Abstract Summary
The non-profit Coral Restoration Foundation Bonaire (CRFB) uses offshore coral nursery and outplanting techniques to enhance the population of critically endangered Acropora corals. Combining science, education, and eco-tourism, this successful model engages local stakeholders and recreational divers in a community-wide effort to restore coral reefs. This effective model for ecotourism contributes greatly to Bonaire’s leadership in international tourism and conservation. With the support of 5 local dive shops, since 2012, CRFB has trained over 700 restoration divers, installed 7 nurseries and outplanted more than 20,000 coral colonies back to the reef, which have grown successfully in 7 different sites. One of these restored sites, Jeff Davis Memorial, is showcased as “Demonstration Site” by the CRC. The 3,000 corals outplanted there have shown high survivorship and have spawned spectacularly the last two years. The site is monitored using traditional in-situ research methodologies as well as cutting-edge photomosaic techniques to create a site baseline and get a better understanding of the development over time. This site serves as just one example of the successful work done by the Foundation in Bonaire and demonstrates that “coral gardening” is a viable strategy for Acropora coral population enhancement. Based on the coral restoration experience gained over the years and recognizing the urgency of the threats facing our reefs, CRFB is transitioning to become Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire, which will embrace a more comprehensive vision and expand to new coral propagation techniques to give Bonaire’s reefs a helping hand on an ecological scale, focusing on not only genetic diversity, but species diversity as well.
