What Research Reveals
Facts and insights that shape the future
See the island through the numbers. And the stories behind them
How healthy is Bonaire’s nature? What do we know about our water, soil, and unique species? And which trends point the way forward? These research reports give you answers. They show what’s at stake, and where the opportunities are to keep Bonaire thriving.
Want to dive deeper? Explore the Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database for more plans, studies, and guidelines.
Please note: Some research reports are only available in Dutch.
Nature
Discover how Bonaire’s unique ecosystems are studied and protected. From coral reefs to mangroves, these reports show the island’s natural heartbeat and the science guiding its care.
State of Nature Report for the Caribbean Netherlands 2024
A snapshot of how Bonaire, Saba, and St. Eustatius protect their unique species and habitats, guiding future ... >
A snapshot of how Bonaire, Saba, and ... >
A snapshot of how Bonaire, Saba, and St. Eustatius protect their unique species and habitats, guiding future ... >
A snapshot of how Bonaire, Saba, and St. Eustatius protect their unique species and habitats, guiding future conservation.
Nature-Based Solutions for Flood Resilience on Bonaire
Study highlights how greener landscapes and restored waterways can protect Kralendijk and rural areas from ... >
Study highlights how greener landscapes ... >
Study highlights how greener landscapes and restored waterways can protect Kralendijk and rural areas from ... >
Study highlights how greener landscapes and restored waterways can protect Kralendijk and rural areas from flooding.
Valorizing Sargassum in the Dutch Caribbean
Study explores turning invasive Sargassum into biofuel and farm products, reducing impacts while boosting ... >
Study explores turning invasive ... >
Study explores turning invasive Sargassum into biofuel and farm products, reducing impacts while boosting ... >
Study explores turning invasive Sargassum into biofuel and farm products, reducing impacts while boosting sustainability.
Reef Rugosity and Nutrient Mixing in Bonaire
Study suggests rougher reef surfaces may trap more nutrients during storms, with implications for reef ... >
Study suggests rougher reef surfaces ... >
Study suggests rougher reef surfaces may trap more nutrients during storms, with implications for reef ... >
Study suggests rougher reef surfaces may trap more nutrients during storms, with implications for reef health.
Mangroves & Seagrass
Coastal Habitat Restoration Feasibility Study
A study on mangrove and seagrass recovery across the Dutch Caribbean, sharing knowledge and building local ... >
A study on mangrove and seagrass ... >
A study on mangrove and seagrass recovery across the Dutch Caribbean, sharing knowledge and building local ... >
A study on mangrove and seagrass recovery across the Dutch Caribbean, sharing knowledge and building local capacity.
Sargassum and Mangrove Loss in Bonaire’s Bays
Satellite data reveal mangrove die-offs in Lac Bay and Lagun, driven mostly by runoff but worsened by ... >
Satellite data reveal mangrove die-offs ... >
Satellite data reveal mangrove die-offs in Lac Bay and Lagun, driven mostly by runoff but worsened by ... >
Satellite data reveal mangrove die-offs in Lac Bay and Lagun, driven mostly by runoff but worsened by Sargassum.
Mapping Mangrove Outplant Sites on Bonaire
This study tracks survival rates of restored mangroves and shows how local conditions shape growth and ... >
This study tracks survival rates of ... >
This study tracks survival rates of restored mangroves and shows how local conditions shape growth and ... >
This study tracks survival rates of restored mangroves and shows how local conditions shape growth and success.
Cost-Effective Mapping of Mangroves with Sentinel-2
This study shows satellite data can map and monitor Bonaire’s mangroves with high accuracy, guiding smarter ... >
This study shows satellite data can map ... >
This study shows satellite data can map and monitor Bonaire’s mangroves with high accuracy, guiding smarter ... >
This study shows satellite data can map and monitor Bonaire’s mangroves with high accuracy, guiding smarter management.
Mangrove Dieback and Carbon Loss on Bonaire
This study shows degraded mangroves store less carbon and release more CO₂, reducing their role as vital blue carbon ... >
This study shows degraded mangroves ... >
This study shows degraded mangroves store less carbon and release more CO₂, reducing their role as vital blue carbon ... >
This study shows degraded mangroves store less carbon and release more CO₂, reducing their role as vital blue carbon sinks.
Vegetation Study of White Mangroves in Bonaire
Research maps abundance, traits, and herbivory of white mangroves, providing baseline data for future ... >
Research maps abundance, traits, and ... >
Research maps abundance, traits, and herbivory of white mangroves, providing baseline data for future ... >
Research maps abundance, traits, and herbivory of white mangroves, providing baseline data for future conservation.
Water Management and Mangrove Health in Lac Bay
This study shows how repairing old dams and pits could cut runoff and protect Bonaire’s mangroves.
This study shows how repairing old dams ... >
This study shows how repairing old dams and pits could cut runoff and protect Bonaire’s mangroves.
This study shows how repairing old dams and pits could cut runoff and protect Bonaire’s mangroves.
Salinity and Sediment in Lac Bay’s Mangroves
Research maps rising salinity and sediment build-up in backwaters, setting a baseline for mangrove recovery.
Research maps rising salinity and ... >
Research maps rising salinity and sediment build-up in backwaters, setting a baseline for mangrove recovery.
Research maps rising salinity and sediment build-up in backwaters, setting a baseline for mangrove recovery.
Mangrove Outplanting and Survival on Bonaire
Study tracks restoration sites since 2020, showing how water depth, oxygen, and spacing shape mangrove ... >
Study tracks restoration sites since ... >
Study tracks restoration sites since 2020, showing how water depth, oxygen, and spacing shape mangrove ... >
Study tracks restoration sites since 2020, showing how water depth, oxygen, and spacing shape mangrove success.
Sediment Control Designs for Lagun Bay
Report explores dam construction to cut runoff into mangroves and reefs, stressing upkeep and better data.
Report explores dam construction to cut ... >
Report explores dam construction to cut runoff into mangroves and reefs, stressing upkeep and better data.
Report explores dam construction to cut runoff into mangroves and reefs, stressing upkeep and better data.
Mangrove and Seagrass Restoration on Bonaire
Internship study monitored projects in Lac Bay and Klein Bonaire, offering insights to guide future ... >
Internship study monitored projects in ... >
Internship study monitored projects in Lac Bay and Klein Bonaire, offering insights to guide future ... >
Internship study monitored projects in Lac Bay and Klein Bonaire, offering insights to guide future restoration.
Seagrass, Grazing, and Coastal Protection in the Caribbean
This study shows native seagrass stabilizes coasts best, but grazing and invasive species weaken this natural ... >
This study shows native seagrass ... >
This study shows native seagrass stabilizes coasts best, but grazing and invasive species weaken this natural ... >
This study shows native seagrass stabilizes coasts best, but grazing and invasive species weaken this natural defense.
Hydrogen Sulfide and Mangrove Restoration Success
Study shows black mangroves tolerate high sulfide levels better than red mangroves, guiding smarter ... >
Study shows black mangroves tolerate ... >
Study shows black mangroves tolerate high sulfide levels better than red mangroves, guiding smarter ... >
Study shows black mangroves tolerate high sulfide levels better than red mangroves, guiding smarter restoration.
Erosion Mitigation Study at Lac Cai, Bonaire
Modeling shows how mangrove loss and wave action drive erosion, pointing to nature-based protection options.
Modeling shows how mangrove loss and ... >
Modeling shows how mangrove loss and wave action drive erosion, pointing to nature-based protection options.
Modeling shows how mangrove loss and wave action drive erosion, pointing to nature-based protection options.
Creeks and Tidal Exchange in Lac Bay Mangroves
Study shows restoring creeks can boost tidal flow and improve conditions for mangrove recovery in Lac Bay.
Study shows restoring creeks can boost ... >
Study shows restoring creeks can boost tidal flow and improve conditions for mangrove recovery in Lac Bay.
Study shows restoring creeks can boost tidal flow and improve conditions for mangrove recovery in Lac Bay.
Herbivores and Seagrass Function in a Changing World
This study shows how grazing triggers cascading effects on tropical seagrass health, resilience, and coastal ... >
This study shows how grazing triggers ... >
This study shows how grazing triggers cascading effects on tropical seagrass health, resilience, and coastal ... >
This study shows how grazing triggers cascading effects on tropical seagrass health, resilience, and coastal protection.
Coral Reef
Forty Years of Coral Reef Change in Curaçao and Bonaire
Long-term research reveals major coral loss and shifting reef communities under climate and human pressure.
Long-term research reveals major coral ... >
Long-term research reveals major coral loss and shifting reef communities under climate and human pressure.
Long-term research reveals major coral loss and shifting reef communities under climate and human pressure.
Coral Bleaching in Bonaire Marine Park 2016–2023
Monitoring shows how rising heat and UV stress Bonaire’s corals, with impacts tracked from shallow to deeper ... >
Monitoring shows how rising heat and UV ... >
Monitoring shows how rising heat and UV stress Bonaire’s corals, with impacts tracked from shallow to deeper ... >
Monitoring shows how rising heat and UV stress Bonaire’s corals, with impacts tracked from shallow to deeper reefs.
Stony Coral Disease and Reef Loss in Bonaire
Surveys show sharp coral decline in 2023, with key reef-builders hit hardest by tissue loss disease
Surveys show sharp coral decline in ... >
Surveys show sharp coral decline in 2023, with key reef-builders hit hardest by tissue loss disease
Surveys show sharp coral decline in 2023, with key reef-builders hit hardest by tissue loss disease
Remote Sensing of Coral Reef Change in Bonaire
A 60-year analysis shows major coral loss on Bonaire’s reefs, while some sites now hint at recovery.
A 60-year analysis shows major coral ... >
A 60-year analysis shows major coral loss on Bonaire’s reefs, while some sites now hint at recovery.
A 60-year analysis shows major coral loss on Bonaire’s reefs, while some sites now hint at recovery.
Reef Fish & Invertebrates
Long-Term Reef Fish Trends in Bonaire Marine Park
Nineteen years of surveys show sharp declines in parrotfish, groupers, and other reef fish under fishing and heat ... >
Nineteen years of surveys show sharp ... >
Nineteen years of surveys show sharp declines in parrotfish, groupers, and other reef fish under fishing and heat ... >
Nineteen years of surveys show sharp declines in parrotfish, groupers, and other reef fish under fishing and heat stress.
Invertebrate Populations in Lac Bay
This report highlights the vital role of invertebrates in water quality, culture, and reef resilience in Bonaire’s Lac ... >
This report highlights the vital role ... >
This report highlights the vital role of invertebrates in water quality, culture, and reef resilience in Bonaire’s Lac ... >
This report highlights the vital role of invertebrates in water quality, culture, and reef resilience in Bonaire’s Lac Bay.
Environment
Explore research on Bonaire’s environment, from water quality to waste and climate resilience. These studies reveal how human activity and global change shape the island’s future.
Direct Uses of Organic Waste on Bonaire
Study maps key erosion hotspots and shows how unpaved roads and catchments send sediment to reefs.
Study maps key erosion hotspots and ... >
Study maps key erosion hotspots and shows how unpaved roads and catchments send sediment to reefs.
Study maps key erosion hotspots and shows how unpaved roads and catchments send sediment to reefs.
Water & Sediment Management
Nature-Based Solutions for Flooding and Erosion on Bonaire
Modeling study shows how greener measures can reduce flood risk and erosion as Kralendijk urbanizes.
Modeling study shows how greener ... >
Modeling study shows how greener measures can reduce flood risk and erosion as Kralendijk urbanizes.
Modeling study shows how greener measures can reduce flood risk and erosion as Kralendijk urbanizes.
Water Management and Climate Change in Bonaire’s Saliña di Vlijt
This study shows climate change boosts runoff peaks, while rain barrels and infiltration trenches can ease ... >
This study shows climate change boosts ... >
This study shows climate change boosts runoff peaks, while rain barrels and infiltration trenches can ease ... >
This study shows climate change boosts runoff peaks, while rain barrels and infiltration trenches can ease flooding.
Sediment and Nutrient Runoff to Reefs in Bonaire
Study of the Saliña di Vlijt catchment shows erosion and runoff deliver harmful loads of sediment and nutrients to ... >
Study of the Saliña di Vlijt catchment ... >
Study of the Saliña di Vlijt catchment shows erosion and runoff deliver harmful loads of sediment and nutrients to ... >
Study of the Saliña di Vlijt catchment shows erosion and runoff deliver harmful loads of sediment and nutrients to reefs.
Erosion and Sediment Pathways on Bonaire’s West Coast
Study maps key erosion hotspots and shows how unpaved roads and catchments send sediment to reefs.
Study maps key erosion hotspots and ... >
Study maps key erosion hotspots and shows how unpaved roads and catchments send sediment to reefs.
Study maps key erosion hotspots and shows how unpaved roads and catchments send sediment to reefs.
Water Quality & Pollution
Fecal Bacteria in Bonaire Marine Park (2022)
Sampling shows highest contamination comes from land-based runoff during rains, not just yacht discharge.
Sampling shows highest contamination ... >
Sampling shows highest contamination comes from land-based runoff during rains, not just yacht discharge.
Sampling shows highest contamination comes from land-based runoff during rains, not just yacht discharge.
Water Quality in Bonaire’s Wells, 2016
This study compares groundwater results from 26 wells, with trends tracked against earlier 2013 data.
This study compares groundwater results ... >
This study compares groundwater results from 26 wells, with trends tracked against earlier 2013 data.
This study compares groundwater results from 26 wells, with trends tracked against earlier 2013 data.
Monitoring Near-Shore Water Quality in Bonaire
Four-year study tracks nutrients at 37 sites, showing hotspots near Kralendijk that threaten reef health.
Four-year study tracks nutrients at 37 ... >
Four-year study tracks nutrients at 37 sites, showing hotspots near Kralendijk that threaten reef health.
Four-year study tracks nutrients at 37 sites, showing hotspots near Kralendijk that threaten reef health.
Water Quality and Benthic Communities on Bonaire’s Reefs
Study links higher nutrients to more algae and sponges, while coral shows mixed responses along the west ... >
Study links higher nutrients to more ... >
Study links higher nutrients to more algae and sponges, while coral shows mixed responses along the west ... >
Study links higher nutrients to more algae and sponges, while coral shows mixed responses along the west coast.
Benthic Communities and Water Quality on Bonaire’s Reefs
Study shows turf algae dominate shallows and cyanobacteria deeper reefs, with nutrients nearing eutrophic ... >
Study shows turf algae dominate ... >
Study shows turf algae dominate shallows and cyanobacteria deeper reefs, with nutrients nearing eutrophic ... >
Study shows turf algae dominate shallows and cyanobacteria deeper reefs, with nutrients nearing eutrophic levels.
Coastal Water Quality in Bonaire, Statia, and Saba (2020–2021)
Sampling during Covid travel limits set a baseline for nutrients, showing lower levels at Bonaire and mixed results ... >
Sampling during Covid travel limits set ... >
Sampling during Covid travel limits set a baseline for nutrients, showing lower levels at Bonaire and mixed results ... >
Sampling during Covid travel limits set a baseline for nutrients, showing lower levels at Bonaire and mixed results elsewhere.
Fisheries
Dive into reports on fishing traditions, stock health, and marine policy. These studies highlight challenges and solutions for keeping fisheries sustainable for people and reefs.
IMFACT: Integrated Fish Monitoring Tools
Project combined ROVs, acoustics, and surveys to track fish from shallow to deep reefs, improving data for ... >
Project combined ROVs, acoustics, and ... >
Project combined ROVs, acoustics, and surveys to track fish from shallow to deep reefs, improving data for ... >
Project combined ROVs, acoustics, and surveys to track fish from shallow to deep reefs, improving data for conservation.
Historic Fishing Impacts in the Caribbean Netherlands
Report traces how centuries of fishing shaped marine ecosystems, offering insights for today’s conservation ... >
Report traces how centuries of fishing ... >
Report traces how centuries of fishing shaped marine ecosystems, offering insights for today’s conservation ... >
Report traces how centuries of fishing shaped marine ecosystems, offering insights for today’s conservation targets.
Reef Fish Response to Stressors in Bonaire Marine Park
Seventeen years of data show steep declines in parrotfish, groupers, and moray eels under fishing and warming ... >
Seventeen years of data show steep ... >
Seventeen years of data show steep declines in parrotfish, groupers, and moray eels under fishing and warming ... >
Seventeen years of data show steep declines in parrotfish, groupers, and moray eels under fishing and warming events.
Mas Piska pa Boneiru: Social Mapping of Fisheries
Study highlights weak collaboration and low fisher involvement on Bonaire, Saba, and Statia, urging stronger ... >
Study highlights weak collaboration and ... >
Study highlights weak collaboration and low fisher involvement on Bonaire, Saba, and Statia, urging stronger ... >
Study highlights weak collaboration and low fisher involvement on Bonaire, Saba, and Statia, urging stronger co-management.
Agriculture
Learn about farming on Bonaire. From soil and water use to new techniques, these studies explore how local agriculture can be more resilient and sustainable.
Sustainable Farming in Bonaire
Study finds syntropic farming can work with strong upfront investment, offering tools for Mangazina di Rei’s ... >
Study finds syntropic farming can work ... >
Study finds syntropic farming can work with strong upfront investment, offering tools for Mangazina di Rei’s ... >
Study finds syntropic farming can work with strong upfront investment, offering tools for Mangazina di Rei’s growth.
Community Urban Agriculture in Bonaire
Study with “Nos mes por” developed guidelines for thriving community gardens and strategies for local food ... >
Study with “Nos mes por” developed ... >
Study with “Nos mes por” developed guidelines for thriving community gardens and strategies for local food ... >
Study with “Nos mes por” developed guidelines for thriving community gardens and strategies for local food security.