From Decline to Recovery: The Story of Bonaire’s Coral Reefs and Conservation Milestones

Bonaire, a Dutch Caribbean island, has been a leader in marine conservation for over 40 years. Since 1971, the island has banned spearfishing, protected all corals, and enforced no-fishing zones to support marine life. Despite challenges like climate change and coral disease, monitoring since 2003 shows that Bonaire’s reefs remain resilient. Restoration efforts focusing on endangered staghorn and elkhorn corals have been successful, and conservation programs teach local youth about marine protection. Bonaire’s model of balancing tourism with conservation is proof that long-term efforts can keep coral reefs thriving.