BONAIRE NATIONAL MARINE PARK
ICRAN Demonstration Site Profile
Name of MPA:
Bonaire National Marine Park (BNMP)
Name of management
authority:
STINAPA, Bonaire ( Stichting Nationale Parken Bonaire) or National Parks Foundation for
Bonaire, a local not for profit NGO.
Location
Description
Size
Bonaire is situated in the Southern Caribbean (12o 10' N & 68o 15' W) approximately 100 km
north of Venezuela (Fig.1). It is one of the five islands, together with Curaçao and the Windward
Islands of St.Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius (Statia), which form the Netherlands Antilles.
Bonaire is a crescent shaped island, orientated along a northwest-southeast axis, approximately
40km long by 11 km at its widest point with a land area of 288km². The small uninhabited and
undeveloped satellite island of Klein Bonaire (small Bonaire) is located some 750m off the
western shore of Bonaire.
The Marine Park was first established in 1979, but due to financial difficulties was not actively
managed from 1984 until 1991 when it was revitalized using Dutch Government grant funding.
Comprehensive legislation exists and is enforced.
The Marine Park covers 2700 hectares of extensive coral reefs and seagrass beds, and
mangrove-lined bays, extending from high water mark to 60 m depth contour around Bonaire and
Klein Bonaire islands. The island of Klein Bonaire, which is a RAMSAR site, is also part of the
Marine Park covering 690 hectares of flat coral limestone with three Saliñas and low xerotrophic
vegetation.
Demographic statistics
Socioeconomics
The resident population in 1990 was 10,791 (CBS, 1991) with a population density of only 37
persons/km². The population in December 2001 shows an increase to 14,312 (pers com CBS
2002). The main centre of population, Kralendijk (locally called “Playa”) is located in the centre of
the island with a second older centre in the north, Rincon. There are only five other “villages” with
the rest of the island uninhabited and undeveloped. The coastal zone adjacent to Kralendijk has
been extensively developed to provide tourist accommodation and more recently for private
residential housing to accommodate an influx of wealthy retirees taking advantage of tax
concessions. The economy of Bonaire is remarkably undiversified (Scura + van't Hof, 1993)
consisting of an oil transshipment facility located on the northwestern shore, a solar salt extraction
plant whose “condensers” (evaporation ponds) take up most of the southern end of the island and
tourism which is firmly based on the dive travel segment. Tourism is considered the mainstay of
the island economy with gross revenues from dive tourism in 1994 estimated at US$ 34 million
(Scura + van't Hof, 1993). Since both fishing and agriculture are essentially small scale artisanal
activities, the major impacts on the marine ecosystem are as a direct and indirect result of tourism
development.
Goal
To protect and conserve the island’s marine resources whilst maximizing returns from both
recreation and commerce.
Ecological features and
assets
Coral Reefs
Both Bonaire and Klein Bonaire are surrounded by continuous fringing coral reefs from the
shoreline seaward to depths in excess of 70m covering an area of some 2,700 hectares. Reef
formation begins at the shore line with a gradually shelving submarine terrace extending seaward
by up to 250m. Beyond this, at 10 - 12m water depth, the terrace drops off and the reef slope
commences. The drop off zone exhibits maximum diversity of benthos and maximum coral cover
(Bak, 1977). The reef slope drops down steeply at an angle of between 20° and 50° to a depth of
approximately 25m to 55m where it flattens out into a shelf. A second drop off occurs beyond this
(van Duyl, 1985).
Van’t Hof (1983) recognises 6 distinct coral zones from the shore line to 50m. These are a shore
zone (0-1m) characterized by Diploria clivosa, elkhorn zone (1-4m) dominated by Acropora
palmata, Millepora sp and crustose coralline algae, staghorn zone (4-7m) characterized by
Acropora cervicornis interspersed with Madracis mirabilis, Colpophyllia natans, Montastrea
annularis and bounded by gorgonians, drop off zone (7-12m) characterized by gorgonians,
Montastrea annularis, Madracis mirabilis and Eusmilia fastigiata, upper reef slope (12-25m)
characterised by massive Montastrea annularis, Agaricia sp., and finally lower reef slope (25m+)
dominated by Agaricia sp., and some flattened forms of Montastrea annularis, Montastrea
cavernosa, Stephanocoenia michelinii but few other abundant corals.
A conspicuous feature of the reef slope, especially along the northwestern shore are coral
tongues (spurs) separated by sediment channels (grooves) which may form as a result of the
inherent instability of corals at the top of the reef slope causing the reef to collapse locally. True
spur and groove coral formations occur in shallow water at only two sites on Bonaire on the north
western shore (Boca Bartol and Playa Benge).
Mangrove and seagrass sites
A sheltered shallow inland bay, Lac Bay, occurs on the windward shore to the south of Bonaire. It
is the largest inland bay in the Netherlands Antilles with a flooded area of approximately 7.5 km²
and is internationally protected as a RAMSAR site (Ramsar Convention, 1971). The maximum
water depth within the bay is 4.5m and tidal amplitude is limited to approximately 30cm (van
Moorsel, 1993). The bay is bounded on its seaward extent by exposed fringing coral reefs which
protect the bay from wave action. Waves break over the reef, flood the bay and flow out though a
deep water channel at the northern most tip of the bay, creating a rip current. Lac Bay supports
Bonaire’s only significant mangrove and seagrass ecosystems. The open water area of the bay is
covered by seagrass beds, dominated by Thalassia testudinum (varying in cover between 5 and
100%) together with Syringodium filiforme, and banks of the calcareous alga Halimeda sp.
The bay is surrounded along its landward edge by an actively growing fringe of Rhizophora
mangle with an average height of 8m and average dbh of 17cm (Alleng, pers.comm) which is
systematically encroaching on the bay. The geomorphological nature of these mangrove stands is
relatively rare as classified by Thom (1984) as there is no riverine input into the system making
them particularly vulnerable. Within the mangrove system are a number of permanently dry ribbon
like cayes as well as several important feeder channels which supply water to the back of the
mangrove. The mangroves are dominated by Rhizophora mangle along the landward and
seaward edges and Avicennia germinans within the mangroves and around the drier ground
associated with the islands. Within the avicennia zone average tree height is 5m and average dbh
8.1cm (Alleng, pers.comm). Conocarpus erectus is also not uncommon. One of the dominant
features of the mangrove system is a significant die back of Rhizophora mangle at its
northwestern extreme, thought to be due to hypersaline conditions created by the landward
damming of fresh water and choking of feeder channels on the seaward side resulting in water
temperatures of 40°C and salinities of up to 100ppt. (van Moorsel, 1993)
The mangrove stands are particularly important as nesting and roosting areas for birds and the
seagrass beds form nursery grounds for some important reef fish as well as important foraging
area for Chelonia mydas with the bay possibly also a breeding ground for Caretta caretta and
Eretmochelys imbricata (van Moorsel, 1993).
Klein Bonaire
A coral-limestone island of approximately 690 hectares with 10 km of well developed fringing
reefs and active sea turtle nesting beaches used by the endangered Hawksbill Turtle. Also
significant waterbird breeding activity recorded. The island has three saliñas of respectively 1.5,
12 and 23 hectares. On the north, west and south the island is fringed by storm berms of coral
rubble. There are a total of at least five water caverns/wells. A survey of the island by Adolphe
Debrot in 1996 described the flora (76 species) as impoverished due to degradation in the past
caused by intensive grazing by goats (removed in the mid 80s) though clear signs of a gradual
recovery were noted (Debrot 1997).
The saving of Klein Bonaire from development is an environmental success story all communities
can learn from. Klein Bonaire was privately owned and under threat from a huge tourist
development. A Foundation for the preservation of Klein Bonaire was set up in June of 1996 and
began a worldwide campaign to promote awareness and raise the money to buy back the island.
The money, five million US dollars came from the Dutch government, fundraising ventures,
private donations and WWF. In May of 2001 Klein Bonaire became part of the National Marine
Park.
Background legislation
The Marine Park is protected by the Verordening Marien Milieu - Marine Environment Ordinance
(A.B. 2001, no. 13) and associated EBHAMs. It is hoped to give training to the Rangers of the MP
in special policing powers so they can not only write out a summons but can also issue summary
fines to deal with offenses under the Marine Environment Ordinance.
Law enforcement activities take up approximately 5-10% of staff time (excluding patrols). Most of
the problems are associated with development of the coastal zone, modification of the shore line,
creation of beaches and illegal placement of moorings, piers and the like. Activities associated
with the coastal zone are difficult to control as the Marine Environment Ordinance has no
"preventative" side and prosecution is often difficult. A very good working relationship with the
District Attorney’s office allows reports of incidents to be investigated by the police force.
Additionally Bonaire has a small but persistent spearfishing problem and occasional problems with
recreational divers who are unable or unwilling to control their bouyancy under water or who
remove items (such as soft corals and shells) from the reef. BNMP is working with SSV, police
and airport authorities to try to avoid export of collected corals and other CITES listed organisms.
Signboards have already been made and placed at strategic locations informing visitors about
CITES regulations.
There have also been problems with shipping - dumping of dirty ballast or other substances,
leaking of oil, groundings. The ballast water issue was addressed jointly by the Harbour Master
and Park Manager and the captain of all ballast carrying vessels is now required to sign a “ballast
water declaration” before his vessel may dock.
The summary fines, which came into effect in November 1994, have so far been used to fine
several persons found spearfishing. The only lasting limitation of this system is that the violation
has to be witnessed either by a police officer or by someone with special police powers.
BNMP already works closely with dive operators and their staff as far as reporting incidents is
concerned. Now BNMP is working on strengthening links with the other enforcement agencies on
island: police, SSV (special security services), the Harbour Office, Selibon (waste management
authority) via the District Attorney’s office.
Management structure
The management of the Marine Park was assigned by the Island Government to STINAPA,
Bonaire under a management contract. The nine person board of STINAPA represent the
broadest array of interests and has officially appointed representatives from the local agricultural
cooperative, fishing community, tourism industry, hotel and tourism association and dive
operators. The board is responsible for policy decision making and the Park Manager is
responsible for the day to day management of the Marine Park, finances and personnel.
BNMP staff consists of a manager, chief ranger and three rangers. Additionally there are 4
members of staff shared with STINAPA (Accounting manager, office assistant, delivery person
and cleaning lady). The Marine Park share office space with STINAPA. The building houses also
a workshop, storage space, a conference/AV room and library.
Stakeholder
involvement
BNMP works closely with the fishermen’s association, local dive operators and other tourism
concerns with in the Park. The Dive operations collect the diver admission fees, give orientations
on BNMP rules to visiting divers and act as the eyes and ears of the Park. In addition the board of
STINAPA is made up of representatives from the local agricultural cooperative, fishing
community, tourism industry, hotel and tourism association and dive operators.
BNMP also have a volunteer group made up of local divers.
Funding
Activities
BNMP is funded by a diver admission fee of $10 US per diver per year (initiated in 1992), mooring
fees from visiting yachts to the public yacht moorings, sales of souvenirs and donations. This
income covers the running costs of the Park but further funds are needed to run any special
education, interpretation or research and monitoring projects.
The chief ranger and rangers take care of patrolling and maintenance within BNMP. This
includes: the maintenance of Marine Park moorings, public yacht moorings and the placement of
private moorings. Maintenance of shore marker stones and all Marine Park equipment (such as
boats, vehicles etc). Daily boat and shore patrols which are designed to assist park users as well
as ensure compliance with the Marine Environment Ordinance. Rangers also run snorkel classes
and outings for local children and routinely assist with research and monitoring work.
The Manager’s time is taken up to a large extent with administration. The Manager is also
responsible for provision of information, education, outreach, research, monitoring, advice, media
relations, representing the Marine Park at home and abroad, securing grant funding, donations
and similar as well as law enforcement activities.
The shared messenger undertakes occasional shore patrols and collects the income from the
sale of admission tickets which are sold at island dive operations on behalf of BNMP.
Research and Monitoring
1. User's statistics: Data on the number of arriving yachts, divers and dives made around
Bonaire are collected on a regular basis.
2. Coral Reef Monitoring: In 1983 a baseline study was completed on the reefs of the leeward
shore of Bonaire and Klein Bonaire by Fleur van Duyl, who produced an atlas of her results. In the
late 1970s Prof. Rolf Bak also set up permanent photo-quadrants (3 x 3 m2) 4 sites at Karpata to
study change in coral cover and diversity. These are still monitored annually.
Additionally in 1994 the Marine Park studied 15 sites along the coast taking photoquadrats (36
exposures of 1 x 0.7 m quadrants) at two depths - 30’ and 60’. These have been used to
characterize the coral community in these areas. The images are scanned by computer and
processed with special software. This monitoring has been repeated every 2-3 years.
3. Fish census and diver's impact: In 1991 Tom van 't Hof collected baseline data on heavilydived and little-dived reefs. In 1994 Callum Roberts and Julie Hawkins monitored these study
sites and additionally conducted a census on the fish populations on Bonaire's reef. Observations
were also made on the negative effects of nutrient enrichment and anchor damage on the reefs.
4. Economic analyses and carrying capacity: In 1991 Tom van 't Hof and Louise Fallon Scura
carried out a project studying the carrying capacity of Bonaire's reefs and the economic impact of
the BMP. Their report was published as a World Bank report on the Ecology and Economics of
the Bonaire Marine Park (Divisional Paper 1993-44). It was also the subject of an article in Ambio
by John Dixon. Their results show that the Marine Park appears to be at or near its carrying
capacity.
5. CARICOMP programme: The BNMP is an active member of CARICOMP (Caribbean Marine
Productivity Programme). Monitoring began in 1994 and has continued to date. A site description
paper has been published.
The various elements of the monitoring programme include: Daily physical data is obtained from
the Flamingo Airport and weekly physical data is collected at the reef study site by Park Rangers.
Coral reef monitoring commenced in 1995 with establishment of a permanent monitoring site at
Barcadera and the laying out of 10 permanent 10m transect lines which have been analysed
either annually or biannually since that time by Leanne Miller Rutten. A mangrove study site was
also established in 1995 and the original data collected by Gerard Alleng of IMO, Trinidad. A years
worth of data on mangrove leaf litter production has been collected. All data is submitted to a
data management centre based at the University of the West Indies, Jamaica.
6. Disease/parrotfish: following isolated observations of unusual phenomena effecting Bonaire’s
stoney corals in December 1996, the Marine Park invited Dr Tom Goreau and Drs James Cervino
in 1997 to come and investigate and give their expert advice. They concluded that they could find
signs of yellowband, blackband, whiteband, white plague and coralline lethal orange disease on
Bonaire’s reefs. Their claim to have discovered a new coral wasting disease turned out to be
Parrotfish biting.
7. AGRRA: The previous Park Manager attended the first meeting in Miami in June 1998 to
discuss a reef monitoring protocol: Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment. AGRRA assesses
not only the presence/absence of corals but also evaluates the percentage of each colony over
25cm which is long dead, recently dead, diseased etc. Additionally information is collected on
algal type. Fish stocks are assessed and total species counts are combined with abundance and
biomass of key species. The protocol is interesting not only because it is a Caribbean wide effort,
but also because it is the first of its kind to attempt to assess the “health” of coral reefs.
Arrangements were made at the Miami meeting for Dr Phil Kramer and Dr Tricia Kramer to run
the first training workshop for AGRRA on Bonaire. A preliminary dataset was collected in Feb
1999 by workshop leaders and participants which will be augmented throughout the year. A
training workshop was also run for local marine park volunteers.
8. Site characterisation: the Marine Park has produced a site characterisation of Bonaire which
includes an overview of all published and unpublished materials on Bonaire’s reefs, seagrasses
and mangrove ecosystems and associated biota.
9. Parrotfish: Doctoral students from the University of Groningen have been studying Bonaire’s
parrotfish populations for more than a decade.
Research and monitoring utilizing volunteers includes:
Trididemnum: The presence of the colonial ascidian Trididemnum solidum was noted on
Bonaire’s reefs as early as 1974. However in the early 1990s the population seems to have grown
and spread dramatically. This tunicate is an efficient coloniser of dead substrate and forms large
colonies which then overgrow and kill adjacent corals and other benthos. It reaches its maximum
distribution at 30-60’ and is a threat to Bonaire’s reefs not only because it easily overgrows living
corals, but also because it suffers little predation and has a high reproductive rate, spawning daily.
An investigation in the temporal and spatial distribution of Trididemnum solidum, which was begun
as a joint project with CARMABI, was carried out entirely by local volunteer divers, lead by Barry
and Donna Gassert, in 1994. The project was highly successful and was repeated in 1999 to look
for temporal changes in distribution patterns and density.
Coral spawning: As of 1992 the spawning of corals has been monitored annually. This is based
on observations made by volunteers during night dives in the months September and/or October.
The main coral spawning event normally occurs one week after the full moon in September with a
secondary event occurring one week after the full moon in October. This initiative was begun my
Manfred van Veghel and has since been taken over by Drs Gerard Geertjes to whom all data is
forwarded.
REEF: The US based fish spotting organisation REEF have been visiting Bonaire regularly since
1994 with volunteer divers and have collected a substantial body of information on Bonaire’s fish
populations. Their data consists of species lists and abundance and data can be sorted by
experience level of the collector. Several “expert” REEF groups have visited Bonaire and in 1998
their visit included the collection of the first set of fish data using the AGRRA protocol. REEFs
data set for Bonaire is matched only by that of the Florida Keys. So far their members have
recorded 391 species of fish on Bonaire’s reefs - more than at any other single location in the
Caribbean.
CEDAM: are an American based group who have brought volunteer divers to Bonaire for a variety
of studies including an analysis of cleaner fish station locations, lead by Dr Mary Wicksten and
fish census work using the REEF protocol.
Earthwatch: lead by Dr Kobluk and Mary Lysenko used to visit Bonaire annually until 1995 with
groups of volunteers who mapped an area of reef in front of Bonaire Beach Bungalows. No report
is available to date.
ReefKeeper: Alexander Stone visited Bonaire in 1997. With a group of students and local
volunteers he was able to characterise the shallow reef environments of Klein Bonaire. No report
is available to date.
Reef Check: local volunteer divers lead and trained by the Marine Park have sucessfully
conducted Reef Check monitoring at a site in the northern most Marine Reserve annually since
the programme’s inception in 1997. In 2000 they added an extra site at the Marine Reserve by
Karpata. As much publicity is generated for this annual event as possible.
Education and Information
The following educational/interpretive materials have been developed:
1. Full colour brochure on the Marine Park - which has been tremendously popular
2. 2. “The Purest Part of Nature” a fully automated slide show dubbed in English and
Papiamento which is also available in VHF cassette form on the Marine Park and
conservation
3. Leaflets on the following topics:
i.
boating
ii.
fishing
iii. cruisers
iv. CITES protected species
v.
divers
vi. snorkellers
vii. underwater photographers and videographers
viii. underwater clean ups
ix. admission fees
4. In the past updates on park activities were produced monthly in the form of a double
sided A4 newsletter. The circulation of the update reached 200 copies in 1999 which were
distributed both on island and internationally (including government, volunteers, dive operators,
hoteliers, press etc). An electronic newsletter is planned this year to be relesed quarterly which
will be a major source of information for the international press and interested parties.
5. Posters (A4 and full size) depicting a stylised reef and a green moray saying "Please, dive
as though our life depends on it ..." with a French Angelfish adding "... it does !"
6. Posters “Divers, Snorkellers and Underwater Photograhers” asking that visitors be
particularly careful not to contact with the reef. This was produced in response to a massive
bleaching event in 1995.
7. Signboards at all island dive operations with a map of dive sites and the most important
rules and regulations of the Marine Park
8. Signboards at all hotels and the airport informing visitors of CITES protected species and
regulations
9. The Marine Park Guide is sold out and will not be reprinted as the copyright has been
lost. A new guide book has been written by Tom van’t Hof. Bonaire Marine Park receives no profit
from sales.
Other Materials :
Reports on the following:
1.
Profile on the Marine Park
2.
BMP Agenda 1999
3.
AGRRA workshop workbook and report
4.
Interim report on Lac
5.
Dive operator staff courses
6.
Tortuganan di Boneiru
7.
Teachers Course 1
8.
Teachers Course 2
9.
Coastal construction guidelines
10. Inventory of educational materials
Educational activities include:
11. Course for local teachers: A course giving basic instruction about the flora and fauna
of coral reef, seagrass and mangrove ecosystems was held in 1996. It will be
repeated every two or three years until there is no more demand. The course
material for a second course focusing on conservation issues was
12. drafted for implementation 1999/2000
13. Tortuganan di Boneiru: a project to teach local kids to snorkel and about the marine
environment has successfully certified over 250 “tortuganan” as well as 37
“ScubaKids” to PADI openwater/advanced open water level. Certified “Tortuganan”
are eligible to take part in weekly BNMP organised snorkel outings. The Marine Park
is trying to create opportunities for ScubaKids also to go diving on a regular basis by
setting up a SCUBA kids club helped by volunteers. The Tortuganan di Boneiru is a
co-operative undertaking involving Sea Turtle Club Bonaire, Tourism Corporation
Bonaire, Queen Angels Dive Club and volunteers has been running since 1995.
Snorkel equipment was provided by the Marine Park and most recently purchased by
STCB with grant funding from WWF Holland. Materials developed to date include a
comprehensive slide presentation, activity book, log book, fish ID card, badges,
stickers, caps etc. A proper club with a dedicated leader funded by the Coral Reef
Alliance is now planned to provide more marine environmental education for kids and
follow on activities for them.
14. Dive staff update courses: these are compulsory annual classes for dive operator
staff (dive guides, boat captains, instructors and an managers of dive operations)
designed to keep them up to date on BMP rules and regulations. In 1999 dive staff
attended an entirely new course aimed at teaching them how to give effective
orientations and dive orientations to their guests. To facilitate this process and aid
standardization check sheets/prompt card and a poster have been developed for dive
staff.
15. Talks for special interest groups (Lions Club, Rotary, Smithsonian snorkel groups
etc)
16. Interviews to press, journalists, TV, radio
17. Course of lectures for local police as part of a special course of instruction when
Bonaire received its first police boat.
18. Snorkel courses for children attending the after school activities “Skol di Bario”.
Major threats
Priority issues
Priority projects
Research, monitoring and observation have shown that, whilst the coral and fish populations on
our reefs compare very favourably with other areas of the Caribbean, there are signs that all is not
well. A succession of bleaching events (1990, 1995, 1998) have caused significant mortality and
left Bonaire’s reef extremely vulnerable. The incidence of disease amongst coral populations has
risen dramatically over the past decade.
The following are considered the most significant threats to our reefs at the current time:
 nutrient enrichment
 sedimentation
both of which have increased dramatically over the past 10 years as an indirect result of the boom
in Bonaire’s tourism industry. Bonaire’s reefs are stressed and any threat is liable to have a
dramatic impact.
Priority issues which have been identified over the past several years and which need to be
addressed as a matter of urgency include:
 modification of construction practices particularly in the coastal zone
 modification of waste water disposal practices on Bonaire
 greening of hotels (to use and therefore produce less nutrient rich waste water)
 modification of landscaping practices in the coastal zone
All of these need to be addressed urgently in order to safeguard the integrity of Bonaire’s corals,
seagrasses and mangroves by preventing sediment discharge into coral reef environments and
minimizing nutrient enrichment of our coastal waters, particularly through waste water discharge
and percolation.
Work towards a situation where Bonaire has waste treatment facilities to tertiary level and is not
allowing nutrient rich water to percolate or be discharged into our coastal waters by continuing to
support Selibon and Island Government initiatives to modify waste water disposal practices on
Bonaire. Work with Tene Boneiru Limpi and others to bring this to islander’s attention.
Improve the financial situation of the Marine Park by working with STINAPA, CORAL, TCB,
CURO, BONHATA etc to find a solution for the existing cash deficit, implementation of private
mooring fees in 2002, emphasising consideration of additional user fees, increasing existing diver
admission fees and public yacht mooring fee as well as grant, corporate and other novel funding
sources
Bring about modifications in coastal zone construction practices in close co-operation with
DROB, Selibon, TBL and others. Production and promotion of the Construction Guidelines and
the “Green Flamingo” incentive scheme to local constructors, provision of leaflets to house buying
public, information to applicants for construction permits, upgraded pier guidelines, training for
construction staff etc. Funding is needed for a consultant and promotion costs.
“Green” Bonaire’s tourism industry by working with local partners etc to try to persuade
hoteliers to adopt “green” (i.e. water and energy saving) practices by compiling existing material
and information and making materials and expertise available to them. Funding is needed for a
consultant and promotion costs.
Minimize the impacts of landscaping by persuading hoteliers and others to adopt environmentally
friendly (xerotrophic, minimum use of pesticides etc) landscaping practices, particularly in the
coastal zone, by compiling existing material and information and making materials and expertise
available to them. Funding is needed for a consultant and promotion costs.
Production of a monitoring plan for the Marine Park, to include water quality monitoring and a
review of monitoring carried out in the past. Funding needed for consultant.
Deal with some of the management issues for Lac as described in the ‘Lac Project Progress
Report #1’ and in the ‘Site Characterisation for Lac Bay Report’ by Environics N.V (still in
production). Produce a working management plan for Lac.
Produce a management and public contact plan for Klein Bonaire to manage visitation, educate
and inform visitors, provide necessary infrastructure (shelter/signage/BBQ area/moorings)
conserve wildlife (priority to Sea Turtles and their habitat) and the pristine condition of this wild
island.
Educate islanders and visitors about the need for marine conservation by continuing to work as
a priority on public outreach activities including Tortuganan di Boneiru, Scuba Kids, course
updates for dive operator staff, homepage construction, courses for local teachers et al, Marine
Activity Classroom, provision of new interpretive materials etc. A priority is to appoint a
coordinator for the Tortuganan.
Formalise a management plan for the Marine Park through a process of public participation.
Complete the manual for the use of volunteers to collect data in support of MPA management
funded in 1997 by Prince Bernhard Fund for Nature.
Utilize local volunteers to run projects and collect as much relevant data as possible on the
marine environment.
Seek National Park status for Klein Bonaire.
icran Project Progress
Bonaire National Marine Park (BNMP) embarked on a project entitled: Building fundraising capacity
within BNMP staff and other NGOs in Bonaire. This project will be implemented with technical
assistance from the Coral Reef Alliance/International Coral Reef Information Network
(CORAL/ICRIN), an ICRAN partner. In recent months a Park Manager and a Project Manager have
been hired resulting in an improvement in the progress made within this project. The main focus of the
Project Manager has been the implementation of the private mooring project, an expansion of their user
fee collection system.
Since October 2002 steady progress has been made in updating and streamlining the user fees and
permitting system of the commercial and private moorings in the park particularly in the area of
clearing the backlog of applications for permits. The main focus of the user fee component of the
ICRAN project is the private mooring fees, however the Project Manager had to spend some time
upgrading the system in place for commercial operators.
Invoices for fees were sent in December 2002 to all commercial boat operators who owned moorings in
the park. Some of the operators paid the fees while some are still pending. Most operators refused to
pay until they got the permit. The permits have been prepared and are currently at the Island
Government for signing. Once they return we can expect the operators will pay. Meaning when these
permits are handed over the system as far as commercial operators go is up to date and running. Having
addressed the issue of the commercial operators the focus is on the private boat owners. A process of
verifying boat owners is currently underway and a number of applications have been in the pipeline for
sometime. .Invoices will be sent to all boat owners both private and commercial in June 2003. It is
anticipated that the user fee system including both commercial and private boat owners and operators
will then be fully operational and updated.
In addition, the Project Manager is currently developing the management plan for the Lac Bay area with
a view towards implementation later on.
A case study: Admission fees: opportunities and challenges of using admission fees as a funding source
at a small scale, tourism dependent MPA-Kalli De Meyer and Fernando Simal was submitted and
accepted by the organizers of the Second International Tropical Marine Ecosystems Management
Symposium.
References:
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Catriona Glendinning
Manager
Bonaire Marine Park January 2002