In this article, you will get acquainted with the unique world of the mangroves on Bonaire, thriving in and around the Lac Bay lagoon. We will examine the three different tree species and explore how they adapt to the salty environment. Additionally, we will discuss the importance of mangrove forests. Finally, we will delve into the work of the Mangrove Maniacs, the organization responsible for maintaining and conserving Bonaire’s mangroves.
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Three more blogs about Bonaire’s mangrove:
Red mangrove, black mangrove, and white mangrove
In the mangroves of Bonaire, three different types of trees can be found: the white mangrove, the black mangrove, and the red mangrove. Unlike other trees, these three species can tolerate salt well. The red mangrove, in particular, is not bothered by having its roots in the water of the lagoon. The other two species, especially the white mangrove, are less tolerant of wet conditions and are found farther away from the water.
Living With Salt
Like other plants, mangrove trees dislike salt. However, they have adapted to deal with the salt in and around the salty lagoon. This allows them to be the only trees you will encounter in and around Lac Bay.
De roots of the red mangrove act as a filter, keeping most of the salt out. Only a small amount of salt slips through this filtering system. To get rid of that salt, the tree designates certain leaves where the salt is stored. These leaves slowly turn yellow and eventually fall off the tree. Away goes the salt! All the red mangrove trees together extract thousands of liters of fresh water from the lagoon every day. You can taste it! The water is up to one and a half times saltier than seawater.
The roots of the black and white mangrove, on the other hand, do absorb saltwater. These trees also get rid of the salt through their leaves. These two mangrove trees have special salt glands in their leaves. This is how the plant gets rid of the salt. You can see the tiny salt crystals on the leaves. During a rain shower, the salt washes away.
Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle)
The red mangrove trees (known as pal’i mangel kòrá in Papiamentu) make up about half of Bonaire’s mangrove forest. You can recognize the red mangrove by its reddish roots. They have a dense network of roots that are both submerged in water and hanging in the air. The roots in the water provide the plant with stability and they absorb fresh water and nutrients. The tree breathes through the aerial roots. Due to its ability to thrive in water, the red mangrove is primarily found in areas such as Lac Cai and Sorobon.
The red mangrove reproduces in a unique way. Its seeds germinate while they are still hanging on the tree, growing into a kind of spear-shaped pod. By keeping them high and dry a bit longer, the tree increases the survival chances of this offspring. When the pod is large enough, it falls from the tree and drifts away. Initially, the pod floats flat on the water, but after a few weeks, it tilts like a sinker, and roots appear at the bottom. Eventually, the pod sinks to the bottom. If it manages to root, this is the beginning of a new mangrove tree!
Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans)
Unlike the red mangrove, the black mangrove (known as pal’i mangel pretu in Papiamentu) is less tolerant of wet conditions. It stands in the water only during high water levels. The black mangrove grows in the heavy, wet clay soil on the shores around Lac Bay. Its roots struggle to absorb oxygen from the clay soil. The black mangrove also solves this issue with aerial roots, which look different. These aerial roots emerge from the ground under the tree like snorkels. Additionally, the seeds of the black mangrove germinate while still hanging on the tree.
White Mangrove (Conocarpus erectus)
White mangrove trees (known as pal’i mangel blanku in Papiamentu) grow in places that do not flood, even during high tides, but where the groundwater is still quite salty. These trees do not need aerial roots. We can also find white mangrove trees in many other locations on Bonaire.
The island’s most famous tree, The Longest Tree of Bonaire, belongs to this species. We visit it during our tour to the East of Bonaire.
The importance of the mangrove
Mangrove forests are incredibly valuable. That’s why Bonaire takes such good care of its mangrove and the Lac Bay lagoon. The area is part of the Bonaire National Marine Park and is also designated as a Ramsar site: a protected wetland of international importance.
1. Coastal Protection
In many parts of the world, mangrove forests protect the coast. During hurricanes or earthquakes, high waves can occur. However, these dangerous waves lose their strength in the mangrove forests, as the trees have a dampening effect. During the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, coastal areas where the mangrove forests had been cleared suffered severe damage. In contrast, areas where the mangroves were left intact experienced less damage.
The roots of the red mangrove firmly hold the sand and stones of the coast, preventing it from eroding during storms. That’s why mangrove trees are planted in the pools along the south coast of Bonaire. The mangrove of Lac Bay is situated behind the lagoon, so it does not protect the lagoon from the high waves on the east coast. The lagoon is protected from the open sea waves by the coral reef.
2. CO2 Sequestration
Trees absorb CO2 from the air and store it. It’s no wonder that you can reduce your carbon footprint by planting trees. Mangrove trees store up to four times as much CO2 as other trees! Due to the excess CO2 in the atmosphere, the Earth is getting warmer. The ice in the North and South Poles is melting, and the sea level is rising. If nothing is done to address global warming, large parts of Bonaire are at risk of being submerged. Several neighborhoods in the capital city of Kralendijk are only a few meters above sea level.
3. Local Culture
The mangroves play a significant role in the local culture on the island, especially for the fishermen. Mangrove wood has been used for centuries to build fishing boats, and the mangrove and lagoon are excellent fishing grounds. In the past, mangrove wood was also used to produce charcoal, and the bark of the red mangrove was used for tanning goat leather.
4. Source of Life
Both above and below water, the mangrove forest teems with life. Many birds live in the trees and near the pools. From Kaminda Sorobon and Kaminda Lac, you can observe herons, flamingos, and other wading birds. During our birdwatching tours, we enjoy visiting these kinds of places. The mighty frigatebird also roosts and nests in the mangrove. Additionally, various species of lizards, bats, crabs, spiders, and insects thrive on the branches and roots.
The forests are also crucial for underwater life. In the water of the mangrove, you can find various beautiful sponges, oysters, and over a hundred fish species! The mangrove serves as the nursery for Bonaire’s reef. Between the roots, young fish can grow relatively safely. However, as they eventually need to move to the reef, they venture out from the roots. At the edge of the forest and in the channels, large predatory fish await their chance. Only one in 10,000 young fish makes it to the reef unharmed. The rest become prey.
If you want to witness the extraordinary underwater world yourself, you can snorkel in the mangrove. Read more about it in our blog Exploring Bonaire’s Mangrove on a Tour.
5. Sediment Filter
The coral reefs of Bonaire also benefit from the mangrove. During the rainy season, a large amount of muddy rainwater flows into the mangrove. Sediment-rich water poses a threat to the reef as it can smother the corals. Fortunately, the rainwater finds tranquility between the mangrove roots, causing the sand and clay particles to settle at the bottom. The roots then trap the sediment. The many sponges and oysters living on the roots further purify the water, ensuring crystal-clear water flows onto the reef, keeping the corals healthy.
6. Economic Value
Being the fish nursery, the mangroves also holds significant economic value. Without the mangrove, Bonaire’s fishermen would catch much less. Additionally, the reef surrounding the island attracts thousands of scuba tourists annually, which is a source of substantial revenue. Tourists also enjoy the diverse nature in and around the mangrove.
Large parts of the mangroves are off-limits, and the remaining areas can only be explored with an accredited guide. Only at Lac Cai you can enter the mangroves without a guide.
Mangrove Maniacs
A healthy mangrove forest is crucial for Bonaire’s future. It requires significant efforts to maintain its health, and this responsibility falls on the Mangrove Maniacs organization.
1. Clearing Canals and Tunnels
As mentioned earlier, the red mangrove trees with their filter roots make the water more saline. It’s essential for water to flow freely in and out of the forest to prevent it from becoming too salty. If the water becomes too saline, the mangrove’s trees and animals can’t survive. Without maintenance, the channels and tunnels slowly fill up with young trees, blocking the water flow.
The increasing sediment runoff also causes blockages in the channels. Wild goats and donkeys graze the land behind the mangrove, leaving it bare, but plants with their roots can stabilize the soil. During heavy rains, a lot of mud flows into the mangrove.
With the help of volunteers, the Mangrove Maniacs keep the canals open. They also try to prevent sediment inflow by planting trees on the plains behind the mangrove, ensuring that goats and donkeys can’t access them.
2. Restoring Old Canals
Many canals have become clogged and overgrown over time. With the knowledge of old fishermen and experts, these canals are identified and cleared, making the inland part of the mangrove healthier. Water quality improves, and more animals thrive.
3. Breeding and Reforestation
Due to the increasing population on Bonaire, other mangrove forests have been lost or have become unhealthy. In those areas, such as Lagun and along the south coast, new trees are planted. The young mangrove saplings are bred in the mangrove at Lac.
4. Protection Against Sargassum
In collaboration with Stinapa and with the help of many volunteers, the Mangrove Maniacs protect the mangroves from sargassum. While sargassum is beneficial seaweed forming large islands in the ocean where many fish depend on it for food, protection, and reproduction, the excessive use of fertilizers worldwide has made the seawater rich in nutrients. The islands of seaweed are growing larger and breaking off more frequently.
Increasing amounts of sargassum wash up on Bonaire’s shores. The seaweed starts to rot, suffocating plants and aquatic life in the water. “Dead zones” are formed as a result. Therefore, the vulnerable nature of the mangrove needs to be freed from these towering walls of seaweed, which is an extremely challenging task.
5. Research
Finally, extensive scientific research is conducted in the mangroves. New insights help keep the mangrove forests healthy now and in the future. Satellites are used to locate clogged channels.
About Us: A Tour With HopiBonaire
During a tour with HopiBonaire, you will embark on a journey of discovery to the most remote and beautiful places on the island. We love introducing our guests to the diversity of Bonaire. That’s why, during our enchanting island tour Mesmerizing Bonaire we visit the mangrove at Sorobon, among other places, to enjoy the birdlife. We can also take you to the mangroves at Lac Cai.
During our tour, you will have the privilege of experiencing an intimate and personalized journey with your own group at your own pace. We never rush! All our tours can be tailored to meet your preferences, and we even offer the option of booking a completely customized private tour. Want to learn more?
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