Do you know the rules about seashells and coral?
As we are entering the high season on Bonaire, more and more new visitors are arriving and may not know the rules of the Bonaire National Marine Park. One rule is that the export of any seashells or coral dead or alive is prohibited.
Protected since 1975.
If you have been to Bonaire and received a Bonaire National Marine Park pass, you should know that collecting and exporting seashells and coral is prohibited on the island. The information is provided during a briefing on the Marine Park regulations. Not only does this apply underwater, but also for anything that has been washed up on land. In fact, coral dead or alive has been protected since 1975.
Collecting shells and coral is not allowed and will be confiscated by customs upon departure. This includes all marine souvenirs such as shells, coral, sea fans, sponges or other similar items that originated from the sea. These rules apply to everyone, regardless if you are visiting by plane or by cruise ship.
The CITES Convention
Not only does it violate the Bonaire National Marine Park regulations, but it also violates the CITES Convention. CITES stands for the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. It is an international agreement between governments, of which The Netherlands has been a member country since July 18, 1984. Its objective is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
Luggage and carry-on items of departing passengers may be legally searched. If items are found that violate these laws, they will be confiscated. Penalties and even arrests may result if items are found. Please remember to respect Bonaire’s nature and laws. Take only photos (and of course wonderful memories) and leave only footprints.
(Source: Bonaire Insider, Photograph by Meredith Schnoll)
