Directie Natuur en Milieu (DNM) department in charge of advising on nature and environmental management for Aruba, in conjunction with the Aruba National Park Foundation (FPNA), an independent foundation in charge of conservation and management of land and marine protected areas in Aruba, invites the community interested in learning more about the diseases affecting many corals in the Caribbean region that have probably been recently observed in Aruba.
A few months ago DNM and FPNA informed the community of the potential for some corals to be affected by disease in the Boca Catalina area. DNM and FPNA conducted several surveys over the course of the months to observe these. The corals were surveyed and photographed, to determine which corals would be affected by Stony Coral Tissue Loss disease. The condition of a number of star corals and brain corals was in critical condition, but it could not be determined whether it was the aforementioned disease or another disease. Local evidence suggests that many of the corals in this area have long since died. DNM and FPNA, together with some local partners, came together once again to continue monitoring. DNM and FPNA have also set up a working group and are also planning training with dive centers to monitor corals in other areas as well.
What was done?
The werkgroep consists of FPNA, BRA, Directie Scheepvaart, DLVV and worked on a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to prepare in advance for aggressive diseases such as Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease to arrive in Aruba. DNM and FPNA are in continuous contact with regional and international partners such as Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGGRA) and MPA Connect to determine the condition of the corals. Recently, the disease has been reported and determined to be present on the islands of Bonaire and Corsica. Also in collaboration with the Ministry of Nature (MinTINO) a video demonstration of how to implement the protocol for decontaminating diving and snorkeling equipment for prevention was made. The workshops for divers are planned for the next few days after the information night.
Community information night
We invite all divers, snorkelers, fishermen and the entire community to attend the informational evenings, where we will share more about the coral diseases present in the Caribbean and how people can help combat the diseases. On Thursday 4 May at MFA Paradera from 7 to 8:30 pm or on Friday 5 May at MFA Savaneta at the same time we will explain the situation and how we can all help. You can contact marinepark@arubanationalpark.org for more information.