Bonaire National Marine Park - RULES AND REGULATIONS

The mission of the Bonaire National Marine Park (BNMP) is to protect and manage the island’s natural, cultural and historical resources, while allowing ecologically sustainable use, for the benefit of future generations.

Park regulations are designed to accomplish our mission.

Click here for an English translation of the Bonaire Marine Environment Ordinance A. B. 1991 Nr.8. (original: Dutch version)

Click here to view the regulations that apply to all users of the park.

December 2007- The National Parks Foundation of Bonaire, STINAPA, is excited to announce the designation of two Fish Protected Areas within the Bonaire National Marine Park. A detailed baseline study by Professor Dr. Robert Steneck from the University of Maine and his students has highlighted the declining number and size of fish on the island’s reefs. Following the advice from STINAPA, the government has agreed to the designation of two non-fishing zones to address this decline. The zones will take effect in early 2008.

A series of stakeholder meetings took place to address concerns about the creation of the two Fish Protected Areas (see images; click either one to view a larger version of it). Local fishermen actually chose the location of the areas, which STINAPA hopes will ensure their support and compliance. The northern limit of the first chosen zone is located between dive site 24 (Petries Pillar) and 25 (Small Wall), and the southern limit is located at the northern entrance of Harbor Village Marina. The second zone is located between Chachacha Beach and the northern entrance of Plaza Marina. Both zones extend from the coast to 200 feet depth. The areas chosen fit with 3 essential criteria: sufficient coral coverage; easy to patrol; and not highly used by fishermen. Bait fishing and trolling will be allowed within the zones, but what is locally known as “bottom fishing” will be prohibited.

“Our island relies heavily on the health of our reefs. Unfortunately divers and fishermen have started to notice a decline in the number of large fish” explains Elsmarie Beukenboom, director of STINAPA. “We believe that the two designated Fish Protected Areas will help reverse this trend by helping fish reach a larger size. Fishermen will in turn catch bigger fish, and divers will continue to be amazed by the large fish species that live on our reefs”.

Fish Protected Areas have had much success in other countries and have shown positive results, notably an increase in fish size. Dr. Bak, a professor from the University of Amsterdam who has carried fish counts on Bonaire’s reef with his students for the past 30 years, explains that such protected areas ensure fish live longer and thus get a chance to grow bigger. Larger fish lay more eggs, helping ensure the increase in stock of fish inside the zones as well as outside. This “spillover effect” means that areas which surround the protected areas will also see an increase in the size and number of fish.

It is forbidden to fish with the only exception of collecting baitfish. Baitfish are defined as;

• Masbangu (Selar crumenopthalmus), bigger than 8 centimeters, measured from the front of the head, to the backside of the tail.
• Boka Largu (Hemiramphus baiao), bigger than 20 centimeters, measured from the end of the lower jaw, to the backside of the tail.
• oulo (Decapterus ponctatus) bigger than 15 centimeters, measured from the front of the head, to the backside of the tail.

Click here to view the 'Eilandsbesluit houdende algemene maatregelen' concerning the Fish Protected Areas.