Research
The Maniacs are proud supporters and contributors to a wide variety of research projects being conducted on Bonaire. Working together with international universities, we are helping to build a body of knowledge and capacity on the island to improve these areas for years to come.
Recent research has focused on better understanding of blue carbon and ways in which we can build resilience to combat the negative affects of climate change.
The basis for our restoration efforts was founded in a number of studies and reports published between 2010 and 2013. Since then, our project has grown to include a wide network of researchers and projects and subsequent publications. These publications, as well as other relevant publications on the area can be found using the link to the right. In addition, the Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database is a depository for all projects nature related throughout the entire Dutch Caribbean.
We also have a research “wishlist” of potential research and partnership opportunities moving forward. If you have any information on these topics, or would like to work together to explore these further, please feel free to contact us.
Current Projects
Lac Bay Hydro connectivity
Cooperative study with University of Twente, this project will model the hydro connectivity between the open bay and back channels of mangrove forests. This model will provide key insights into how changes within the bay will impact overall water flow and eventually, mangrove health. As a part of larger Mangrove RESCUE project, this information will contribute to the larger body of knowledge concerning mangrove forest management around the world.
Stay tuned for updates and key findings.
Best 2.0+
Comprising of 4 parts, this project runs until February 2023 and covers:
- Hydrodynamic channel maintenance and development
- Building and maintaining mangrove nurseries
- Outplanting of red and black mangroves along the coast and within degraded areas
- Improving education and outreach concerning mangroves on the island
For more information, check out our dedicated Best2.0+ portion of the website by clicking the button below.
Past Projects
Carbon Sequestration
Maniacs were proud to support University of Bremen researcher Flo Senger in his study on understanding the ability of mangroves to sequester carbon. Carbon sequestration is key in minimizing greenhouses gases in the environment and this research provided new insight in the differences between healthy and degraded mangroves in their ability to do so.
Over three months he sampled more than thirty locations within Lac Bay. The study revealed significant differences in carbon cycling between healthy and dead mangroves. This was especially seen in healthy areas which demonstrated their ability to photosynthesize and store a lot of carbon which helps to mitigate climate change but also can have positive effects on adjacent ecosystems like coral reefs. On the other hand, it was found that degraded and dead areas were losing these great abilities.
Read more and request the full text using the button below.
Tea Time 4 Science
Tea Time 4 Science is an international project which uses tea bags buried underground to characterize decomposition within the soil. The idea is that healthy, productive soil will lead to faster decomposition of the tea bags. Using an internationally approved method means that our findings can be compared with those from around the world, contributing to a larger body of knowledge.
Hydrodynamic study of Lac Bay, Bonaire
Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCP) were used in four locations in the open parts of the bay and six sites within the lagoons and backwater channels to better understand the relationships between water flow throughout the forest. Understanding water connectivity will help guide future channel maintenance and development. This provides us critical insight into ways to maximize the tidal flushing nature of the mangrove forest, ensuring fresh sea water can reach the back of the forest.
Report status: Pending
