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| Photo: Bryan Dias |
CORAL returns to Bonaire during Love Our Planet Week (September 20–27), when CORAL's director of conservation programs, Rick MacPherson, takes his turn in the spotlight to present interactive seminars about CORAL programs, ongoing coral reef conservation projects, and ways that you can make a difference to coral reefs around the world.
Hosted by Captain Don's Habitat, Love Our Planet Week falls during Bonaire's annual coral spawning, which typically happens from three to nine days following the full moon in September and October. Hard and soft corals, echinoderms, worms, and sponges spawn during this time period, with some spawning beginning as early as noon and lasting throughout the night. Philippe Cousteau Jr. of EarthEcho International, will lead guided night dives to watch the spawning events.
Coral Spawning
Hard corals: Elkhorn, Staghorn, Smooth Brain, Large-cup Star, Mountainous Star, Flower, Ten-ray Star, Lettuce, and Blushing Star
Soft corals: Sea Rods
Echinoderms: Black Sea Urchins, Sea Cucumbers, Brittle Stars
Worms: Fire Worm, Christmas Tree Worms
Sponges: Touch-Me-Not Sponges
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to experience the coral lifecycle firsthand. [1]