By Mel Briscoe (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #337) on Sunday, January 11, 2009 - 9:46 pm: |
There have been many anecdotal reports here on BT of the decline of Bonaire's reefs, and plenty of speculation on the causes. In Jan 2008 a major research expedition on Bonaire actually observed, measured, and documented the state of the reefs. The reports are just beginning to come out. Some hints are already published, but the first actual report will be later this month at an international symposium in Nice, France. The abstract of that presentation is at http://www.sgmeet.com/aslo/nice2009/viewabstract2.asp?AbstractID=4202. The good news: Bonaire's reefs are not declining as fast as other reefs in the Caribbean. The bad news (personal communication from the authors): "A preliminary examination of expedition data shows higher diversity and coral percent cover as one proceeds from south to north." Their tables of data show coral cover in the Marine Reserve at the Park as varying from 18% (shallow) to 47% (deep), whereas in the central area near Plaza Resort it varies from 5 to 24%, respectively. Lots more data and interpretation will be available this year.
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By Carole B. (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #7034) on Monday, January 12, 2009 - 12:09 am: |
Thanks for the update, Mel. Please keep us posted as you learn more. Carole
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By Fid Chinoy (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #131) on Monday, January 12, 2009 - 2:58 pm: |
"shows higher diversity and coral percent cover as one proceeds from south to north".
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By Mel Briscoe (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #339) on Monday, January 12, 2009 - 3:04 pm: |
They are not interpreting it, at least in this report; they are only providing data, especially for comparison with earlier surveys. We'll see what comes out as the work approaches completion.
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By Chris (BonaireTalker - Post #29) on Tuesday, June 2, 2009 - 8:03 pm: |
http://bonairereporter.com/news/009pdfs/newcurrent.pdf on page 15 is another ongoing reef evaluation project explained.
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