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A view of the water near downtown Kralendijk

OUR “BLUE PLANET”

Our “blue planet”

BONAIRE

Oceans

Water covers nearly three-quarters of our planet’s surface and approximately 96 percent of this water is contained in the major oceans of the world. Together, the oceans drive our planet’s weather, regulate its climate and provide us with breathable air, which ultimately supports every living creature on Earth.

The oceans are vital to our global economy. They produce the food that billions of people depend on for survival, while also being a source of resources, including valuable medicines that treat a wide range of ailments and diseases. The oceans also drive local and regional economies through tourism. Every year, millions of travelers are drawn to coastal regions to enjoy activities above the water and to explore what lies below the surface. Considering how important the oceans are to our way of life, it is incredible how little we know about what lies beneath the sea.

Coral reefs

The oceans include a wide range of different ecosystems, but perhaps the most frequently visited marine ecosystems of all are coral reefs. Coral reefs are known as the rainforests of the sea for good reason – they are one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, supporting nearly a quarter of all known ocean species. This figure is even more astounding when you consider that coral reefs comprise just a fraction of one percent of the ocean floor. They are also particularly vulnerable to degradation, given they are only found in a narrow window of temperature, salinity and depth.

Humans have studied the biology and physiology of corals for decades, but the underwater environment remains largely foreign to most people. Fact is, we have more accurate maps of the surface of Mars than we do of the seafloor. And guides of the marine environment suitable for recreational users are almost non-existent.

Reef Smart aims to change this situation. Our detailed guides seek to educate snorkelers and divers alike. Our goal is to improve safety and enhance the marine experience by allowing users to discover the unique features and species that can be found at each site.

Preserve and protect

Hopefully our guidebooks and waterproof dive guides will help you get to know the underwater

environment in general, and reefs in particular. We feel that the more people can come to appreciate the beauty of the underwater world, the more they will be willing to take steps to protect and preserve it.

The world’s oceans are experiencing incredible pressures from all sides. Rising temperatures, increasing acidification and an astonishing volume of plastics that end up in both the water and marine organisms are endangering these precious resources.

Yes there are some big problems to overcome. But we can do this. Each and every one of us can make a difference in the choices we make. And together we can help make sure the beauty of the coral reefs of this world are still around for future generations of snorklers and divers to enjoy.

Sincerely, the Reef Smart team