1Univ. of Miami, 2Bonaire Marine Park
Located north of the Venezuelan coastline, Bonaire is a small island surrounded by a well developed fringing reef that has been managed by the Bonaire Marine Park since 1975. An assessment of six intermediate-depth (8-12 m) sites located on the north side of Bonaire was accomplished in early February in conjunction with the AGRRA training workshop. These surveys revealed well developed reefs dominated by large colonies of Montastraea spp. showing very minor signs of disturbance. Coral cover averaged 48% at all sites, recent mortality was low (<2%), old mortality was low to moderate (28%). Bleaching was only observed as pale bleaching associated with recovering corals, and diseases were not common except for yellow band disease (>2%). Significant amounts of parrot fish predation were noted along with the presence of an encrusting grayish-white tunicate (Trididemum spp.) at most of the sites. Algae populations were dominated by Turf algae (50%), with macro algal abundance being very low at all sites (<15%). Fish populations displayed very high diversity, abundances, and sizes which is attributed to the protected status of the area.
For more infomation contact Kalli DeMeyer marinepark@bmp.org or AGRRA
Page layout and design by Monika Gurnée