Bonaire’s Reefs Show How Protection Helps Corals Survive
In 2023, over 80% of Bonaire’s corals suffered thermal stress—up from just 25% in 2016. Yet the island’s reefs still rank among the Caribbean’s healthiest. The reason isn’t luck; it’s decades of science-backed protection. Bonaire’s reefs maintain a higher percentage of hard coral cover than many other Caribbean islands. Emily’s Take Bonaire shows that local rules—especially a ban on spearing and catching parrotfish—can give corals a fighting chance against bleaching and disease. It’s not a perfect shield, but the science is clear: when you protect the fish that clean the reef, the reef bounces back faster. Best for Eco-conscious