Bonaire loves its reefs! Check your sunscreen for harmful ingredients before boarding your plane to Bonaire!
Bonaire’s Island Council unanimously approved a motion to ban sunscreen products containing Oxybenzone and Octinoxate.
Recent research indicates that chemical sunscreens harm the reefs.
There’s been quite some discussion in recent months about the damage to corals that sunscreen chemicals Oxybenzone and/or Octinoxate, commonly found in popular sunscreen products are doing on reefs around the world in popular tourism areas. On May 1st, 2018, the State of Hawaii (USA) enacted a landmark ban on these products, and now, a mere two weeks later, Bonaire has followed suit.
Bonaire will be Oxybenzone-free by January 1st, 2021.
In Tuesday evening’s Bonaire Island Council meeting (May 15th, 2018), a motion was unanimously ratified to prohibit all sunscreen products that contain Oxybenzone or Octinoxate by January 1st, 2021. It was also agreed to fast-track finding the best path to guarantee that the residents of Bonaire, along with its visiting tourists, can continue to enjoy the island’s underwater nature, while stimulating the economy and sustainability of Bonaire’s diving sector.
Always at the forefront of marine protection, Bonaire must now continue to be a world-leader in the protection of its coral. In recent months, scientists from Wageningen University (The Netherlands) have been researching the amounts of these chemicals in waters around Bonaire and, because of high concentrations of these chemicals found in popular seaside areas, this motion was presented to the Island Council. It is great news that it was approved.
It is hoped that other touristic island nations with sensitive coral reefs will continue with this effort. Coral reefs around the world are dealing with many stressors, and this is one that can be eliminated.
(Source: Extra)
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Susan Davis has been living on Bonaire for over 25 years. She is a PADI Master Instructor, a certified bird guide, and an underwater and topside photographer. She also enjoys writing for The Bonaire Insider tourism news blog.
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Restaurant Reviews on BonReviews:
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Read MoreGood taste at Bon Aroma! The elegance of this small beautifully-appointed space provides privacy between the five tables and quiet from the street while breezes flow through the open walls encouraging relaxation and conversation. My meal of braised marlin and lionfish with mango and basil sauce, a medley of fine vegetables and Italian rice, finished […]
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Read MoreAl fresco dining at Cuba Compagnie. We loved dining at Cuba. The outdoor setting is casual and comfortable. It’s a lively vibe. Service is efficient and friendly. I typically order the fresh fish. I have also enjoyed the ceviche. Cuba is a fun spot for a group of friends.
Read MoreGreat local flavor of the island at Mi Banana. We were directed to Mi Banana to a great surprise. Friendly and personable staff and food was great. Chicken and fish dishes were our favorites up until the dessert. The three leche cake was to die for. Don’t miss the dessert.
Read MoreA great experience at BonAroma! Excellent food and presentation, reasonable prices, great service and wonderful people. Best dining we have had on Bonaire!
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Read MoreA wonderfully diverse selection of unlimited tapas at Coco Beach Bar & Restaurant on Wednesdays; lovely beachfront setting.
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Read MoreGood food at Between Two Buns. As an owner at Sanddollar, this is one great restaurant for breakfast and lunch. Very friendly owner and staff. I think that I order the same thing every time, great looking desserts and salads.
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Read MorePasa Bon Pizza, Not your usual pizza place Third trip to Bonaire and this is our go-to place for dinner at least two nights each trip. Cozy outdoor place. Wait staff very pleasant. Lion fish pizza is awesome. Frozen Lime and Guava dessert is yummy and refreshing. Open Wednesday through Sunday (I think). I am […]
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Read MoreGreat lunches at Donna & Georgio’s. It’s like stepping off Bonaire’s streets and into Italy. Wonderful food and great atmosphere plus air conditioning. Daily specials and mouth watering pizzas await you…..
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Read MoreBistro de Paris is accommodating for vegans and vegetarians. We love going to Bistro because we know we can eat a fabulous meal for our vegan needs. Mary makes a mean veggie salad large enough for a meal. The rice bowls, carrot bourgenon is soo tasty, the potato terrine is to die for, so rich […]
Read MoreFood is excellent @ Donna & Georgio’s, Donna always made me feel special. Great food and always a take out service. As an owner at Sanddollar and full kitchen facilities makes their take out food a very good place to eat in or take out. Every trip to BONAIRE requires multi stops at this restaurant. For pizza […]
Read MoreNothing is better than Seared Tuna at the Beach! The Kite City food truck at te’ Amo beach near the airport is not to be missed. Fresh fish prepared just right in oh-so-many ways is one of the expected pleasures of coming to the Caribbean, and Kite City does not disappoint. The beach dining is […]
Read MorePizza needs work at Blue Garden Brazilian Grill & Pizza Gourmet. The mojitos are great Service started off OK, then once I got my food, I never saw the server again, so never got any more water. The pizza needs work. The crust is about 2mm thick & is heavy & still not totally cooked. […]
Read MoreCuba Compagnie Going Downhill We have been here a few times before. I went there tonight with my son and the service was unresponsive and when I said something I got a rude smart mouth response from management. The food is generally good. But don’t order the sodas. You get a small glass full of […]
Is there a plan to keep these harmful sunscreens from being used by cruise ship passengers who visit Bonaire?
Not yet, but I am sure that is coming. The motion was just approved, and now the next steps will be to delineate how the island can accomplish this by January 1st, 2021. It is understood that cruise passengers, who congregate in just a few areas of the shoreline, can affect the levels of Oxybenzone in the water, so I am sure this will be taken into consideration.
This is Great news. I am curious how they will stop the cruise ship people from using this sunscreen. 3,000 plus people at one time in the water makes for a large oil slick. Hopefully once again the cruise ships will not be given a feee pass!!!
Hi Nadine, yes, this is wonderful news. I am sure that now that the green light has been given, there will be active steps taken to identify all the necessary components to ensure compliance by January 1st, 2021. I have no doubt that we will hear more as plans solidify.
This is great news! It’s a small adjustment that people can make to protect this beautiful reef. We’re returning in June and I’m asking everyone traveling with us to only use reef safe sunscreen. No need to wait until the ban to change our behavior! I believe that as more people are educated about the harm caused to coral by oxybenzone, they will make changes ahead of the ban.
Teri, that is a wonderful way of thinking! When your group checks their sunscreens, be sure they also check the active ingredients. If they are anything but zinc oxide or titanium oxide (or a combination of the two), ditch it for something else. Unfortunately, some manufacturers are saying their product is “reef safe” when in actuality, it isn’t.
We here on Bonare are hoping that with extra awareness, many of our visitors will make the change earlier, just like you. The more people who learn about the damage their sunscreens are causing, the more the reefs will benefit as people re-think their sun protection.
Thank you for caring for our island’s reefs, and I hope you have a wonderful visit in June!