Since we participated in our local Rescue a Reef program here in Miami (see me on CBS news here) I’ve always been interested in reef restoration and the renewal efforts taking place around the world.
It was wonderful to see the Reef Renewal Program active and well at Buddy Dive. They have planted over 20,000 corals since 2013 and some of the sites we saw in a presentation video were thriving, which was really encouraging.
The Reef Renewal Program focusses on both Elkhorn and Staghorn corals. They recruit divers from the local dive shops and rely on donations. Buddy Dive has an optional dollar a day system for each room which helps fund the conservation effort. Please do keep this on your bill if you stay as it’s a great cause to support.
We spoke with some of the divers and attended the presentation shown at Blennies on Sundays at 6:30 pm. And unlike the nail and tie wrap system we used in Biscayne Bay with Rescue a Reef they actually use an underwater glue to attach the corals to the bottom as well as forming bamboo holders. Ecological and it seems to be working.
It’s great to see these ongoing efforts as Bonaire has been a wonderful example of renewal and conservation in the world. No shells or sand can be removed (the people before us at the airport had them confiscated. After they started grumbling, I reminded them that they were lucky not to get a big fine!).
There are no gloves allowed while diving, and every diver must do a checkout dive to verify buoyancy. Good things that could be applied everywhere!