NGO Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire: Protecting Bonaire’s Sea Turtles

Duration: December 2024 - now

About the project

Since December 2024, through our Making Waves in the Caribbean initiative, The Living Ocean has been honored to collaborate with the renowned NGO Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB). Established in 1991, STCB is a pioneering organization dedicated to the research and conservation of sea turtles on Bonaire, a small yet ecologically vital island in the Caribbean.

Bonaire, spanning just 288 km², is home to three of the world’s six endangered or critically endangered marine turtle species: the hawksbill, green, and loggerhead turtles. As a special municipality of the Netherlands, Bonaire has implemented robust national and local legislation to protect these majestic creatures. Over the last 30 years, STCB has led a remarkable transformation in community attitudes—from a history of harvesting turtles for meat, eggs, and artisanal crafts to a collective understanding of their environmental and economic importance. Today, sea turtles are celebrated as vital contributors to Bonaire’s thriving tourism industry, which contributes much of the island’s economy.

How STCB Protects Bonaire’s Sea Turtles

STCB, takes a holistic approach to ensure the survival and well-being of Bonaire’s sea turtles. Here’s how:

Monitoring and Research
Through extensive, long-term monitoring, STCB gathers critical data on the nesting and foraging habits of Bonaire’s sea turtles. This research not only enhances scientific understanding but also informs conservation strategies, which are shared with partners across the Caribbean for collective impact.
Education and Awareness
STCB runs dynamic education and outreach programs that inspire residents, tourists, and local businesses to protect sea turtles. By collaborating with schools, tour operators, and enforcement agencies, STCB fosters widespread support for marine conservation.
Protection Beyond Bonaire
As migratory animals, sea turtles face numerous threats when they leave Bonaire’s waters. To address these challenges, STCB partners with organizations such as the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Network (WIDECAST) and the Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database (DCBD). These collaborations help safeguard turtles across borders by promoting stronger protections and sharing vital data.
Proactive Conservation and Management
STCB tackles threats such as by-catch, fishing line entanglement, and climate change. Their proactive measures include beach and underwater clean-ups, relocating vulnerable nests, and responding to stranded turtles. These actions ensure a safer environment for turtles and reduce human impact.

Collaborations and Support

Together, The Living Ocean and STCB are making waves in sea turtle conservation, combining expertise, resources, and passion to protect these endangered species.

Want to Support Sea Turtle Conservation in the Caribbean?

Be a part of the change! By partnering with us or making a donation to the Sea Turtle Project, you can help protect Bonaire’s sea turtles and ensure their survival for future generations. Together, we can strengthen marine conservation efforts and secure a brighter future for these iconic species in the Caribbean.

Your support makes all the difference—join us today!

Support This Program

You can help strengthen community-led marine management and conservation in Zanzibar. Your contribution will support training, restoration projects, and ongoing community capacity building.