~Understanding Coral Bleaching and the Plan for Restoration~
As global coral bleaching is prominently taking over coral structures around the world during the months of October & November, recent studies are indicating that
the bleaching may well extend into the month of December for some areas of the Caribbean. Our sea surface temperature in 2023 and 2024 has been higher than the
average between 1991-2020, which is an alarming signal.
On all islands, this affects not only marine biodiversity but also coastal protection, fisheries, and tourism, all of which depend on healthy reefs.
Tadzio Bervoets, a prominent SXM advocate for the Caribbean marine environment, explains: “Coral bleaching, caused by stressors such as elevated ocean temperatures, results in corals expelling the algae essential to their survival, leaving them weakened and vulnerable. Without intervention, this process could severely impact the reefs that protect our coastlines and support marine biodiversity here in Sint Maarten.”
In response, scientists and conservationists worldwide are introducing advanced restoration techniques, one of these efforts being the biorock technology, which
uses low-voltage electric currents to stimulate coral growth, promoting resilience and faster recovery. Globally, the biorock technology has gained support from
organizations like the French Initiative for Coral Reefs (IFRECOR), with promising results in regions such as the Maldives, Indonesia, the Seychelles but also closer by in St Barth and Turks & Caicos, where it has helped corals withstand environmental stress and regrow more rapidly. Now, the BioRocks project is set to introduce this
technology locally in Sint Maarten.
Although still in its preparatory stages and pending final permits, its foundation is built on these successful applications, suggesting that biorock could offer similar
Resilience benefits Sint Maarten’s reefs, aiding in their recovery from increasingly frequent bleaching events.
Bervoets adds, “The BioRocks project on Sint Maarten/ St Martin is a pivotal initiative for reef restoration. By enhancing coral resilience, this effort strengthens the island’s natural defenses against storm surges and coastal erosion—pressures that climate change continues to intensify. BioRocks represents a sustainable approach to adaptation, positioning Sint Maarten as a leader in climate resilience and regional restoration.”
Building Climate Resilience Through Coral Restoration
Founder of project BioRocks.org, Ronald Duikersloot, adds: "As bleaching events intensify, the BioRocks project aims to strengthen the long-term resilience of our
reefs. Healthy coral ecosystems serve as crucial coastal buffers. BioRocks is a hopeful step toward addressing both environmental and climate challenges,
offering a sustainable model for coral restoration in the Caribbean. As soon as local policies allow, we are ready to Rock!"
Do you want to support and become a Rock star? Please check out BioRocks.org for more information.
