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ISSUE 21 - 2019 BIONEwS
BIONEWS ISSUE 21
Editor’s Letter Dutch Caribbean, February 2019
2 Editor’s Letter
3 Unexpected high number of
endemics for the windward Dutch On Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Maarten and the Saba Bank In light of recent and recurring influxes of sargassum on
Caribbean Islands there are a minimum of 35 animal and plant species the islands of the Dutch Caribbean DCNA has drafted
that exist nowhere else in the world. Additionally, 188 a management brief, “Prevention and clean-up of
6 Invasive seagrass Halophila species are specific just to the Antilles. There are only Sargassum in the Dutch Caribbean”, to help guide the
stipulacea discovered on Saba two endemics recorded in the Netherlands’ mainland, process of collecting and disposing of large quantities
which means that the biodiversity of these islands is very of the invasive seaweed. We present a range of feasible,
7 Coralita, we’re gonna beat ya! unique. cost-effective and environmentally sound solutions for
removing sargassum close to shore and on beaches in
9 71st annual conference of the Gulf Invasive seagrass Halophila stipulacea has now also been the least damaging way, as well as current solutions for
and Caribbean Fisheries Institute discovered on Saba. The species had been discovered the use and valorization of collected sargassum.
on other islands throughout the Caribbean and is now
12 Sargassum management Brief confirmed to have spread to Saba as well. Lastly we are excited to share with you three new books
that can help entrepreneurs and others to grow fruit and
13 Vegetable cultivation on Bonaire Researchers Elizabeth Haber (botanist) and Jetske Vaas vegetables on Bonaire. These books are part of the POP
(social scientist) share their findings on the best way to Bonaire Project, a nature funding project of Public Entity
15 Research Overview deal with Coralita in different areas on Saba and Statia. Bonaire, financed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature
and Food Quality.
17 Long-Term Projects Overview The 71st annual conference of the Gulf and Caribbean
Fisheries Institute (GCFI) was held in Colombia last
25 Monitoring Overview year. The conference focuses on applying fisheries and Enjoy!
marine science to solve problems by bringing multiple The DCNA Team
29 Monitoring & Research Wishlist users of ocean resources together to make informed
and coordinated decisions for sustainable use of these
34 List of Acronyms resources. In this article Emma Doyle shares the findings
of one of the many topics discussed: “Sargassum in the
35 Reports and Publications Gulf and the Caribbean”.
36 Calendar
37 Members and Contact
38 References
Cover photo by: © Christian König
BioNews 21 - Content 2 3 4 5 6 ...
Unexpected high number of endemics
for the windward Dutch Caribbean Islands
In light of the mounting impact of humans on to discover just how rich the biodiversity of the authors reviewed all literature available, including
Table 1: Breakdown of the 223 endemic species and subspecies
our planet, there is an urgent need to assess Dutch Caribbean is. Each island has its own unique the 1997 biological inventories of Saba, St. according to larger taxonomic groupings (Bos et al., 2018)
the status of all current living species so as natural history, its own special ecosystems and Eustatius and St. Maarten (Rojer, 1997abc) and the
to ensure their long-term survival through habitats teeming with rare and exotic life. The 2015 Naturalis marine and terrestrial expedition Beetles (Coleoptera) 33
adequate conservation measures. Endemic remarkable variety of terrestrial and marine to St. Eustatius which uncovered at least 80 new Gastropods 28
species - defined as “native and restricted habitats, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, species for the island (Hoeksema & Schrieken, Spiders, scorpions and pseudoscorpions (Arachnida) 23
to a certain place” (Merriam-Webster, 2018) mangroves, saliñas, rainforests, cactus and 2015).
Birds 23
- have an especially important ecological woodlands means that the diversity of species is
value due to their limited geographical range. extraordinary. Recent biodiversity expeditions The checklist of endemic species put together Grasshoppers, locusts and crickets (Orthoptera) 22
Their increased vulnerability to natural and to the windward islands of the Dutch Caribbean by Bos et al. (2018) surpassed all expectations Spermatophyta (Vascular plants) 22
anthropogenic threats such as hurricanes (Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten (the SSS and sheds light on just how rich and unique the Reptiles 16
and habitat destruction stems from their islands)) and the Saba Bank uncovered many biodiversity of the Dutch Caribbean’s windward
Butterflies and moths (Lipidoptera) 12
uniqueness: their population is small and new species (Teruel, 2008; Teruel & Questel, islands is. In total, 223 endemic (sub)species
limited to a certain habitat/area and typically 2011ab; Krings & Axelrod, 2013; Williams et al., were identified for the SSS islands and Saba Cnidarians 5
has low genetic diversity. Endemic species that 2010; Etnoyer et al., 2010), some endemic, but a Bank, including 198 endemic animal species and Bivalves 5
have evolved isolated on islands are described thorough and complete assessment of the SSS 25 endemic plant species. The majority (191) Mammals (bats) 5
by Lomolino et al. (2017) as “ecologically islands’ endemic species has been lacking. are species while 32 are sub-species (Bos et al., Flies (Diptera) 4
naive” due to their loss of competitive and 2018). Over 70% of recorded endemic species are Bony fish (Actinopterygii) 4
anti-predator skills (Lomolino et al., 2017 in A new study carried out by Bos et al. (2018) terrestrial (162 species) compared with 32 endemic
True bugs (Hemiptera) 3
Bos et al., 2018). Despite their vulnerability to aimed to take on this task by putting together a species strictly related to marine habitats. A large
extinction, only a small portion of the world’s preliminary checklist of extant endemic animal number of the recorded endemic species and Sawflies, wasps, bees, and ants (Hymenoptera) 3
endemic species have so far been assessed by and plant taxa (species and subspecies) of the subspecies belong to the following five species Red Algae 3
the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the SSS islands and Saba Bank. The goal of the study groups: beetles, gastropods, arachnids, birds and Copepods (Hexanauplia) 2
worldwide reference on endangered species. was to “increase knowledge of rare species, identify locusts (Table 1). Some of the explanations put Dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) 1
The IUCN Red List assessments have focused future research priorities and develop adequate forward for the prevalence of terrestrial endemics
Worms (Polychaeta) 1
on more wide-ranging species due to “a lack of nature policy to protect these species” (Bos et al., over marine ones include “differences in dispersal
Amphipods 1
information or perceived priority” (Leclerc et al., 2018). The research was commissioned by the power, the duration of geographical isolation and
2018 in Bos et al., 2018). Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food the speed of propagation” (Debrot, 2018). Another Crabs, lobsters and shrimps (Decapoda) 1
Quality to Wageningen Environmental Research interesting finding from the study is that of the 223 Isopoda 1
The Caribbean region is recognized as a in collaboration with, Naturalis Biodiversity endemic species, 35 are island endemics, meaning Pycnogonida 1
biodiversity hotspot with to date 7,500 recorded Center and CARMABI (Curaçao), to assist with that they are restricted to one of the SSS islands or
Sharks and rays (Chondrichthyes) 1
endemic plant species and 880 vertebrates (BEST the drafting of the 2018 Nature Policy Plan for the Saba Bank (Bos et al., 2018).
2016, in Bos et al., 2018). We are only starting the Caribbean Netherlands (Bos et al., 2018). The Amphibians 1
Flatworms (Platyhelminthes) 1
BioNews 21 - Content 2 3 4 5 6 ...The other 188 species are endemic to a larger geographical area: 13 The list of endemic species put together in the study is impressive
are endemic to the Northern Lesser Antilles, 110 to the Lesser Antilles but Bos et al. (2018) believe that it is far from exhaustive. The
and 58 to the joint Antilles (Lesser and Greater Antilles) (Figure 1; Bos authors excluded from the study certain species groups (e.g. Fungi
et al, 2018). Of the island endemics, 26 inhabit terrestrial habitats, 8 and Chromista) that may contain endemic species. Certain species
marine habitats and one brackish water. St. Maarten has the most groups are understudied (spiders, moth flies, crickets, beetles
island endemics (10 animal species and 2 plant species), followed by and small mollusks) and likely to contain more species - some
St. Eustatius (8 animal species and 2 plant species), Saba (10 animal endemic - than what has currently been found (Bos et al., 2018).
species) and the Saba Bank (3 animal species). Furthermore, recent expeditions to the Saba Bank such as the 2006
Conservation International expedition and the 2018 NICO expedition
The information collected by Bos et al. (2018) was entered in the discovered many more species than had not previously been
Dutch Caribbean Species Register (DCSR), an online resource recorded – some even new to science (fish, sponge and octocoral
created by Naturalis in 2017 which includes all research on the Dutch species) (Conservational International, 2006). Based on the species
Caribbean’s biodiversity. There are currently 8197 species registered accumulation curve, researchers believe that there are likely more
for the Dutch Caribbean including all 223 endemic species identified species of fish and algae present on the Saba Bank in addition to the
in Bos et al.’s study. The register can be found on https://www. species found, “with potential endemics within them” (Williams et al.,
dutchcaribbeanspecies.org/. A search option enables the selection 2010 in Bos et al., 2018).
of geographical locations for endemicity (Lesser Antilles, Antilles,
Bonaire, Saba, etc.) and filter for all the species.
Figure 1: Geographical ranges of the endemic species on the windward Dutch Caribbean
Islands and the Saba Bank. Island endemics of the SSS-islands and Saba Bank are
restricted to the yellow line. Other endemics are restricted to one of the larger regions.
Image credit: Oscar Bos / Wageningen Marine Research
Unexpected high number of endemics for the windward Dutch Caribbean Islands Would you like to share a news item?
Please e-mail us: research@DCNAnature.org
BioNews 21 - Content 2 3 4 5 6 ...In addition to revealing the large number of endemic species that
occur on the SSS islands and Saba Bank, Bos et al. (2018) highlight the
urgent need to assess the status of these rare species. Assessments
by the IUCN Red List are only available for 42 of the endemic (sub)
species of the SSS islands and Saba Bank (Bos et al., 2018). Only
the following six endemic terrestrial reptiles currently carry a IUCN
threatened or near-threatened status: the Lesser Antillean Iguana
(Iguana delicatissima) is classified as Critically Endangered, the
Anguilla Bank racer (Alsophis rijgersmaei) and Anguilla Bank skink
(Spondylurus powelli) as Endangered, the Saba racer (Alsophis
rufiventris) and Anguilla Bank Bush anole (Anolis pogus) as Vulnerable
and the St. Christopher Ameiva (Pholidoscelis erythrocephalus)
as Near Threatened (Bos et al., 2018). It is highly likely that many
more endemic species found in the windward islands of the Dutch
Caribbean are endangered due to the increase in natural and
anthropogenic threats facing the islands. Hurricane Irma (2017)
caused much habitat destruction and the arrival of predatory invasive
species that are likely to impact the island’s vulnerable endemic
species.
Looking forward, focus should be placed on assessing the
conservation status of the endemic taxa of the SSS islands and Saba
Bank collected by Bos et al. (2018). Once their status is formerly
evaluated, stakeholders can come together to develop conservation
strategies that will help minimize the extinction risk of the most
threatened endemic species (Bos et al., 2018). The list put together
in this study does however require some more in-depth study, for
example by refining the exact range of the species and improving
their description (e.g. taxonomic status, ecology) (Bos et al., 2018).
This may result in a revision of their endemic status and possible
removal from the list. Species groups that are not included or
considered understudied must also be given priority as research into
these may yield many more endemic species.
Saban Anole , photo by: © Christian König (Left)
Statia Morning Glory , photo by: © Marjolijn Lopes Cardozo (Right)
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BioNews 21 - Content 2 3 4 5 6 ...Invasive seagrass Halophila stipulacea discovered on Saba
Park ranger Jelle van der Velde has identified the functions such as coastal protection,
presence of Halophila stipulacea at the Queen B. II productivity, habitat structure and food
mooring east of Fort Bay. The discovery, made last availability (Smulders et al., 2017).
month, is the first time this invasive species of seagrass
has ever been recorded on the island. All five other Monitoring at Lac Bay, Bonaire, found that H. stipulacea
Dutch Caribbean Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, threatens the native seagrass species T. testudinum,
St. Eustatius and St. Maarten) have documented the the preferred food of the endangered green turtle
presence of H. stipulacea since it was first encountered (Chelonia mydas) (Becking et al., 2014; Smulders et al.,
in Lac Bay, Bonaire, in 2010 (Engel, 2013). 2017). From 2011 to 2015, cover of the exotic seagrass
increased from 6% to 20%, while cover of T. testudinum
A native seagrass of the Red Sea and parts of the Indian decreased from 53% to 33% (Smulders et al., 2017). On
Ocean - and established in the Mediterranean Sea since St. Eustatius, monitoring for the 2015 Statia Marine
the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 - H. stipulacea is Expedition uncovered seagrass fields dominated by
believed to have first entered the Caribbean region in H. stipulacea (Hoeksema, 2016).
2002 (Smulders et al., 2017). It has since spread rapidly
through the region. The exotic seagrass is fast growing While there are still many unanswered questions about
compared to the native species Thalassia testudinum how quickly H. stipulacea spreads and what factors
and tolerates higher levels of salinity, irradiance and influence its growth within the Caribbean region, one
temperature as well as a wider range of substrate types study (Tussenbroek et al., 2016) found a correlation
(Smulders et al., 2017). between growth of the invasive species and pollution.
The extremely dense seagrass meadows found at about
Invasive species have a wide range of potential half of the studied sites on Bonaire and St. Maarten had
environmental impact, including outcompeting local consistently higher nutrient concentrations. Another
species for space. The arrival of H. stipulacea is of great study carried out on Bonaire attributes fast growth
concern as the dense mats it forms can outcompete of H. stipulacea to the higher temperatures and light
native seagrass species and impair the functioning availability in shallow bays (Smulders et al., 2017).
of local seagrass ecosystems (Smulders et al., 2017). Careful monitoring of the newly discovered H. stipulacea
Seagrass meadows composed of H. stipulacea are less on Saba is needed to gather more information about
structurally complex than T. testudinum and not as how the invasive seagrass affects native biodiversity
firmly rooted, and are therefore likely to alter ecological and what influences its expansion.
Halophila stipulacea , photo by: © NOAA
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BioNews 21 - Content ... 6 7 8 9 10 ...Coralita, we’re gonna beat ya!
By Elizabeth Haber and Jetske Vaas
Having started in 2015, Utrecht University In Statia the team met with STENAPA, CNSI, LVV and
researchers Elizabeth Haber and Jetske Vaas (a.k.a. Deputy Government Commissioner Stegers, sharing
The Coralita Girls) thought it time to discuss their ideas for management approaches and priority areas.
findings with stakeholders on Statia and Saba. The The attendees agreed that reforestation of the Coralita
botanist and social scientist have always studied the fields along the trail to The Quill on Upper Round
alien invasive Coral vine (Antigonon leptopus) with a Hill would be a good idea, as well as keeping a buffer
view of supporting the local communities in decision- zone on the lower slopes of Signal Hill. There was also
making on management of the pesky vine. Plus, an enthusiasm for a testing-and-research area below
invitation to participate in Sea & Learn once more the cliffs near Scubaqua, to test the effectiveness of
was of course too hard to resist. mowing, covering the vine with a tarp or having pigs
dig for the tubers. Also, the idea of Community
So mid-October they arrived on Saba, where they Nature Rangers was suggested, with people in
guided an invasive species hike, led ecologist-for-a- different neighbourhoods adopting trees to keep
day-activities with primary school students and built clear of Coralita.
Elephant ear umbrellas with SCF’s junior rangers. And
they sat down with the SCF rangers, Island Council Jetske ran a short participatory action research
members and the Governor to exchange ideas on how project on Saba, where a piece of land in St. John’s
to deal with Coralita in different areas. From maps of where lemon trees were planted on a former Coralita
values Sabans attach to nature that the researchers field. This showed the expenses involved with fencing
collected over the years, a clear need arises to keep Mt. against the feral goats, water for irrigation, and also
Scenery free from Coralita. Therefore, on the short term the time required to maintain the area. But, it also set
the small specks of Coralita on the upper part of the an example of what can be done when a group comes
Crispeen trail and next to Mr. Barnes’ sheep pen should together. Based on this experience, Elizabeth and
definitely be removed. In high erosion-risk areas, such Jetske recommended Statia government to set up
as the Harbour gut and Middle Island Trail, it is highly a similar pilot on a visible place, for example the
recommendable to remove Coralita from the trees that Deep Yard in Oranjestad. Turning this in a fruit
prevent erosion. Wanting to set an example, Haber and orchard shows that it is feasible and worthwhile to
Vaas organised a successful Tamarind tree clean-up on get Coralita off your land.
Saba on October 27th, acting on the winning slogan of a
small contest: “Coralita, we’re gonna beat ya.”.
Coralita Clean-up on Saba of the Tamarind tree along the Dancing place trail was a success!
Photo by: © Elizabeth Haber and Jetske Vaas
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BioNews 21 - Content ... 6 7 8 9 10 ...As for removal methods, digging and mowing is still the best approach. The steep slopes of
both islands result in a high risk of run-off with herbicides, potentially damaging other plants
and coral reefs. This calls for constant monitoring and immediate removal when Coralita is
found somewhere along trails, and therefore they recommended to make Coralita-monitoring
part of trail maintenance. But apart from keeping the trails clean, for larger areas the best
method to keep Coralita under control is getting people to use their land. To that end, Elizbeth
and Jetske handed out seeds, encouraging people to grow vegetables. After all, the farmers
are least fazed by the vine, since they weed regularly anyway.
Jetske is back in Utrecht finishing her dissertation, while Elizabeth has just conducted a
research campaign in which she tries to specify the impacts of Coralita. Although it has spread
around the world, data on Coralita’s impacts on nutrients in the soil, light availability for other
plants and effects on erosion is lacking entirely. By summer 2019 we should know more.
Top Left: Invasive species hike on Saba, facilitated by Sea and Learn foundation,
October 21st
Top right: Raymond Gomez, taking care of the lemon trees planted in
St. John’s as a demonstration of Coralita-alternatives.
Bottom Left: Teresa Leslie, Elizabeth Haber and Clarisse Buma produced a truck
bed full of Coralita during a one-hour clean up on Statia, November 12th
Bottom Right: Jetske testing the Elephant ear umbrellas built
with the SCF Junior Rangers, Saba October 23rd
Photo by: © Elizabeth Haber and Jetske Vaas
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BioNews 21 - Content ... 6 7 8 9 10 ...71st annual conference of the
Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute
The 71st annual conference of the Gulf and Caribbean • Tourism in the Caribbean: challenges for the
Fisheries Institute (GCFI) was held in San Andres, management of fisheries & coral reef ecosystems
(Colombia) from 5–9 November 2018. This yearly • Socio-economics and governance
conference is a scientific forum for the exchange of
information on the research and management of • Fisheries for Fishers forum —
marine and estuarine resources in the Caribbean Gladding Memorial Award
region. The conference focuses on applying fisheries • Coral reefs & associated ecosystems
and marine science to solve problems by bringing in a changing climate
multiple users of ocean resources together to make
informed and coordinated decisions for sustainable • Marine protected areas (MPAs)
use of these resources. High priority is placed on science and management
engaging fishers at the conference. The Dutch • Climate change
Caribbean was well-represented at this year’s GCFI • Hurricane impacts on fisheries & marine
meeting - representatives from STINAPA Bonaire, resources management responses and
Saba Conservation Foundation, St. Maarten Nature planning for future storms
Foundation, WWF-NL, Piskabon, RCN and CNSI were
present to exchange information and perspectives • Reef fish ecosystem: demersal fisheries
from the Dutch Caribbean. • Recent advances in optical technologies for
improving reef fish ecosystem surveys
The theme of the Conference was “Tourism in the
• Reef fisheries and spawning aggregations
Caribbean: challenges for the management of
fisheries and coral reef ecosystems of the region”. • Lionfish research
While tourism can provide considerable economic • Habitat & ecosystems
benefits for communities, it places pressure on
fisheries resources and the marine and coastal • Reefs and associated ecosystems: lobster,
environments. Tourism growth can be managed conch & other invertebrates
sustainably to address these impacts and at the • Sargassum in the Gulf and the Caribbean
same time optimize visitor experience, maximize Dutch Caribbean representitives
• Pelagic and recreational ecosystem fisheries
local livelihoods and tourism sector income, and
reduce poverty in local communities.. • Continental shelf fisheries
Topics discussed included: • Aquaculture
Abstracts of the presentations can be found at:
https://www.gcfi.org/download/56/71/4832/gcfi71book_of_abstracts_en.pdf
BioNews 21 - Content ... 6 7 8 9 10 ...Below you can find a summary of the outcomes of the sargassum influx as a key challenge faced by A regular contributor to sargassum at GCFI, Dr. Oxenford shared that the bulletin for the
the Sargassum session the tourism sector and he described sargassum physical oceanographer Dr. Don Johnson of Eastern Caribbean, on the frontlines of the
management actions being piloted in the the University of Southern Mississippi, along sargassum influx, currently informs that:
Sargassum in the Gulf and the Caribbean Dominican Republic. with colleagues Dr. Jim Franks and Dr. Chaumin “Sargassum influxes are likely to continue over the
By Emma Doyle (GCFI) Hu, shared the first insights into the Caribbean coming months... and that stakeholders should stay
The moderator of the sargassum session, sargassum influx at past GCFI meetings. This on the alert for more beach strandings which are
Since the first influx affected the Caribbean region Ms. Emma Doyle, commented: “At past GCFI year he gave an update about efforts to track and expected to intensify again as spring approaches.”
in 2011, sargassum has emerged as an important conferences we’ve focused on understanding the predict sargassum influxes and their impacts on
topic of exchange among scientists, coastal and source and possible causes of the influx. Presenters pelagic fisheries, such as the flying fish industry Presentations by Mr. Andrew Maurer of North
marine natural resource managers, fishers, diverse have described the various impacts of sargassum in Barbados which has been negatively impacted Carolina State University about impacts of the
government agencies, NGOs, the private sector and identified regional needs for research and by the sargassum influx. Ms. Marion Sutton sargassum influx on sea turtles in Antigua &
and the tourism industry. management. In contrast, this year’s session from CLS, part of a consortium working with the Barbuda, by Ms. Charleen Charles from CERMES
showed that progress is being made in addressing European Space Agency, presented about new about the costs of sargassum to the tourism
GCFI has been at the forefront of sharing gaps and responding to the sargassum influx.” capabilities for early detection to enable the industry in Barbados, and by Dr. Sabine Engel
information about the pelagic sargassum influx. development of more precise forecasting tools about the cascading effects of sargassum on the
First appearing as a topic of discussion in 2011 at “From the growing science of sargassum that can be used by Caribbean governments and economy of Bonaire, all served to underscore the
GCFI64 and again featuring in presentations at prediction and forecasting, to standardizing agencies to manage the sargassum influx. seriousness of the ecological and socio-economic
GCFI65, GCFI67, GCFI68 and GCFI70, the first time monitoring, sharing about adaptation measures impacts of the sargassum influx. With the
that a main conference session at GCFI focused and management approaches, and considering Building on efforts to predict sargassum influxes, catchphrase “show me the money”, Ms. Charles
on the sargassum influx was in 2016 at GCFI69 productive uses for sargassum, this was a notable Dr. Hazel Oxenford presented work underway shared findings about average willingness to pay
in Grand Cayman. At this year’s GCFI71 meeting session at GCFI,” she added. with Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox at the Centre for Resource among tourists to Barbados of just over US$20 to
in San Andres, Colombia, the sargassum influx Management and Environmental Studies assist in the management of sargassum, and an
was the topic of the largest number of presenters The sargassum session opened with a (CERMES) of the University of the West Indies, average willingness among tourists to travel 10-15
to date at a GCFI conference, with 10 oral presentation from the GCFI71 host country about supported by the CC4FISH project, to develop minutes to access an alternative beach without
presentations and nine posters. the calculation of the quantity of sargassum that a Sargassum Outlook Bulletin. Intended for use sargassum.
arrived on the island of San Andres during 2018. by resource managers and coastal stakeholders,
The theme of the GCFI71 conference was ‘Tourism Presented by PhD student Julian Prato Valderrama the bulletin aims to provide sub-regional alerts
in the Caribbean: challenges for the management from the Caribbean Campus of the National about the expected occurrence of a sargassum
of fisheries and coral reef ecosystems of the University of Colombia, the method could be influx and help trigger national and local response,
region’ and from the outset sargassum featured re-applied by others who seek to also assess and with corresponding technical and outreach
highly. In his opening keynote address, Jake Kheel compare arrivals of sargassum on their shores. information.
from Grupo Puntacana Foundation highlighted
71st annual conference of the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute
BioNews 21 - Content ... 6 7 8 9 10 ...Reflecting the growing regional experience capacity for sargassum management. GCFI’s
in facing up to the challenges of sargassum, outreach poster with best practices for cleaning
Ms. Richeda Speede from CERMES presented sargassum in the coastal zone also featured in
about new practices that are being seen among the poster session and copies were distributed in
Caribbean fishers, and innovations in gear and English, Spanish and French thanks to support
vessels as the fishing sector adapts to the influx from UN Environment and FAO. These can also be
of sargassum. Ms. Carla Daniel from the Food downloaded from www.gcfi.org/sargassum-influx/
and Agriculture Organization leant a note of
optimism to the session, “from horror to hope”, by Sargassum featured through to the very end of
presenting about evolving uses for sargassum in the GCFI71 conference when the winning student
the region. The audience took the opportunity to poster was announced in the closing ceremony as
raise questions about the implications of possible ‘Sargassum Landing and Movement as a Function
heavy metal content and absorption of pesticides of North Atlantic Oscillation Variation and pH
by sargassum, which served to highlight the need Differentials’ by Mariah McBride of Texas A&M
for further research. University at Galveston.
Dr. Ligia Collado-Vides from Florida International GCFI abstracts
University closed the session by sharing The GCFI71 abstracts can be found at
a proposed regional network for citizen
participation in sampling and standardized https://docs.google.com/gview?url=https://
monitoring of sargassum influxes, with scope for a www.gcfi.org/download/56/71/4832/
common index to be used to categorize the scale gcfi71book_of_abstracts_en.pdf&embedded=true
of a sargassum influx.
and past extended abstracts can be found in the
The poster session meanwhile presented advances searchable database of online GCFI proceedings at
in the genetic study of pelagic sargassum, https://proceedings.gcfi.org/ For more information
further progress in the detection and tracking please contact sargassum@gcfi.org.
of sargassum, a country update from Grenada
and an update from the FAO project on Climate
Change Adaptation in the Eastern Caribbean
Fisheries Sector (CC4FISH), which seeks to build
Sargassum at Sorobon (Bonaire) , photo by: © Sabine Engel
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BioNews 21 - Content ... 11 12 13 14 15 ...Sargassum management brief The Sargassum Management Brief can be found at:
https://www.dcnanature.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DCNA-Sargassum-Brief.pdf
In light of recent and recurring influxes of and threaten fragile and endangered coastal
sargassum on the islands of the Dutch Caribbean, ecosystems such as mangroves and seagrass beds
the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance has drafted as well as significantly disrupting the livelihoods of
a management brief, “Prevention and clean-up communities, especially those associated with the
of Sargassum in the Dutch Caribbean”, to help tourism and fishing sectors. Pelagic sargassum is
guide the process of collecting and disposing of typically associated with the Sargassum Sea in the
large quantities of the invasive seaweed. The Atlantic where it occurs naturally; the sargassum
management brief is heavily adapted from the coating Caribbean coastlines is believed to
Management Brief put together by Hinds et al. originate from a region located off the northeast of
(CERMES/ GCFI/SPAW Management Brief, 2016) Brazil, in the North Equatorial Recirculation Region
for the Caribbean region. (NERR) of the Atlantic Ocean.
Large quantities of pelagic sargassum began Figuring out how to clean and dispose of the large
washing onto the shores of Caribbean nations in quantities of sargassum washed up has been a real
2011, and by 2018 the problem had become so headache for the coastal communities affected.
severe that some beaches were covered in meters So far no real solution has been found, and options
high piles of the seaweed. All six islands of the are often difficult to implement and expensive.
Dutch Caribbean have suffered to a varying degree The fact that the strandings are highly variable in
depending on currents, winds and the topography terms of quantity and sites affected makes these
of each island. On Saba, for example, the impact irregular events hard to predict and therefore
has been limited as the island has few bays and mitigate. The main goal of this management brief
its coastline primarily consists of rocky shores. is therefore to assist government officials, coastal
Other islands have been hit much harder. March managers, beach caretakers and coastal residents
2018 saw the worst sargassum invasion to date for of the Dutch Caribbean by offering guidance on
Bonaire, and bays such as Lac Bay and Lagun are how best to sustainably manage the sargassum,
experiencing fish die-offs and important damage based on up-to-date information on the recent
to seagrass beds and mangrove forests. ‘sargassum influxes’ and lessons learnt to date.
We present a range of feasible, cost-effective and
The two species of pelagic sargassum that environmentally sound solutions for removing
are washing onto the shores of our islands are sargassum close to shore and on beaches in the
Sargassum natans and S. fluitans. The sargassum least damaging way, as well as current solutions for
grow into large, dense mats that wash ashore the use and valorization of collected sargassum.
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Please e-mail us: research@DCNAnature.org
BioNews 21 - Content ... 11 12 13 14 15 ...Vegetable cultivation on Bonaire
It seems easy to grow vegetables on Bonaire, with water from WEB has an acidity (pH) of 8. This water is
the heat and the sun. However, there are many lowered by the growers to a pH of 6.5. This is important
difficulties, such as too little water and diseases and for the absorption of the fertilizers from the soil and
pests, so local production is low. Bonaire imports 95% promotes the growth of strong plants.
of its vegetables from the Netherlands, Venezuela and
the USA. This means high prices and also uncertainty, To stimulate agriculture, rural development program
for example when the borders of Venezuela close, or POP Bonaire has laid the foundation for an agricultural
the boat is delayed. knowledge center. The knowledge of the growers has
been recorded in two manuals. For people who want to
In practice, it appears that a great deal of knowledge grow their own vegetables, a basic vegetable growing
and experience is needed to be able to produce for the book has been made. The collected knowledge about
market year round. In the past five years, two Dutch sustainable goat farming will soon be available.
growers have been producing vegetables such as POP Bonaire encourages local young people to learn
cucumber, spinach, herbs and lettuce on a large scale for the trade in practice from Dutch farmers. After a few
the market. These gardeners have been working hard years they can start their own business. POP Bonaire is a
and have succeeded by trial and error. Always searching nature funding project of Public Entity Bonaire, financed
for better seeds, better ways to fight diseases, good by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality.
fertilization and watering. For example: the drinking
Photo by © Wayaká Advies
BioNews 21 - Content ... 11 12 13 14 15 ...Handbook for professional vegetable Basic book fruit and vegetables
cultivation on Bonaire To stimulate self-sufficiency, the knowledge and
This manual is aimed at entrepreneurs who want to experience about fruit and vegetables has been
produce for the market. POP Bonaire has asked the collected. This book is for everyone who wants to grow
grower Arie Boers, who has grown vegetables on fruit and vegetables in his own garden. The book will
Bonaire for three years, to write it. He has documented be used at workshops, in the school gardens and at the
his knowledge and experience with market-oriented MBO Groen training.
horticulture, to make sure this knowledge can be used by
existing and new growers. The two ‘photo models’ in this book both followed a POP
Bonaire vegetable growing workshop in 2015 and are
This book is available in English and in Dutch. now enthusiastic gardeners.
See also the movie on YouTube.
The book is printed in Papiamento, it is for sale at Addo’s
Hydroponics manual on Bonaire Bookstore and at Joshantie’s Bookstore. There are digital
Everyone thought that growing lettuce on Bonaire was versions available in English, Dutch and Papiamento. See
impossible. Until the experienced grower Jaap van der also the film on YouTube.
Wel successfully cultivated lettuce on hydroponics for
three years. His knowledge and experience is laid down For more information: POPBonaire@gmail.com
in a manual by POP Bonaire.
This book is available in English, Dutch and Papiamento.
See also the film on YouTube about producing
on Bonaire.
Would you like to share a news item?
Vegetable cultivation on Bonaire Please e-mail us: research@DCNAnature.org
BioNews 21 - Content ... 11 12 13 14 15 ...Research Overview December 2018 & January 2019
CATEGORY SUBJECT DC ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST(S)
Birds Suitability study and reforestation of exclosures facilitating the Yellow-shouldered Amazon Parrots (Amazona barbadensis) BON Echo: Julianka Clarenda
VHL: Shalin Jacobs (student)
Birds Critically endangered Aruban brown-throated parakeet AUA
Arikok: Gian Nunes
WUR: Mischa Streekstra
Coral Reefs Iron limitation on Caribbean reefs CUR
CARMABI
Duquesne University, U.S.A.: Kevin Tidgewell
Coral Reefs Chemistry of cyanobacteria CUR
CARMABI
Climate change Teatime4science (seagrass and mangroves http://www.teatime4science.org) BON STINAPA: Sabine Engel
WUR: Joey de Hamer (student)
Governance Disaster governance on St. Maarten in the wake of hurricane Irma SXM
NFSXM: Tadzio Bervoets
Expedition Saba Bank Expedition SAB WMR
BON
WWF-NL: Pieter van Baren
Fisheries Market & Supply Chain Analysis study (Funded by WWF-NL) SAB
The Good Fish Foundation: Michelle Boonstra
EUX
SCF (SBMU): Ayumi Kuramae Izioka
Fisheries Testing and comparing various lionfish traps to study their potential use in a directed lionfish fishery (funded by WWF-NL) SAB
Interns: Michael Beekhuizen and Alex van der Last
VHL: Josiah Dusseljee (student)
Human impact Impact Assessment Quadirikiri Cave and Road to Conchi AUA
Arikok: Gian Nunes
Ecological impacts of Coralita
SAB
Invasive species People’s perception and management of Coralits UU: Elizabeth Haber, Jetske Vaas (PhD students)
EUX
(*part of NWO “Exotic plant species in the Caribbean: foreign foes or alien allies?”)
NFSXM: Tadzio Bervoets
Invasive species Research into mitigation measures for Sargassum Seaweed SXM
Government of St. Maarten
Mangroves Changing Carbon Fluxes due to reducing extent of mangroves on Bonaire BON Would
Univ youFlo
Bremen: like to share a news item?
Senger
Please e-mail us: research@DCNAnature.org
STINAPA: Sabine Engel
BioNews 21 - Content ... 11 12 13 14 15 ...Research Overview December 2018 & January 2019
CATEGORY SUBJECT DC ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST(S)
Plants Testing effective ways to grow native plants BON Echo: Johan van Blerk
Plants Germination of seeds of indigenous trees of Curaçao CUR CARMABI: John de Freitas
Aeres Hogeschool Almere: Joost Merjenburgh
(student), Quirine Hakkaart
Reptiles The current status of the Anolis pogus SXM
RAVON: Tim van Wagensveld
NFSXM: Melanie Meijer zu Schlochtern
Reptiles Lesser Antillean iguana nest research (funded by WWF-NL) EUX RAVON: Tim van Wagensveld, Ronald Zollinger
HVL: Valeria Pesch (student), Joop Eerbeek, Marlous
Investigating the infilling of Lac Bay, Bonaire by the calcareous macroalgae Halimeda opuntia. Heemstra, Alwin Hylkema
Sedimentation BON
STINAPA: Sabine Engel
WUR: Dolfi Debrot
SCF(SBMU): Ayumi Kuramae Izioka
Sharks Silky shark research on the Saba Bank SAB
Oceaware: Guido Leurs
SCF(SBMU): Ayumi Kuramae Izioka
Sharks Nurse sharks caught in lobster traps on the Saba Bank SAB Oceaware: Guido Leurs
NEV
Temple University, USA: Jocelyn Behm
Terrestrial ecology Terrestrial ecology and genetics CUR
CARMABI
Would you like to share a news item?
Please e-mail us: research@DCNAnature.org
BioNews 21 - Content ... 16 17 18 19 20 ...Long Term Projects
CATEGORY SUBJECT DC ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST(S)
Coral Reef Ecosystems Deep Reef Observation Project (DROP) (ARMS: Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures) CUR Smithsonian: Carole Baldwin
Developing a plan to manage the waters around Curaçao sustainably, profitably, and enjoyably for this Waitt Institute (Blue Halo Curaçao): Kathryn
Coral Reef Ecosystems CUR
and future generations Mengerink
CNSI: Kimani Kitson-Walters
Coral Reef Ecosystems Diadema Antillarum Population Assessment EUX VHL: Alwin Hylkema
STENAPA: Jessica Berkel
NFSXM: Tadzio Bervoets, Melanie Meijer zu
Coral Reef Restoration St. Maarten’s Coral Restoration Project SXM Schlochtern
CRF
NFSXM: Tadzio Bervoets,
Melanie Meijer zu Schlochtern
Coral Reef Restoration Plant a million coral initiative (IntelliReefs) SXM
SeaLagacy, Reeflife Restoration and
Sea to Sky ventures
RRFB: Augusto Montbrun, Francesca Virdis
SECORE Project
Coral Reef Restoration Development of restoration methods for threatened Caribbean coral species BON, CUR
CARMABI: Mark Vermeij
UvA: Valerie Chamberland
University of Illonois: Amy Wagoner Johnson, Bruce
Fouke, Gabriel Juarez
Coral Reef Restoration Artificial structures that encourage larvae settlement and discourage the growth of competitor species CUR
San Diego State University: Forest Rohwer
CARMABI: Kirsten Marhaver, Mark Vermeij
Naturalis: Sander Pieterse,
Database Dutch Caribbean Species Register: Taxonomic knowledge system Dutch Caribbean (http://www.dutchcaribbeanspecies.org/) All
Hannco Bakker, Bert Hoeksema
Naturalis: Arjen speksnijder
Interstitial biodiversity Moleculair biodiversity analysis of marine communities by metabarcoding EUX
ANEMOON: Niels Schrieken
IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group ISSG:
Invasive species Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species GRIIS All
Shyama Pagad
BioNews 21 - Content ... 16 17 18 19 20 ...Long Term Projects
CATEGORY SUBJECT DC ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST(S)
STINAPA Sabine Engel, Caren Eckrich
Marine ecosystems Taxonomy and biodiversity in Lac Bay BON Ecosub: Godfried van Moorsel
CEAB: Daniel Martin
Naturalis: Bert Hoeksema
Marine ecosystems Marine species discoveries in the Dutch Caribbean All CNSI
CARMABI
Marine Litter Clean Coast Bonaire (Citizen science project, OSPAR methodology) BON Boneiru Duradero: Sharon Bol, Carolyn Caporusso
Naturalis: Klaas-Douwe B. Dijkstra
Public Health DNA waterscan: Monitoring disease vectors in the Caribbean (mosquitoes and midges) CUR ECPHF: Teresa Leslie
EUX CBHRI: Delia-Maria Goil0 (NWO DUCAMID project)
Mac & Field: Tim van Wagensveld & Stacey Mac Donald
Reforestation Reforestation Project on St. Eustatius EUX STENAPA: Clarisse Buma
LVV: Gershon Lopes
Uva: Jasper de Goeij, 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*, Niklas
Pumping iron: can iron availability fuel the sponge loop and affect coral reef community structure? (Misha Streekstra) Korner*
* Part of the ERC project “SPONGE ENGINE — Fast and
efficient sponge engines drive and modulate the food
web of reef ecosystems”
Threats and risks Are human activities (related to an oil terminal and dive tourism) a risk for ecosystem services ? EUX WUR: Diana Slijkerman
NWO Projects in the Dutch
Caribbean
Stand-alone production of algal products for food, feed, chemicals and fuels WUR: R.H. Wijffels, Rin Barten
Bioproducts BON
- Bioprospecting and directed evolution of microalgae from Bonaire CIEE: Rita Peachey
BioNews 21 - Content ... 16 17 18 19 20 ...Long Term Projects
CATEGORY SUBJECT DC ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST(S)
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
NIOZ: Gert Jan Reichart, Lennart de Nooijer, Alice
Seawater chemistry of CO2 system and nutrients as drivers of benthic community structure and carbon metabolism of coral SAB, SABA
Coral Reef Ecosystems Webb (PhD student)
reef ecosystems of different trophic status in the Caribbean BANK
WUR: Didier Bakker
SAB, SABA
Coral Reef Ecosystems Benthic-pelagic coupling on coral reefs of the Saba Bank and Saba NIOZ: Fleur van Duyl
BANK
VHL: Alwin Hylkema, Marlous Heemstra
WUR: Dolfi Debrot
SAB
Coral restoration Artificial Reefs On Saba and Statia (AROSSTA) STENAPA: Jessica Berkel
EUX
SCF: Kai Wulf, Aymi Kuramae Izioka
CNSI: Johan Stapel
AUA, BON, VU: Jacintha Ellers, Matt Helmus,
Environmental Caribbean island biogeography meets the anthropocene CUR, EUX, Wendy Jesse (PhD. 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
BioNews 21 - Content ... 16 17 18 19 20 ...Long Term Projects
CATEGORY SUBJECT DC ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST(S)
(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,
EUX
Max Rietkerk,Maarten Eppinga.
CNSI
WUR: Marjolijn Christianen,
Fee Smulders (PhD student)
Invasive species Global defaunation and plant invasion: cascading effects on seagrass ecosystem services BON Smithsonian: Justin Campbell (coordinator Caribbean
wide research project), Olivier Kramer
STINAPA: Sabine Engel
RuG: Per Palsbøll, Jurjan van der Zee (PhD student)
WUR: Lisa Becking, Marjolijn Christianen
AUA, BON, STCB: Mabel Nava
Reptiles Ecology and conservation of green and hawksbill turtles in the Dutch Caribbean CUR, SAB, STINAPA
EUX, SXM CARMABI
STENAPA
CNSI
Smithsonian: Justin Campbell (coordinator Caribbean
Thalassia Experimental Network (TEN): vulnerability of seagrasses to nutrient pollution (eutrophication) and decline of
Seagrass BON wide research project), Olivier Kramer
grazing animals
WUR: Marjolijn Christianen
Tourism and sustainable Vulnerability is dynamic: Enhancing adaptive governance to climate change for Caribbean tourism through interactive WUR: Jillian Student, Machiel Lamers
CUR
development modelling UOC: Filomeno A. Marchena
BO-projects in the Dutch
Caribbean (Min EZ)
Coral Reef Ecosystems BO-43-021.04-003 –Inventory corals 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
BioNews 21 - Content ... 16 17 18 19 20 ...Long Term Projects
CATEGORY SUBJECT DC ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST(S)
Envirnomental Hazards BO-43-021.04-008 - Sunscreen and risks for coral reefs BON WUR: Diana Slijkerman
Invasive species Supported action plan on professional goat farming BON WUR: Francesca Neijenhuis
WUR: Dolfi Debrot
EUX, SAB, CNSI: Kimani Kitson-Walters
Fisheries BO-11-019.02-006 - Fish stocks and fisheries Caribbean Netherlands
BON PiskaBon, STINAPA
SCF: Kai Wulf, Ayumi Kuramae
WUR: Erik Meesters (benthic communities), Dolfi
Marine biodiversity BO-43-021.04-002 – Saba Bank – Marine biodiversity SAB
Debrot, Thomas Brunel, Leo Nagelkerke (fish stocks)
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
BioNews 21 - Content ... 21 22 23 24 25 ...Long Term Projects
CATEGORY SUBJECT DC ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST(S)
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: Julianka Clarenda
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
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
BioNews 21 - Content ... 21 22 23 24 25 ...Long Term Projects
CATEGORY SUBJECT DC ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST(S)
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
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 Pop-Up Nursery and Coral Restoration (Oil Slick Leap) BON RRFB: 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
BioNews 21 - Content ... 21 22 23 24 25 ...Long Term Projects
EU-BEST funded Projects in
the Dutch Caribbean
Conservation Watershed & Biodiversity Conservation of Roi Sangu valley BON Echo: Julianka Clarenda
Fundo Regional para a Ciência e Tecnologia, Portugal
MOVE, Facilitating MAES (Mapping and Assessing the state of Ecosystems and their Services) to support regional policy in AUA, BON,
Ecosystem services (consortium leader)
OVerseas Europe: mobilizing stakeholders and pooling resources SAB, EUX
Wolfs Company: Esther Wolfs
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
SCF: Kai Wulf
Terrestrial ecosystems North Saba National Park, Phase I SAB SABARC
Nature2: Kalli De Meyer
Coastal Zone Management: Duncan MacRae
BioNews 21 - Content ... 21 22 23 24 25 ...Monitoring Overview
CATEGORY SUBJECT DC ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST(S)
DRO: Frank van Slobbe
Birds Flamingo Abundance BON Cargill
STINAPA: Paulo Bertuol
Birds Monitoring vulnerable parrot nests (remote camera sensing work) BON Echo: Julianka Clarenda, Sam Williams
Echo: Julianka Clarenda
Birds Yellow-shouldered Amazon parrot roost counts BON DRO: Peter Montanus
STINAPA: Albert Christiaan
BON STINAPA: Paulo Bertuol
Birds Bird Monitoring (Caribbean Waterbird Census)
SXM EPIC: Adam Brown
STINAPA: Paulo Bertuol
Cargill
Birds Tern monitoring(artificial nesting islands) BON
DRO
WUR: Dolfi Debrot
Echo: Julianka Clarenda
BON
STINAPA: Paulo Bertuol, Caren Eckrich
CUR
STENAPA
Birds Terrestrial Bird and Habitat Monitoring SAB
CNSI
SXM
Curassavica: Michelle da Costa Gomes
EUX
Nature Foundation: Binkie van Es
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
BioNews 21 - Content ... 21 22 23 24 25 ...Monitoring Overview
CATEGORY SUBJECT DC ISLANDS ORGANIZATION(S): LEAD SCIENTIST(S)
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
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
AUA
FPNA: Giancarlo Nunes
BON
Shark monitoring: STINAPA: Caren Eckrich
CUR
Fish -Shark sightings CARMABI: Mark Vermeij
SAB
- Shark Abundance, distribution and movements (tagging, acoustic telemetry) SCF(SBMU): Ayumi Kuramae Izioka, Guido Leurs
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
STINAPA: Sabine Engel
Hydrology Hydrology Lac Bay BON
WUR: Klaas Metselaar
Echo: Julianka Clarenda
Insects Bee tracking BON
STINAPA: Sabine Engel, Johan Blerk
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 Feral pig population assessment (trapping) BON Echo
BioNews 21 - Content ... 26 27 28 29 30 ...You can also read
