Paradise Lost – Collapse of a Coral Reef Ecosystem of Bonaire

September 29, 2025

This article is part of the Bonaire Climate Action series, highlighting individuals and organizations that support the Bonaire community's conservation efforts to improve their environment and address climate change challenges with resilience.

Kathy and I were thrilled to be returning to Bonaire, as this is either our 13th or 14th visit to this island. We're not entirely sure of the exact number, but we both feel it's been at least ten wonderful trips. Bonaire has truly become our favorite go-to destination for a relaxing and enjoyable dive vacation, especially because of its abundant shore diving on some of the Caribbean's healthiest and best-managed reefs. The ABC Islands—Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao—are strategically located outside the hurricane belt, which means Bonaire often escapes the worst storms that tend to stay further north. Plus, the Bonaire National Marine Park (BNMP), established in 1979, is one of the world’s oldest and most successful marine protected areas. It beautifully safeguards the reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves surrounding Bonaire and the uninhabited Klein Bonaire. The marine protected area is home to over 50 types of stony coral and more than 350 species of reef fish, and its coral reefs were considered the least degraded in the Caribbean. Sea turtles also nest on the islands and feed in the park. 

Since 2011, the Bonaire Marine Park has been recognized for its pristine reefs and biodiversity, which support species such as migratory birds and flamingos. It is the first healthy Caribbean marine site nominated, offering hope amid the endangered Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System. Bonaire's marine biodiversity was celebrated at a UNESCO workshop for its "outstanding universal value," making it a model for other protected areas. While many face challenges like underfunding, Bonaire stands out. Though not yet a UNESCO World Heritage site, it's on the tentative list, reflecting its significance.

In my research for the See-the-Sea website, I reported on Bonaire’s resilience and its importance as a model MPA. I was aware that Bonaire was facing a crisis due to the Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, but I didn’t realize how widespread the destruction was. We faced the harsh reality of this loss firsthand during our checkout dive at the Buddy Dive Resort’s house reef. I chose this dive for our checkout because of its easy access and my interest in observing the Staghorn Horn restoration project. 

As we dove on the shallow sand flats at 15 to 20 feet, I was amazed at how large the staghorn reef has been expanded with the Reef Renewal’s out-planting program. It had easily tripled in size since my last trip in 2022. Additionally, they had added several new coral propagation trees with several species of stony coral. I did notice a greater abundance of algae growing on everything.

The true extent of the damage to the reef became apparent when we descended along the fringe reef system and observed that 70-80% of the boulder and mound corals had died. This had the most significant impact on the brain and star corals. We explored depths ranging from 30 to 80 feet and found a consistent pattern of destruction.

Despite STINAPA’s alerts in 2023, the map tracking the spread of the SCTLD, effects to have diver decontamination the dive equipment after each dive, reporting the spread of the disease to the Atlantic and Gulf Reef Assessment site, and avoiding infected areas, the disease quickly spread through Bonaire’s leeside (west-side) dive sites. The corals were also more vulnerable because of the 2023 and 2024 marine heat waves.

The Caribbean experienced unprecedented ocean warming in 2023-2024, leading to intense marine heatwaves and the largest global coral bleaching event on record. Since March 2023, particularly in the Atlantic, this warming has caused extensive coral loss. Sea surface temperatures reached new highs early in 2023, driving an extended heatwave. By July, temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean were 1-3°C (2- 4.5°F) above average, resulting in severe coral bleaching and widespread mortality, including some colonies previously able to withstand stress. 

Sylvia Earle's 2009 TED talk shares her journey using her 'My Wish' to promote ocean protection and create 'Hope Spots.' She emphasizes that oceans are vital for life, giving oxygen, influencing climate, and connecting ecosystems. Her message urges action to respect oceans and ensure a livable planet for future generations. Earle warns that half of the world's coral reefs are damaged or gone, and if we don't change, most could disappear by mid-century. NOAA projects over 90% of reefs could be at risk by 2030, calling for collective action to protect these ecosystems. 

This dive was the first time Kathy and I experienced such a widespread mass morality of a coral reef.  So many times, we had traveled to Bonaire to rejuvenate our spirits. It was like a sacred touchstone for us. The fish and animals that made their home on the reef were as familiar as pets. In the space of three years, this reef system had collapsed. It literally looks like a war zone. I literally cried during the dive, mourning the loss.

For us, this was truly paradise lost. But there is hope in the work being performed by Reef Renewal of Bonaire.