Dutch Caribbean
Ocean observatory

Your portal to Dutch Caribbean’s underwater world

The Observatory SCIENCE CENTRE
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Welcome to the Dutch Caribbean Ocean Observatory, where you can meet extraordinary marine life and explore the spectacular habitats found beneath the waves.

The Dutch Caribbean, a collection of six beautiful islands— Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius (Statia)— is a geographic region of the Netherlands located in the Caribbean Sea. Its stunning marine environment supports a wide range of wildlife, with over 5,000 known animal and plant species living within or above the sea. Magnificent turtles, vibrant parrotfish and captivating seahorses share these waters with 25 species of sharks, as well as many whales, dolphins and seabirds.

Take a dive into the Dutch Caribbean’s underwater world and learn how to observe and explore our incredible marine life.

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The
Observatory

Through this underwater video archive, you can swim with enchanting marine life, explore the breathtaking world under the waves and examine the magical marine habitats found within the Dutch Caribbean’s waters.

Fish

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French angelfish

Scientific name: Pomacanthus paru
Location: Bonaire (Dive Site: Thousand steps)
Depth: 12-18m
Sea temp °C: 28
Size: Around 40cm but they can reach a whopping 60cm!
Fact: Living up to 10 years, adult French angelfish are often found swimming in mated pairs around reefs, where they feed on species like sponges, corals and algae. During spawning from April- September, they release 25-000-75000 eggs, which then take under a day to hatch! Young fish look very different to the adults, with large, solid black and yellow stripes, and help clean parasites and loose scales from other larger fish like moray eels and wrasse.
Learn more: Explore this site to help identify fish and other marine creatures in Bonaire!
Video credit: Sami Kattan (Nomad Creative)
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Queen parrotfish

Scientific name: Scarus vetula
Location: Bonaire (Dive site: Thousand Steps)
Depth: 12-18m
Sea temp °C: 28
Size: Usually between 15-25cm, with the ‘supermale’ fish measuring 31-41cm and up to 61cm!
Fact: The Queen parrotfish swim above reefs and are important grazers by consuming algae from rocks and coral, which it scrapes off with its beak. By clearing the algae, it opens up space for corals to attach and grow. Overfishing of parrotfish leads to lots more algae, which can then suffocate corals. All Queen parrotfish hatch as females, and these young fish have a white body with three black stripes from head to tail. The largest individuals then turn into males, which is when their colouring turns from drab brown to these vibrant colours. Funnily enough, the “crowns” that give them their “queen” common name are only found on males! Did you know? This species sleeps in a cocoon of mucus that it secretes at night, which helps keep parasites away, as well as containing antibodies and hiding their scent from predators!
Video credit: Sami Kattan (Nomad Creative)
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Porcupinefish

Other common name(s): Spot-fin porcupinefish / Black-spotted porcupinefish
Scientific name: Diodon hystrix
Location: Bonaire (Dive site: Salt Pier)
Depth: 12-18m
Sea temp °C: 28
Size: Up to 90cm
Fact: Porcupinefish are found around rocky and coral reefs, but also like to hide in crevices or cave openings.  They have very strong jaws with beak-like teeth that are all joined together and are perfect for foraging on spiny or hard-shelled invertebrates, like snails, urchins and crabs. This fish is very slow, but when threatened it will swallow water to inflate itself to look like a big, spiky balloon, making it impossible for a predator to swallow!
Video credit: Sami Kattan (Nomad Creative)
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Spotted scorpionfish

Other common names(s): Pacific spotted scorpionfish / Brantkonofeshi (Papiamento)
Scientific name: Scorpaena plumieri
Location: Bonaire (Dive site: Salt Pier)
Depth: 12-18m
Sea temp °C: 28
Size: Usually 18-36cm long, but recorded up to 45cm!
Fact: Spotted scorpionfish are found among shallow coral reefs and rocky reefs, often lying very still. Being masters of camouflage, they use their mottled colouring and texture to sneak up on crustaceans and smaller fish, attacking and swallowing in one swift motion. They have extremely potent venom in their glands and sharp spines, making them one of the most poisonous animals in the ocean!
Video credit: Sami Kattan (Nomad Creative)
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Goldentail moray eel

Other common name(s): Conger moray
Scientific name: Gymnothorax miliaris
Location: Bonaire (Dive site: Salt Pier)
Depth: 12-18m
Size: Around 40cm, up to 70cm
Fact: The Goldentail moray eel is usally found at deeper depths, living on their own and inhabiting coral reefs and rocky crevices. It hunts mostly at night, feeding mainly on small invertebrates such as molluscs and crustaceans, and has even been observed to hunt together with other predators. They seem dangerous as they constantly open and close their mouth, exposing their sharp, thin teeth, some of which point backwards to prevent their prey from escaping. Despite this mischevious look, this action is actually how they breathe.
Video credit: Sami Kattan (Nomad Creative)

Marine Mammals & Turtles

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Green turtle

Scientific name: Chelonia mydas
Location: Bonaire
Depth: 0-7m
Sea temp °C: 28
Fact: Green turtles are one of the Dutch Caribbean’s most beloved marine creatures. These gentle grazers spend their days munching on seagrass in the shallow bays around islands like Bonaire, Curaçao, and St. Eustatius—playing a vital role in keeping underwater ecosystems healthy. Every few years, female turtles can travel thousands of kilometres to return to the very beaches where they were born. Here, they lay up to 100 eggs per nest, which grow into adorable hatchlings like the one you can see in this video! While these ancient creatures have swum the seas for millions of years, they now face threats like pollution and habitat loss. That’s why local conservation groups work hard to protect them, so future generations can keep spotting these ocean lawnmowers around their home island.
Learn more: Learn about the work of Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire and STENAPA (in St. Eustatius) to protect turtles in the Dutch Caribbean.
Video credit: Sami Kattan (Nomad Creative) / Elina Douma
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Short-finned pilot whale

Other common name(s): Pothead whale / Blackfish
Scientific name: Globicephala macrorhynchus
Size: Up to 7m
Fact: Short-finned pilot whales are one of the largest members of the dolphin family, and you might just spot them cruising the deep waters around the Dutch Caribbean. Known for their strong social bonds, they travel in tight-knit pods and can sometimes be seen resting or diving together in perfect sync. These deep-diving whales love to chase down squid at high speed and can hold their breath for over 15 minutes while hunting in the dark ocean depths down to 1000m!
Learn more: Read the Caribbean Cetacean Society’s code of conduct to learn how to to whale watch responsibly, as well as how to identify cetaceans in the Dutch Caribbean!
Video credit: Caribbean Cetacean Society (CSS)
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Bottlenose dolphin

Scientific name: Tursiops truncatus
Fact: Bottlenose dolphins are some of the most playful and curious creatures in the Dutch Caribbean’s sparkling waters, where they are resident all year round. These highly intelligent marine mammals use echolocation to hunt for fish and communicate with each other through a complex system of clicks, whistles, and body movements! Did you know? You can find Bottlenose dolphins in seas all over the world— everywhere except for the Antarctic Circle and Arctic regions. Check them out in the British Isles in the Jersey Ocean Observatory!
Learn more: Discover all the known cetacean species in the Dutch Caribbean sea
Video credit: Caribbean Cetacean Society (CSS) / Casper Douma
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Humpback whale

Scientific name: Megaptera novaeangliae
Fact: Humpback whales visit the Dutch Caribbean every year to have their babies!
From January to April, humpback whales migrate thousands of kilometers from the cold North Atlantic to the warm, calm waters around the Dutch Caribbean—especially near Saba Bank and Bonaire. These areas serve as safe nurseries where mothers give birth and nurse their calves before heading back north. During this time, you might even hear the males singing their famous underwater songs to attract mates!
Video credit: Sami Kattan (Nomad Creative)

People and the Sea

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Researching sharks in the Dutch Caribbean

Location: Saba
Fact: Research and data collection are key to unlocking the secrets of our ocean’s top predators. On this thrilling expedition, scientists caught and studied 56 sharks—including 16 mighty tiger sharks, 39 sleek Caribbean reef sharks, and 1 curious nurse shark. They carefully measured each shark, used ultrasounds to check for pregnancies, and took DNA and blood samples to see if the sharks were related to others across the Dutch Caribbean. Each shark was then tagged with a special tracker, allowing scientists to follow their movements and learn where they swim, hunt, and live. All of this helps build smart protection plans to keep these amazing creatures safe for years to come!
Learn more: Read more about the Shark Expedition here!
Video credit: DCNA / Sami Kattan (Nomad Creative)
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Wildlife watching

Featured species: Pantropical spotted dolphin / Short-finned pilot whale
Fact: All around the Dutch Caribbean, you can watch wildlife by boating, diving or snorkelling, or simply from the coastlines of the islands. Have you spotted any marine life? Log your sightings by following the instructions here!
Learn more: Read this guide on whale watching to make sure we are being as respectful to them as possible. Remember, we are visiting their home!
Video credit: Caribbean Cetacean Society / Casper Douma
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Diving

Location: Bonaire
Fact: Diving in the Dutch Caribbean is like entering a vibrant, underwater world full of color, life, and wonder. You can swim over beautiful coral reefs, encounter incredible marine life and the warm waters offer incredible visibility. To help keep the ocean healthy and to look after nature, divers should always follow these simple but important rules:
  1. Look, don’t touch marine life!
  2. Keep a safe distance from animals
  3. Watch your fins don’t hit anything
  4. Leave nothing behind (and take any trash you find away!)
  5. Use reef-safe sunscreen
By diving responsibly, you’re not just having fun—you’re helping protect one of the most magical ecosystems on Earth.
Video credit: Sami Kattan (Nomad Creative) / Maurico Handler, (Nature Images/ Natuurbeelden)
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Inspiring the next ocean guardians

Location: St. Eustatius
Fact: Inspiring the next generation to care for our ocean is more important than ever. This exciting program unites future ocean guardians from across the Dutch Caribbean to discover the stunning biodiversity of their islands. Through hands-on activities, they learn about conservation, marine protected areas, and the challenges our environment faces. Best of all—they get to dive into the adventure with snorkelling trips to explore the magical underwater world themselves. How cool is that?
Learn more: Learn more about DCNA’s Junior Rangers Exchange programme here!
Video credit: DevoOcean
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Artisanal fishing

Fishing types: Spearfishing / Handline (hook and line) / Fish traps (pots) / Gill nets
Fact: For generations, artisanal fishing has been a lifeline in the Dutch Caribbean—a vital thread in the fabric of island culture. While each island brings its own traditions and techniques to the sea, fishers across the region dive into everything from chasing swift pelagic fish to venturing into deep waters for prized snappers and lobsters! Still, each island has its own set of fishing rules to keep the ocean healthy. Some species have catch limits to avoid overfishing, and certain areas—called Marine Protected Areas—act as underwater safe zones, where fishing is limited or carefully managed to protect fragile sea life and habitats. This is all to ensure our ocean and fishing industry stays healthy for future generations!
Learn more: Read more about the rules and regulations for fishing in the Dutch Caribbean sea!
Video credit: Sami Kattan (Nomad Creative)

Invertebrates

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Caribbean reef squid

Scientific name: Sepioteuthis sepioidea
Size: Between 12-20cm
Fact: Just like cuttlefish, these squid can change their skin to many different colours and textures, which they use to communicate to each other. Males turn red to attract females and turn white to repel other males, and can even make their bodies half-red and half-white to communicate to both at the same time! They can also use this to help camouflage to avoid predators, these squid spend their time above the reef, whereas babies will be found hiding around seagrass beds. A group of squid, like you can see in this video, are called a shoal!
Video credit: Maurico Handler, Nature Images/ Natuurbeelden
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Staghorn coral

Scientific name: Acropora cervicornis
Location: Bonaire (Dive Site: Thousand steps)
Depth: 10-12m
Sea temp °C: 28
Fact:   Staghorn corals are some of the fastest-growing corals in the world, growing up to 10-20cm per year! Despite their incredibly important role in building reefs, they are now listed as critically endangered due to coral bleaching, increased hurricanes, disease and physical damage by human activity. Today, people are restoring these important species through activities like ‘coral gardening’, which includes creating underwater nursery trees of smaller coral fragments. These are then grown to be big enough before planting them out on the reef again!
Learn more: Discover how scientists are restoring corals in the Dutch Caribbean!
Video credit: Sami Kattan (Nomad Creative)
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Elkhorn coral

Scientific name: Acropora palmata
Location: Bonaire (Dive site: King Willem Alexander Reserve)
Depth: 5m
Sea temp °C: 28
Fact: Elkhorn coral was once the dominant reef-building coral in the Caribbean, forming important habitats and shelter for many marine species, as well as other benefits such as acting like a natural sea wall, which breaks up wave energy and protects coastlines. However, like Staghorn coral, it is now very rare, having declined by around 95% since the 1980s. Did you know, most coral species can capture their prey (mostly plankton!) through stinging cells, but they also share their structure with algae called zooxanthellae, which live in the coral tissue. Here, this algae takes nutrients from the corals but then passes on the food they make from photosynthesis! This is called symbiosis as both species benefit from the relationship.
Learn more: Click here to discover how scientists in Curacao are helping Elkhorn coral fight climate change by creating more heat-resistant populations!
Video credit: Sami Kattan (Nomad Creative)
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Queen conch

Scientific name: Strombus gigas
Location: Seagrass bed
Depth: 1-12m
Size: Usually between 15 to 30cm
Fact: Queen conches are very slow growing but can reach a remarkable age of 40 years old. With a foot that helps them move across the floor, they live in sand flats and seagrass beds, like the ones in this video, and are herbivores, browsing for plants and algae to eat. However, their populations are declining as a result of being fished for their meat, with their shells being sold as popular souvenirs for tourists. Due to this, they are the most valuable species in the Caribbean, particularly for exporting off the islands.
Learn more: Read about how DCNA has been restoring conch populations in Bonaire!
Video credit: Maurico Handler, Nature Images/ Natuurbeelden
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Longsnout seahorse

Other common name(s): Slender seahorse / Kaba ‘i awa (Papiamento)
Scientific name: Hippocampus reidi
Location: Bonaire
Size: Up to 17cm
Fact: Found in seagrass beds, mangroves and coral reefs, Longsnout seahorses use their tails to anchor themselves in place. Due to their bony-plated bodies and impressive camouflage, they have few predators, but are collected by humans for aquariums or folk medicine. Unfortunately, if caught, less than 1% of seahorses live longer than 6 weeks. Luckily, collecting wild seahorses is prohibited in most areas of the Dutch Caribbean! Did you know, all seahorse males carry their eggs in a special brood pouch on their bellies? The eggs are produced by the females who then pass them to the males to be fertilised, which then hatch after only 10 to 25 days. This is not seen in any other animal!
Video credit: Maurico Handler, Nature Images/ Natuurbeelden

Sharks & rays

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Southern stingray

Other common name(s): Whip stingray /  Pijlstaartrog (Dutch) / Chuchu rok (Papiamento)
Scientific name: Hypanus americanus
Location: St. Eustatius
Depth: 10m
Sea temp °C: 27
Size: Up to 1.5m
Fact: Southern stingrays have an amazing ability to camouflage, blending into the sandy or muddy sea floors where they spend most of their time. By burying themselves almost entirely, they become invisible to both prey and predators. However, this means they are often accidentally caught in bottom-trawled fishing as the gear is dragged over the seabed. These rays also have venomous spines on their tail, which they use for self-defense if they feel threatened, raising the tail overhead like a scorpion. Despite this, they aren’t aggressive, avoiding confrontation and remaining peaceful unless disturbed.
Video credit: Maurico Handler (Nature Images/ Natuurbeelden)
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Tiger shark

Other common name(s): Leopard shark / Spotted shark / Tijgerhaai (Dutch) / Tintolero (Papiamentu)
Scientific name: Galeocerdo cuvier
Location: Saba
Size: Usually around 3 to 4.5m, but can be found up to 7m!
Fact: Tiger sharks live for around 30 to 50 years and weigh up to a whopping 635kg! They get their name from their distinctive vertical stripes on their bodies, which help them blend into the water as they hunt. By adapting their diet based on what is available, they help to regulate populations of the many different marine species they eat, which helps maintain a balanced and healthy ecosystem by preventing one species from overpopulation. This means they are a critical part of marine ecosystems! Despite being one of the largest predatory sharks in the ocean, there have been very few unprovoked attacks on humans. In fact, you are more likely to be killed by a coconut falling on your head!
Video credit: Sami Kattan (Nomad Creative)
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Caribbean reef shark

Other common name(s): Caribische rifhaai (Dutch)
Scientific name: Carcharhinus perezii
Location: Saba
Depth: 20m
Sea temp °C: 27
Size: Up to 3m
Fact: Caribbean reef sharks are slender, generally weighing around 55 to 90kg. They are known for their speed and agility through the water, reaching speeds of 20mph as they chase down prey- such as parrotfish and rays- and navigate through the reefs. Like most sharks (with others laying egg cases), Caribbean reef sharks give birth to live young, and like us, they carry their babies for around 9 months! Unfortunately, they are vulnerable to fishing as they get caught in nets, making them frequent bycatch. Did you know, there is a marine mammal and shark sanctuary that spans across Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius?
Learn more: Read about the different species of sharks in the Dutch Caribbean sea and how they are being protected in the Yarari sanctuary!
Video credit: Maurico Handler (Nature Images/ Natuurbeelden)
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Nurse shark

Scientific name: Ginglymostoma cirratum
Location: Saba
Depth: 20m
Sea temp °C: 27
Size: Up to 3m
Fact: Nurse sharks are nocturnal bottom-dwellers, being active at night to hunt, where they feed mostly on crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish, using their strong suction to vacuum prey from the sand or coral. During the day, they spend it resting in groups under ledges or in crevices. Unlike many other shark species, nurse sharks breathe while stationary by pumping water over their gills using a method called buccal pumping, which allows them to rest on the seafloor for long periods.
Video credit: Maurico Handler (Nature Images/ Natuurbeelden)

Habitats

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Coral reefs

Featured species: Yellow goatfish / West Atlantic trumpetfish / Blue chromis fish / Bicolor damselfish / Yellowtail hamlet / Foureye butterflyfish / French grunt / Black sea rod / Yellowhead wrasse / Blade fire coral / Boulder brain coral
Location: Bonaire
Depth: 12m
Sea temp °C: 28
Fact: Coral reefs are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth, often called the “rainforests of the sea.” These habitats are built by both soft corals, like Gorgonians such as the Common sea fan, and hard corals such as Elkhorn and Staghorn. These corals create essential habitats where countless marine species live, feed, and reproduce. Reefs also protect coastlines from storm damage, support local tourism, and act as natural carbon sinks by locking away calcium carbonate. But coral polyps—the tiny animals that build reefs—are incredibly delicate and slow-growing. Some coral colonies here are thought to be over 700 years old, quietly growing just millimeters a year to build the foundations of these vibrant underwater cities.
Learn more: Read more about this important ecosystem and discover the different types of reefs across the six islands of the Dutch Caribbean. Need help identifying species found around these coral reefs? Explore this page!
Video credit: Sami Kattan (Nomad Creative)
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Seagrass

Other common name(s): Turtle grass
Scientific name: Thalassia testudinum
Other featured species: French grunt fish / Redear herring / Yellowtail snapper
Location: Bonaire (Dive site: Lac Cai)
Depth: 5m
Sea temp °C: 28
Fact: Seagrass beds are thriving meadows of activity. They’re home to a dazzling mix of creatures, such as fish, mollusks and seahorses—all finding food and shelter among the swaying green blades. Even sea turtles play a big role here, acting as nature’s lawnmowers by grazing on the seagrass to keep the ecosystem healthy. Though it might look like seaweed, seagrass is actually a flowering plant, not algae! But these vital habitats are under threat. Since 2002, an invasive species called Halophila stipulacea has been spreading throughout the Dutch Caribbean, pushing out native species like Turtle grass and Manatee grass—and putting local marine life at risk.
Learn more: Learn about research in Aruba and Bonaire by Dutch scientists to help reduce invasive seagrass. Use this guide to identify the different species of seagrass in the Dutch Caribbean!
Video credit: Sami Kattan (Nomad Creative)
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Artificial reef

Featured species: Yellow goatfish / Bluestriped grunt / French angelfish / Banded butterflyfish / Sergeant major / Dog snapper / Gray snapper
Location: Bonaire (Dive site: Salt Pier)
Depth: 15m
Sea temp °C: 28
Fact: In the Dutch Caribbean, artificial reefs are helping give marine life a boost! These man-made structures—like piers, sunken ships or even old bridge parts— create new homes for fish, corals, and other sea creatures. Over time, they become vibrant habitats, attracting everything from sponges and coral to large snappers and sea turtles. Artificial reefs not only support biodiversity, but also help take pressure off natural reefs and provide exciting spots for divers to explore. Salt Pier is one of Bonaire’s most iconic shore dive sites, renowned for its vibrant marine life and unique underwater scenery. However, diving at Salt Pier is only permitted when no ships are docked at the pier, so always check with the guard house (the yellow shack) under the pier for permission before entering the water!
Video credit: Sami Kattan (Nomad Creative) / Elina Douma
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Mangroves

Other common name(s): Red mangrove
Scientific name: Rhizophora mangle
Other featured species: Cubera snapper / Mangrove snapper (Gray snapper) / Dog snapper / Sergeant major / Rainbow parrotfish / Flat tree oyster
Location: Bonaire (Lac Bay)
Depth: 0-2m
Sea Temp °C: 28
Fact: Mangrove forests line the coast of many Dutch Caribbean islands, where life thrives above and below the water. With their tangled roots stretching into the sea, they protect shorelines from storms, reduce erosion, and create safe nurseries for baby fish, lobsters, and even sharks. These unique trees—like the red, black, and white mangroves—also help clean the water and trap carbon, making them vital in the fight against climate change. The roots also provide areas for species to grow on, such as bivalves like oysters that help to filter and purify the water. From Bonaire’s Lac Bay to the hidden mangrove lagoons of Curaçao, these forests are full of life and wonder!
Video credit: Sami Kattan (Nomad Creative)

Seabirds

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Red-billed tropicbird

Scientific name: Phaethon aethereus
Location: Saba
Size: Up to 1m from tip to tail, and the same for their wingspan
Fact: In the Dutch Caribbean, Red-billed tropicbirds are found on the rocky cliff sides of the Islands of Saba and St. Eustatius, where you can spot their long, white tail feathers as they fly over the sea.  In St. Eustatius, a Red-billed tropicbird was tracked travelling over 2,000 km across the Atlantic Ocean. Other data has shown these birds can venture far from their breeding grounds, being seen as far north as Canada and the British Isles! These seabirds have a diet of small fish, squids, and occasionally crustaceans, which they catch by vertically diving into the sea. As you can see from this video, their young have yellow bills.
Get involved: Have you seen a Red-billed tropicbird? Report your nature sightings and photos on this website or download the free apps. Species reports by local communities and tourists are important for nature conservation efforts to help increase public awareness and overall species protection.
Listen!: Discover the calls of a Red-billed tropicbird here.
Video credit: Maurico Handler (Nature Images/ Natuurbeelden)
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Brown pelican

Scientific name: Pelecanus occidentalis
Location: Aruba
Sea temp °C: Oct 2013
Size: These seabirds have a whopping wingspan of over 2m and a bill up to 30cm long!
Fact: The Brown Pelican is the National bird of St. Maarten and can be seen everywhere on the island, particularly places such as Fort Amsterdam, where most of the breeding colonies are found. These birds are the smallest species in the Pelican family, but are the only ones who dive to catch their prey. Did you know, their big throat pouches can store three times more fish than their stomach!
Listen!: Discover their calls here, which are mostly from chicks as adults are usually silent.
Video credit: Maurico Handler (Nature Images/ Natuurbeelden)
Fish
Marine Mammals & Turtles
People and the Sea
Invertebrates
Sharks & rays
Habitats
Seabirds

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SCIENCE CENTRE

This Science Centre is aimed at ages 11-14, but anyone can enjoy discovering these topics. The deep-dive discovery packs below will introduce you to a range of exciting marine topics, including sustainable tourism, seabirds and protecting the Dutch Caribbean’s sea. Have you got what it takes to be an ocean explorer?

 

 

Follow the steps below to explore the Science Centre!

 

 

01

Select one of the deep-dive discovery packs below

02

Read the fact file and watch the video

03

Record your findings on the questions sheet

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On an iPad or mobile? Click below for guidance

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DISCOVERY PACK CATEGORIES
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Filter
everything Dutch Caribbean waters People and the sea Seabirds

PROTECTING THE DUTCH CARIBBEAN SEA

Dive into the marine protection of the Dutch Caribbean islands.

Discover here
Dutch Caribbean waters

OCEAN-FRIENDLY TOURISM

Learn about the importance of sustainable tourism.

Discover here
People and the sea

SEABIRDS

Explore seabird species and how marine protection can help them.

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Seabirds

PROTECTING THE DUTCH CARIBBEAN SEA

DOWNLOAD FACTFILE DOWNLOAD QUESTIONS OPEN VIDEO I’m finished Dutch Caribbean waters
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In this deep-dive discovery pack, you will learn about:

  1. Where the protected areas are around the six Dutch Caribbean islands.
  2. The importance of Marine Parks.
  3.  Actions we can take to help our ocean.

These areas are protected and managed by Aruba (FPNA), Bonaire (STINAPA), Curacao (CARMABI), Saba (SCF), St. Eustatius (STENAPA), and St. Maarten (NFSXM).

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OCEAN-FRIENDLY TOURISM

DOWNLOAD FACTFILE DOWNLOAD QUESTIONS OPEN VIDEO I’m finished People and the sea
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In this deep-dive discovery pack, you will learn about: 

  1. Tourism in the Dutch Caribbean.
  2. The importance of ocean-friendly (sustainable) tourism.
  3. How to be a responsible tourist.

 

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SEABIRDS

OPEN VIDEO Seabirds
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In this deep-dive discovery pack, you will learn about: 

  1. Different seabird species in the Dutch Caribbean.
  2. Threats to seabirds.
  3. How marine protection can help seabirds.
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Educator resources

Facilitation Guide for Teachers and Parents

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Supporting Slides

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Find out more about the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA)’s Project

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DCNA’S PROJECT IN THE DUTCH CARIBBEAN

The pristine waters of the Dutch Caribbean Islands, making up 99% of the whole of its territory, is home to some of the richest biodiversity, and their coral reefs make up some of the only healthy, living reefs left in the Caribbean. Habitats range from coral reefs, seagrass meadows and mangroves, to rocky reefs and sandy beds, which provide homes for breathtaking marine life such as dazzling angelfish and mesmerising squid. Together, these habitats can support a healthy, functioning ecosystem, which are currently threatened by ocean warming, acidification, and an increase in storms, all of which threaten coral reef survival. These diverse ecosystems are a magnet for tourism and the most important source of income for residents of the Dutch Caribbean.

Nature on the islands is unique and important, but it is also fragile. Protecting the vast marine treasure of the Dutch Caribbean will benefit the Island’s historic fishery, combat climate change, protect the coastline, and provide recreation and wellbeing experiences.

This Ocean Observatory aims to complement the work being done by the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and Blue Marine Foundation within these islands by encouraging curiosity, increasing knowledge and inspiring the next generation to care for our oceans.

 

ABOUT DCNA

The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) is a nonprofit organization created to safeguard nature in the Dutch Caribbean through supporting Conservation and Protected Area Management Organizations, such as Aruba (FPNA), Bonaire (STINAPA), Curacao (CARMABI), Saba (SCF), St. Eustatius (STENAPA), and St. Maarten (NFSXM).

Visit DCNA’s Website for more information.

ABOUT BLUE MARINE

Blue Marine Foundation is a UK-based charity dedicated to restoring the ocean to health by addressing overfishing, one of the world’s biggest environmental problems. We are committed to creating marine reserves, restoring vital habitats and establishing models of sustainable fishing. Our mission is to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030 and ensure that the remainder is effectively managed.

Visit Blue Marine’s website for more information on their work in the Dutch Caribbean.

FINISHED EXPLORING BENEATH THE DUTCH CARIBBEAN WAVES?

Click the button below to discover the underwater water world of the British Isles in Jersey (Channel Islands) and Berwickshire (Scotland).

How do these Ocean Observatories compare to the Dutch Caribbean’s?

Visit the JERSEY OCEAN OBSERVATORY

Visit the BERWICKSHIRE OCEAN OBSERVATORY

WANT TO TALK?
GET IN TOUCH WITH US

education@bluemarinefoundation.com