In the last week of June 2017, Coral Restoration Foundation Bonaire (CRF Bonaire) gratefully welcomed Miss Scuba Netherlands, Jessica Wohrmann, to join a Coral Restoration Adventure Dive. “When I heard about the efforts of Coral Restoration I was eager to learn more about their investments in restoring the reefs”, says Jessica enthusiastically. “I had an amazing and educational experience!”
Together with the Coral Restoration Adventure Dive Jessica was given the opportunity to see a diversity of dive spots on the island of Bonaire by using Buddy Dive Resort’s Diver Propulsion Vehicles. “Diving with the underwater scooter was astounding! This technology made me able to see most of CRF’s restoration sites just in one dive. And I felt safe all the time.” During the Coral Restoration Adventure Dive Jessica learned how to conduct a restoration site survey and participated in the site maintenance activities by removing algae, which can damage the corals and affect their growth.
Jessica: “I was actually amazed by the fact that it is possible to grow corals and transplant them back to the reef. It takes a lot of time and effort from the volunteers. Therefore I would like to give this project more awareness by encouraging young people like myself to go diving for a cause by restoring the reef and protecting the ocean and underwater wildlife. For me as an ocean lover who is fond of diving and fish this is an important cause. There is a lot of fish to see here in Bonaire, I even saw my favorite Trunkfish several times, but together we have to make sure we keep it that way. CRF Bonaire is doing a great job in marine conservation and I support their efforts. For example the ‘Adopt a Coral’ is a great initiative!”
Miss Scuba International stands for protection of the ocean worldwide. As Bonaire is part of The Netherlands CRF Bonaire could be a perfect charity for Miss Scuba Netherlands to start promoting on behalf of her home country, according to Jessica. “Coral restoration is something that should happen all over the world. It is important to protect the treasures of the ocean.” Jessica Wohrmann is Miss Scuba Netherlands 2016 and was the first of The Netherlands to compete in the global contest of Miss Scuba International. Currently Jessica started a new adventure to become Miss World Netherlands 2017.
About Coral Restoration Foundation Bonaire
Coral Restoration Foundation Bonaire (CRF Bonaire) is a Non-Profit Organization founded in 2012, when Ken Nedimeyer of CRF USA was invited to visit the island to work with and assist Bonaire with their continued efforts to preserve Bonaire’s greatest assets, its reefs. In February 2012, the Bonaire government together with the Bonaire National Marine Park, granted a permit to a local dive operator to start the CRF Bonaire Pilot Project. The project centers on the restoration of the shallow reefs by establishing Staghorn and Elkhorn coral nurseries and restoration sites. The mission of the CRF Bonaire is to develop affordable, effective strategies for protecting and restoring the shallow water population of Staghorn and Elkhorn corals along the coastlines of Bonaire and Klein Bonaire. CRF Bonaire, supported by the local government and the Bonaire Marine Park, is developing a large scale reef restoration program, promoting awareness and engaging tourists and local volunteers.
