Marine biology of Bonaire

[gsk3]

Hi folks,

My wife and I are headed to Bonaire in July for the first time, and we are looking for recommendations for a book about the marine biology of Bonaire. From searching Amazon there doesn't seem to be much, and the Lonely Planet Diving/Snorkeling Bonaire book doesn't provide much either. We will order a fish ID card, but were hoping for a more descriptive text about fish species as well as general ecology. One question that keeps coming up for instance is why Bonaire has such an abundance of marine life but lacks much in the way of top predators (do shark populations take a long time to recover, is it the shallow depths of the area between Bonaire and Klein Bonaire which limit shark activity, etc.).

Suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Two very excited visitors

 

[dvrliz1]

gsk3,

I would highly suggest you contact CIEE here on Bonaire. Marine Ecology & Conservation at CIEE Research Station Bonaire

I think they can answer a lot of your questions.

Liz

 

[Herk_Man]

Also, go to Bonaire Talk - The place to discuss everything and anything about Bonaire! and post a question for Jerry Ligone about this. He is the resident sea life expert on Bonaire and will happily provide you with more info than you can use.

 

[Jersey]

I try to bring my Paul Humann books down for assistance in identification and some education. While they are not specific to Bonaire I find them helpful. Obviously won't help answer your questions regarding lack of predators, depth between Bonaire and Klein.

 

[DiveMaven]

If you want a hands on learning experience, plan on spending 1/2 day with Jerry Ligon at Bonaire Dive and Adventure taking his "Dive with the Naturalist" course. Well worth your time and money, he'll teach you more about marine life and fish behavior than you can get elsewhere, and he focuses entirely on Bonaire marine life. It includes a dive with him on Bari Reef where he shows you creatures you may not spot yourself.

When will you be there in July? Where are you staying? There are quite a few SB folks on Bonaire in June/July this year.

 

[gsk3]

Thanks for the info guys. We'll probably try arranging a morning with Jerry Ligon.

We'll be there the last week of July, staying at Bamboo Bali. Tanks through Wannadive and mainly shore diving, but will likely do a dive or two off the wildside if we can with East Coast.

 

[SubMariner]

I try to bring my Paul Humann books down for assistance in identification and some education. While they are not specific to Bonaire I find them helpful. Obviously won't help answer your questions regarding lack of predators, depth between Bonaire and Klein.

I second this! The Caribbean collection from Paul Humann is outstanding. In fact, they are the standard by which I judge the others during my quest for books on the Indo Pacific, Australia, the Red Sea, etc.

If you are taking your laptop, get the CD version. Otherwise go for the regular books. You won't be disappointed. :cool3:

 

[Steve P]

Take Jerry's class early during your trip. We just returned and I wish I had taken the class earlier than we did. I would purchase & review the CD version of Paul Hurmann's book before you leave. As far as the diversity on Bonaire's reefs, little did I know that its due to the abundance of pistol shrimp attracting larval fish floating on the currents from Venezuelan reefs. And of course, having a good portion of the reef protected as a Marine Park for past 30 years doesn't hurt.

 

[gsk3]

Is this the Caribbean collection y'all are referring to?
Amazon.com: The Reef Set: Reef Fish, Reef Creature and Reef Coral (3 Volumes) (9781878348333): Paul Humann, Ned DeLoach:…

Also, is this worth getting:
Amazon.com: Reef Fish Behavior: Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas (9781878348289): Ned DeLoach, Paul Humann, Ned DeLoach:…

Thanks!

 

[Steve P]

Is this the Caribbean collection y'all are referring to?
Amazon.com: The Reef Set: Reef Fish, Reef Creature and Reef Coral (3 Volumes) (9781878348333): Paul Humann, Ned DeLoach:…

Also, is this worth getting:
Amazon.com: Reef Fish Behavior: Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas (9781878348289): Ned DeLoach, Paul Humann, Ned DeLoach:…

Thanks!

Yes, those are links to the books. I believe the DVD that Jerry Ligon uses & highly recommneds is this: Reef Fish Identificaiton DVD 4.0 - Florida Caribbean Bahamas []