Background:
Persistent ocean warming is driving increasingly frequent and severe coral bleaching events, threatening coral reef ecosystems across the Caribbean. While Bonaire’s reefs were once among the region’s most resilient, recent disease outbreaks and annual bleaching events have significantly impacted reef health, which is critical to local tourism, food security, and cultural identity. Understanding local and environmental factors that influence bleaching outcomes is essential for effective reef management. This project investigates how water depth, coral species identity, and human disturbance affect bleaching severity. Evidence suggests deeper reefs may experience less heat stress but can also be more vulnerable due to lower thermal tolerance, while species-specific stress thresholds and local degradation from poor water quality and recreation further influence resilience. Preliminary findings predict that bleaching prevalence and severity will increase with depth and be highest in areas with intense local disturbance.
Mission:
Between May 22 and June 9, 2025, researchers from Florida State University will return to Bonaire to conduct SCUBA surveys of coral reefs and download data from temperature sensors. While many survey sites are accessible from shore, seven sites—three around Klein Bonaire and four along the island’s remote northern coast—require vessel access due to challenging shore access. These sites are critical for capturing reef health across different oceanographic conditions and reduced human stressors. Each survey dive involves two divers, lasts approximately one hour, and it is feasible to complete two to three site surveys per day based on site proximity and necessary surface intervals.
Research Impacts & Applications:
Research findings will support monitoring and management strategies within the Bonaire National Marine Park and will be shared with local government officials. Data will also be used to engage undergraduate students at Florida State University and to develop educational materials on climate change and marine conservation for school and afterschool programs in Bonaire.
