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Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease in Bonaire Impacts Divers

Thursday 11th Jan

As recently as 2021, there were articles noting that the devastating stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) was sweeping the Caribbean but had not yet impacted Bonaire significantly; however, by October of 2023, less than 2 years later, Bonaire has enacted severe restrictions on diver activity and closed or limited access to many dive sites in an effort to further control the spread of this disease.

Studies over the last several years have suggested that this disease likely travels in the water column, potentially even in ballast water from ships, noting that the disease has spread across ocean currents in the opposite direction that the current would be expected to take it.

The key measure for divers and snorkels to aid in preventing further spread of the disease is simply good ocean habits, including good buoyancy control, awareness of fin position, and simply not touching the corals.  Additional preventive measures include rinsing dive gear in a 1% bleach solution to reduce the potential that the disease can be transported on fins, BCDs, or other gear from one site to the next.

While research continues into the exact methods of transmission and causes of this rapidly spreading disease, it has been noted that spread does seem to slow in the cooler months and increase in warmer months, leading some researchers to explore potential containment options.

As a personal eyewitness, there are certainly notable differences in the hard coral reef structures in Bonaire between 2021 and 2023, and it takes a fair bit more planning to dive effectively and respect the limitations from the local authorities.  Bonaire has a beautiful and thriving diving community and amazing reefs and wildlife, but it is certainly in need of divers and snorkelers to help promote good habits and do their part to reduce the continued spread of SCTLD.

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