Imagine diving into a crystal-clear ocean, the view stretching for
miles. All around is natural beauty and life. Decadent coral formations, lush
aquatic plants, and colorful creatures of all shapes and sizes all thriving in
their natural habitat. A sea turtle swims by, almost seeming to glide through
the ocean blue with the elegance of an angel incarnate. The sun above the waves
glints off the stunning scales of a rainbow parrotfish, creating a dazzling display
of color and light as it feeds on the abundant coral in the reef. Suddenly, the
world around goes dark, but the fish do not seem to mind. Looking up reveals
the cause: a whale shark, passing above and temporarily blocking out the golden
rays of the sun. As the gentle giant continues on its way, the sound of clicking
and squealing can be heard. Nearby a mother dolphin and her calf play
cheerfully, happy to have such a beautiful home. Welcome to the Bonaire
National Marine Park; founded in 1979, the preserve covers a total of 6,700
acres along the leeward coast of Bonaire. Most of this is pristine coral reefs,
the healthiest in the Caribbean. According to Andrew Bruckner, a coral
biologist leading an intensive survey of Bonaire’s reefs, “This is one of the
last places in the Caribbean where you can see really big star corals.” (Pala,
par. 2) The people of Bonaire take pride in the natural beauty of their island,
going to great lengths to preserve it. Ecotourism is a huge part of their economy
and culture, and with the massive impact nature has on the island and its
people, who can blame them?
