Last Saturday, 3th of June 2017, over 150 volunteers participated in the beach clean-up to remove the washed up oil residue from the east coast. At a number of places near Washington Slagbaai National Park, Lagun, Washikemba, Sorobon, Willemstoren and Markultura, washed up oil was collected as much as possible and where possible scraped off the rocks.
Fortunately, no new oil washed ashore the past few days. We only observed that there is still oil washing ashore at Lagun, oil that is already present in the bay and washes ashore with the seaweed. Oil residues has been found in the mangroves as well, but not that much. As it seems now, the ecologically most valuable areas are little or not affected. These areas will of course be monitored and samples are taken from washed up oil
Due to the organized clean-ups that began on Saturday May 27th, it can be said that the sandy areas are clean. Unfortunately, it is not possible to remove all oil residue from the rocks and stones.
Relatively few dead birds washed up so far. Eight brown boobies and red-footed boobies covered with oil were found and taken care of.
OLB and STINAPA are thankful for the help and involvement of many volunteers, organizations and companies to remove the oil residues over the past week. Our appreciations goes out to all volunteers, STINAPA Junior Rangers, Selibon, Dutch army, fire department, police, ministry of I&M, Bonaire FoodGroup, vdTweel, Warehouse, Kooyman, Elly Albers (bird care), Rentofun, Budget Car Rental and Bonaire Hydrotest and Maintenance.
