Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire Produces Over 236,000 Coral Larvae in Major Breakthrough for Caribbean Reef Recovery
Blue Economy Insights · June 2025
In a significant step forward for coral restoration, the Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire (RRFB) has successfully produced more than 236,000 coral larvae, offering renewed hope for the island’s struggling reef ecosystems. The announcement follows a grooved brain coral spawning event observed at four monitoring sites around Bonaire.
This development comes after two challenging years during which the island’s reefs were hit hard by extreme coral bleaching and the spread of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD). These back-to-back events have pushed several coral species near the brink of collapse, making natural coral fertilization in the wild increasingly rare.
Breeding for Resilience and Recovery
The RRFB’s coral breeding success is not just about replenishing coral numbers. It is a critical intervention aimed at increasing genetic diversity, which plays a key role in enhancing the resilience of coral populations. Scientists have found that genetically diverse corals are better able to withstand stress from rising ocean temperatures and disease.
“Every spawning event is a critical and unique opportunity to boost the genetic diversity of Bonaire’s declining coral populations. And with that diversity comes greater resilience,” said Sanne Tuijten, Science Officer at Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire.
Collaborative Effort with Global and Local Support
The foundation’s coral breeding program is a result of a strategic partnership with SECORE International, supported by:
- Openbaar Lichaam Bonaire (OLB)
- The Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Quality, and Nature (LVVN), through the Nos ta Biba di Naturalesa project
By combining cutting-edge coral propagation techniques with local expertise and international collaboration, the program is helping to rebuild coral populations that are essential for the health of Bonaire’s marine ecosystems.
A Critical Tool for Reef Restoration
As coral reefs face mounting stress from climate change and disease, restoration projects like this are becoming essential. Assisted coral reproduction offers a practical way to support coral populations when natural processes are failing. It also contributes to the long-term sustainability of marine ecosystems that support fisheries, coastal protection, and tourism across the Caribbean.
With over 236,000 coral larvae produced, the Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire is not only restoring coral to the reefs. It is also restoring hope for the future of coral ecosystems across the region.
Tags: coral restoration, Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire, coral bleaching, SCTLD, coral larvae production, Caribbean marine ecosystems, SECORE International, climate resilience, marine biodiversity, coral spawning, sustainable ocean management, Nos ta Biba di Naturalesa, blue economy
