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SCUBA dive
Snorkel
Access by boat
Access by swim
Wreck
Access by car
Kiteboard
Wind surf
ECO TIP
We hope this guide enhances your in-water experience. Share your passion for exploring the marine environment with others, because our oceans, and particularly coral reefs, need all the “likes” they can get. Coral reefs, as well as mangrove and seagrass ecosystems, are under serious pressure from a multitude of
threats that include coastal development, pollution, over-fishing and global climate change. Some estimates put over half the world’s remaining coral reefs at significant risk of being lost in the next 25 years; raising awareness can help protect them.
BONAIRE
7
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
Species identification
The species listed for each location were chosen to represent the most unique or common organisms found at each site, as determined from personal observations, discussions with divers and snorkelers who have experienced these sites,
and from scientific studies conducted in these
areas. Many of the species described in this publication are mobile or cryptic (or both), and so may not always be found where indicated. However, we have attempted to place key species on each map in the locations where they are most commonly found.
Species description
The species letters and numbers on each map link to descriptions located at the back of the book (on pages 246-276). Reef Smart uses the most frequently cited common name for a species. As common names vary from place to place, we have also provided the scientific name for each species, which remains the same worldwide. Scientific names are usually of Latin or Greek origin and consist of two words: a genus name followed by a species name. By definition, a species is a group of organisms that can reproduce together such
that it results in fertile offspring; a genus is a group of closely related species.
The descriptions of each species are based on the scientific literature as it existed at the time of publication. Scientific knowledge often advances, however, and the authors welcome any information that helps improve or correct future editions of this guidebook. In-depth species profiles, including images and videos, are available for free on our website – Reefsmartguides.com.
BONAIRE
8
A view of the water near downtown Kralendijk
OUR “BLUE PLANET”
Our “blue planet”
BONAIRE
Oceans
Water covers nearly three-quarters of our planet’s surface and approximately 96 percent of this water is contained in the major oceans of the world. Together, the oceans drive our planet’s weather, regulate its climate and provide us with breathable air, which ultimately supports every living creature on Earth.
The oceans are vital to our global economy. They produce the food that billions of people depend on for survival, while also being a source of resources, including valuable medicines that treat a wide range of ailments and diseases. The oceans also drive local and regional economies through tourism. Every year, millions of travelers are drawn to coastal regions to enjoy activities above the water and to explore what lies below the surface. Considering how important the oceans are to our way of life, it is incredible how little we know about what lies beneath the sea.
Coral reefs
The oceans include a wide range of different ecosystems, but perhaps the most frequently visited marine ecosystems of all are coral reefs. Coral reefs are known as the rainforests of the sea for good reason – they are one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, supporting nearly a quarter of all known ocean species. This figure is even more astounding when you consider that coral reefs comprise just a fraction of one percent of the ocean floor. They are also particularly vulnerable to degradation, given they are only found in a narrow window of temperature, salinity and depth.
Humans have studied the biology and physiology of corals for decades, but the underwater environment remains largely foreign to most people. Fact is, we have more accurate maps of the surface of Mars than we do of the seafloor. And guides of the marine environment suitable for recreational users are almost non-existent.
Reef Smart aims to change this situation. Our detailed guides seek to educate snorkelers and divers alike. Our goal is to improve safety and enhance the marine experience by allowing users to discover the unique features and species that can be found at each site.
Preserve and protect
Hopefully our guidebooks and waterproof dive guides will help you get to know the underwater
environment in general, and reefs in particular. We feel that the more people can come to appreciate the beauty of the underwater world, the more they will be willing to take steps to protect and preserve it.
The world’s oceans are experiencing incredible pressures from all sides. Rising temperatures, increasing acidification and an astonishing volume of plastics that end up in both the water and marine organisms are endangering these precious resources.
Yes there are some big problems to overcome. But we can do this. Each and every one of us can make a difference in the choices we make. And together we can help make sure the beauty of the coral reefs of this world are still around for future generations of snorklers and divers to enjoy.
Sincerely,
