Reported By: Jay Cashmere
Photographer: Tom Special
South Florida is a popular destination for divers anxious to explore our reefs. So scenes like this can be disturbing...millions of gallons of treated sewerage pouring out onto reefs, millions of tires tearing into decades of old coral, blooms of algae smothering a precious resource. By contrast Bonaire is a gem in the heart of the Caribbean. An underworld well protected from harm...simply put.
“This is how you want to do it.”
This is Bonaire National Marine Park. An area in the tropics unlike any other in the world where Caribbean blue water glides over coral to form a current for the rest of the world to follow.
“The coral reef is the tool of our trade if we don't take care of it if we don't protect it we've lost our trade.”
On this island, east of Aruba, coral reef is fortified. Its constantly watched and monitored only without camera's and guns.
“60-70 percent of the total income of this island comes from tourism and majority of tourists come for diving,” says Jay Cashmere. “Protecting coral reef here in Bonaire has always been a huge priority and there are two visible signs of that working everyday when divers hit the water they must leave gloves at the dock that reduces the incentive to touch and they also must be tagged with this visible sign showing they've paid a permit fee to enter this park.
What happened here in 1979 set Bonaire apart from the rest of the world. The government created a park, not just any park, one that protects their prized possession with strict regulations.
“That move was crucial to us to prove to the world to everybody Bonaire can offer a showcase here that we have something different that the other islands in the Caribbean.”
Around here anchoring is not allowed...instead boats tie off on mooring buoys and anything collected from the water must be permitted. It’s a delicate balance of protecting a resource and utilizing it to further economic development.
“In this little piece of beach we have 60 plus total nesting of island.”
That is sea turtle nesting and this is Klein Bonaire. A small uninhabited island a short boat ride from the main island, part of the marine park and like every other area, well patrolled.
“You know you can't be here with your dog.”
Above the surface and below Bonaire preserves it’s treasure and now proudly displays it. Not just for an economic boost but for future generations who plunge into to this top dive destination.
“The large majority of people come to our island come here for nature scuba diving and tranquility of the island they find that because of protection we have been having.”
