRO
WUR: Dolfi Debrot
Echo: Lauren Schmaltz
Birds Terrestrial Bird Monitoring Program BON STINAPA
STENAPA
SAB STENAPA
Birds Red-billed Tropicbird monitoring
EUX SCF: Kai Wulf
Birds Pelican monitoring SXM NFSXM: Melanie Meijer zu Schlochtern
STINAPA: Caren Eckrich
BON
CARMABI: Mark Vermeij
CUR
SCF (SBMU): Ayumi Kuramae Izioka
Coral reef ecosystems Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network SAB
STENAPA: Jessica Berkel
EUX
NFSXM: Tadzio Bervoets
SXM
CNSI: Johan Stapel, Kimani Kitson-Walters
Monitoring and research of the longest coral reef time-series in the world (since 1973) BON WUR: Erik Meesters, Didier de Bakker (PhD student)
Coral reef ecosystems
(Part of BO-11-019.02-022 –Inventory corals) CUR NIOZ: Fleur van Duyl, Rolf Bak
BioNews 13 - Content ... 21 22 23 24 25 ...Monitoring Overview May 2018
CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST
NFSXM: Tadzio Bervoets
Environmental Water quality testing SXM
EPIC: Natalia Collier
Environmental Nutrient (phosphate, ammonium, nitrate and nitrite) monitoring of St Eustatius’ coastal waters EUX CNSI: Johan Stapel
WUR: Erwin Winter, Dolfi Debrot, Martin de Graaf
BON
STINAPA: Caren Eckrich
Shark monitoring: CUR
CARMABI: Mark Vermeij
Fish -Shark sightings SAB
SCF(SBMU): Ayumi Kuramae Izioka, Guido Leurs
- Shark Abundance, distribution and movements (tagging, acoustic telemetry) SXM
STENAPA: Jessica Berkel
EUX
NFSXM: Tadzio Bervoets
Fish Spawning monitoring: Red hind surveys on Moonfish Bank SAB SCF (SBMU): Ayumi Kuramae Izioka
Fish Fish and fishery monitoring (Barracuda’s, sharks and eagle rays, tarpons, marine mammals, (fishing) boats, fisherman) BON STCB: Mabel Nava
Insects Bee tracking BON Echo: Lauren Schmaltz
Goat and/or donkey removal: STINAPA: Paulo Bertuol
-Washington Slagbaai National Park BON WUR: Dolfi Debrot
Invasive species
- Lac Bay area (exclusion plots) EUX DRO: Frank van Slobbe
- Quill National Park (exclusion plots) STENAPA
BON STINAPA: Paulo Bertuol (50 meter traps)
CUR CARMABI: Mark Vermeij
Invasive species Lionfish abundance and control SXM NFSXM: Tadzio Bervoets
SAB SCF (SBMU): Ayumi Kuramae Izioka
EUX STENAPA: Jessica Berkel
Invasive species Monkey Monitoring: abundance and distribution SXM NFSXM: Tadzio Bervoets
Invasive species Feral pig population assessment (trapping) BON Echo: Nathan Schmaltz, Sam Williams
AUA FPNA
Mammals Bat monitoring
BON WildConscience: Fernando Simal, Linda Garcia
BioNews 13 - Content ... 21 22 23 24 25 ...Monitoring Overview May 2018
CATEGORY SUBJECT ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST
Mammals Dolphin monitoring (since 1999) BON Ron Sewell
WUR: Dick de Haan, Dolfi Debrot
Mammals Marine Mammal Monitoring (noise loggers Saba Bank) SAB
SCF (SBMU): Ayumi Kuramae Izioka
SAB WUR: Martin de Graaf, Erik Boman (PhD student)
Molluscs Conch (Strombus gigas) on St. Eustatius, Saba Bank, Anguilla
EUX SCF (SBMU): Ayumi Kuramae Izioka
SCF (SBMU): Ayumi Kuramae Izioka, Guido Leurs
Gem City Consulting: Erik Boman
Fishery monitoring (including lionfish, shark bycatch and marine mammal sightings) SAB
Natural resource use LVV: Kiman Kitson-Walters
(* Part of BO-11-019.02-055 – Fisheries Dutch Caribbean) EUX
WUR: Dolfi Debrot, Fedor den Elzen (student),
Ivo (student) Damen
Plants Monitoring of tree growth and survivorship in reforestation areas BON Echo: Quirijn Coolen, Nicholas Verhey
Plants Terrestrial Habitat Monitoring Program for Bonaire BON Echo: Lauren Schmaltz
STENAPA: Clarisse Buma
Reptiles Lesser Antillean Iguana: Monitoring population density & removing invasive Green Iguana and hybrids EUX RAVON: Tim van Wagensveld
EcoPro/ CNSI: Hannah Madden
FPNA
Reptiles Boa and Cascabel Monitoring AUA
Toledo Zoological Society: Andrew Odum
Reptiles Red-bellied racer snake monitoring EUX CNSI: Kimani Kitson-Walters
FPNA
Reptiles Behavior of the endemic Aruban Whiptail lizard AUA
Auburn University: Jeff Goessling
STINAPA: Sabine Engel, Caren Eckrich
BON
Seagrass and mangrove Seagrass and mangrove monitoring WUR: Klaas Metselaar
EUX
ecosystems (BON: also conch and benthic fauna) NFSXM: Tadzio Bervoets
SXM
CNSI: Kimani Kitson-Walters
Sea turtle monitoring: TurtugAruba Foundation
-Satellite tracking AUA, BON, STCB: Mabel Nava
Reptiles -Nest monitoring CUR, SAB, CARMABI (STCC): Sabine Berendse
-In water surveys (BON, CUR, SXM) EUX, SXM STENAPA: Jessica Berkel, SCF: Kai Wulf
-Fibropapillomatosis presence (BON) NFSXM: Tadzio Bervoets
BioNews 13 - Content ... 26 27 28 29 30 ...List of Acronyms
AUA Aruba Naturalis Naturalis Biodiversity Center, The Netherlands
BON Bonaire
NIOZ NIOZ Royal Institute for Sea Research, the Netherlands
CUR Curaçao
NWO NWO Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research
SAB Saba
EUX St. Eustatius RAVON Reptielen Amfibieën Vissen Onderzoek Nederland
SXM St. Maarten
RuG University of Groningen, the Netherlands
AMMF Aruba Marine Mammal Foundation
RU Radboud University Nijmegen, the Netherlands
BEST Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Territories of European overseas
BO project Policy Supporting Research project SABARC Saba Archaelogical Center
CARIBSS Caribbean Speleological Society SBMU Saba Bank Management Unit
CARMABI Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity Foundation SCF Saba Conservation Foundation
CEAB The Blanes Centre for Advanced Studies, Spain Smithsonian Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History
CRF Coral Restoration Foundation
STCB Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire
DCNA Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance
STCC Sea Turtle Conservation Curacao
DCBD Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database
STENAPA St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation
DRO Directorate of Spatial Planning and Development, Bonaire
STINAPA National Parks Foundation Bonaire
DLVV Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fishery and Farmers market
UsA University of St. Andrews, Scotland
(Santa Rosa) (Santa Rosa), Aruba
UU University of Utrecht, the Netherlands
EcoPro Ecological Professionals Foundation
UvA University of Amsterdam, the Netherland
ECPHF Eastern Caribbean Public Health Foundation
VHL University of Applied Sciences VHL, the Netherlands
EPIC Environmental Protection in the Caribbean
VU VU University Amsterdam, the Netherlands
FPNA Fundacion Parke Nacional Arikok, Aruba
Wildconscience Wildlife Conservation, Science and Education
HAS HAS University of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands Photo by: © Henkjan Kievit
WNF World Wide Fund for Nature
LVV Department of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Fisheries, St. Eustatius
MinLNV Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality WUR Wageningen Universitwy and Research Centre, the Netherlands
NFSXM Nature Foundation St. Maarten WUR (Alterra) Wageningen Environmental Research, the Netherlands
BioNews 13 - Content ... 26 27 28 29 30 ...Reports and Publications Overview These reports and publications can be found in the Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity
Database (DCBD) (http://www.dcbd.nl). The DCBD is a central online storage facility for
all biodiversity and conservation related information in the Dutch Caribbean.
If you have research and monitoring data, the DCNA secretariat can help you to get it housed in
Below you will find an overview of the reports and publications on biodiversity related subjects in the DCBD. Please e-mail us: research@DCNAnature.org
the Dutch Caribbean that have recently been published.
“Aptroot, A., Stech, M. (2018). “Overeem, R., Riemens, M. (2018).
An updated checklist of the lichens of St. Eustatius, Netherlands Antilles. Antigonon Leptopus (Corallita) on St Eustatius an Integrated Pest
MycoKeys 33: 69-84.” Management approach: Proposal for an Integrated Pest Management
(IPM) approach. Plant Research International, part of Wageningen UR,
“Boussarie, G. et al. (2018). Report number 759, 1-23. “
Environmental DNA illuminates the dark diversity of sharks. Science
Advances 4: eaap9661.” “Ritger, A.L., Curtis, A.M., Chen, C.Y. (2018).
Bioaccumulation of mercury and other metal contaminants in invasive
“Bowling, R.D., Everett, J.C.L. (2018). lionfish (Pterois volitans/miles) from Curaçao. Marine Pollution Bullerin
Resolving Carbonate Platform Geometries on the Island of Bonaire, 13`: 38-44.”
Caribbean Netherlands through Semi-Automatic GPR Facies
Classification. Physical Journal Internal.” “Vertigo Lab (2017).
Innovations for coral finance. ICRI publication, 80 p.”
“Kennedy, M.S., Clapham, P.J. (2017).
From Whaling to Tagging: The Evolution of North Atlantic Humpback
Whale Research in the West Indies. NOAA 79(2): 23-37.”
“Mücher, S., Suomalainen, J., Stuiver, J., Meesters, E. (2017).
Hyperspectral Coral Reef Classification of Bonaire. Wageningen,
Wageningen Marine Research (University & Research centre),
Wageningen Marine Research report C062/17.”
“Nelson, H.P., Devenish-Nelson, E.S., Rusk, B.L., Geary, M.,
Lawrence, A.J. (2018).
A call to action for climate change research on Caribbean dry forests.
Regional Environmental Change, 1-6.”
“Olthof, G., Becking, E.L., Fransen, C.H.J.M. (2018).
On a collection of deep-water shrimp (Crustacea, Decapoda) from
the Dutch Caribbean, with the description of a new species of
Pseudocoutierea. Zootaxa”
Photo by: © Marion Haarsma
BioNews 13 - Content ... 26 27 28 29 30 ...You can also read
