Essay Introduction

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?