Bonaire
BACKGROUND
Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire (RRFB) has been working since 2012 to restore the coral reefs of the island of Bonaire in the south Caribbean. To date, they have outplanted over 30,900 corals to reefs around the island and are maintaining 8 different permanent nurseries. Combined these nurseries can hold over 14,000 corals.
Through the support of local dive communities and volunteers, these coral nurseries are thriving. Husbandry activities and maintenance of nursery sites are critical to maximizing coral health and minimizing incidence of disease, predation and breakage.
RRFB has been a Network Member since 2018. They joined to be able to share their knowledge and skills with other communities around the world.
METHODS
RRFB’s current method of propagation begins with Coral Tree Nurseries. These nurseries are rows of PVC and fiberglass “trees” that are tethered to the bottom with sand anchors and buoyed with floats that sit just below the surface. This design allows the trees to move freely within the water column and dissipates wave energy, preventing damage both to the tree structure and the corals.
Generally, each tree holds a unique genetic strain, or genotype, of coral, and a “full” tree can hold anywhere from 100 to 160 corals. One of the primary benefits of coral nurseries is the care that can be provided to growing corals.
CORAL SPECIES WE ARE WORKING ON
Elkhorn Coral
(Acropora Palmata)
Staghorn Coral
(Acropora Cervicornis)
Lobed Star Coral
(Orbicella Annularis)
Great Star Coral
(Monastraea Cavernosa)
Mountainous Star Coral
(Orbicella Faveolata)
