Reef Renewal Foundation helps protect Bonaire’s coral.
Most of Bonaire’s diving visitors say they return time and time again because the diving on Bonaire is in unspoiled nature. Bonaire is known around the world for the way it protects its nature. That’s why in 2012 the Bonaire island council granted a permit to the Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire to begin developing a coral nursery and reef restoration project in Bonaire.
The Reef Renewal Foundation’s goal is to protect and restore the coral reefs.
The foundation’s goal is to restore the degraded portion of the reef. In particular, RRF focuses on the shallow water population of staghorn and elkhorn corals. Additionally, the focus is placed on the adjacent island Klein Bonaire.
The Foundation has also expanded its restoration efforts to more species, first through its larval propagation program and now fragmentation technique. It is crucial to maximize the number of species that benefit from restoration to ensure that future reefs are as genetically diverse and resilient as possible.
Coral nurseries are at Klein Bonaire and the western coastline of Bonaire.
The main production coral nursery is situated on Klein Bonaire, where the coral is disturbed as little as possible. Additional nurseries are located at quite a few locations on the west coast of Bonaire as well.
Over 50,000 corals have been outplanted.
After approximately eight months spent in the nursery, healthy and mature corals are outplanted to a degraded portion of the reef at restoration sites. As of 2023, Reef Renewal staff and volunteers have outplanted more than 50,000 corals to different restoration sites around the island.
Participating in the Reef Renewal program not only makes people aware of the state of the reef and threats. Also, it contributes to their personal development as divers. When you participate, you learn proper skills and techniques which they will carry with them on future dives as well.
Get Involved.
Interested in volunteering or donating to help keep Bonaire’s reef healthy? Contact Reef Renewal Foundation for more information.
