Bonaire's coral reefs decline to less than 10% of original size

BONAIRE – Dutch scientists say Bonaire's coral reefs have continued to deteriorate, with only about 5% of the island's seabed now covered by coral, compared with more than 60% fifty years ago. Less than 10% of the original coral remains.

Researchers attribute the decline mainly to warming sea temperatures caused by climate change, intensified by the recent El Niño event, as well as coral diseases that spread more easily in warmer waters.

Local conservation groups, including Reef Renewal, are restoring reefs by growing and planting coral fragments. More than 20,000 new coral pieces have already been planted, but experts acknowledge the effort is small compared with the scale of the damage.

Scientists warn that without rapid action to slow climate change and expand restoration projects, Bonaire's reefs could largely disappear.

The loss would also have serious economic consequences, as Bonaire's tourism industry—especially diving—depends heavily on healthy coral reefs.