Bonaire coral cover falls below five percent, research shows
Scientists mapping Bonaire's seabed report that coral cover has plummeted from over 60 percent 50 years ago to just five percent today.
Dutch scientists mapping the marine environment around the Caribbean island of Bonaire report a critical decline in local coral reefs. Recent research shows that live coral now covers approximately 5 percent of the seabed surrounding the special Dutch municipality, compared to over 60 percent five decades ago.
The findings indicate that less than 10 percent of Bonaire's original coral coverage remains today. Researchers highlight severe deterioration in recent years, marking a major environmental shift for the island's marine ecosystem, which provides vital natural coastal defenses and supports local biodiversity.
Sources: NOS (Nederlandse Omroep Stichting).