ReefGrazers
Caribbean coral reefs are under threat. Climate change, hurricanes, disease, and pollution have weakened them. On many reefs, algae have taken over, making it hard for corals to grow. This is partly due to the loss of key algae eating species, like the Caribbean king crab and West Indian sea egg. Overfishing and disease have drastically reduced their numbers. The ReefGrazers project aims to restore reef health in Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba by bringing these species back. By increasing their populations, the project helps reefs recover and supports sustainable fisheries.
Unified efforts for nature restoration
ReefGrazers is a collaboration between Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen Marine Research, the Public Entity Saba, STINAPA Bonaire, STENAPA, the Saba Conservation Foundation, and WWF-Netherlands. Together, these organisations are working to bring back the reef’s natural balance, and to research the effects of the project.
Researcher introducing West Indian sea egg on an artificial reef. The reef is caged to measure the effect of the grazer on the algae © Alwin Hylkema
Restoring Natural Grazers
Healthy coral reefs play a crucial role in protecting coastlines, supporting marine biodiversity, and providing food and income for local communities. But without natural grazers, algae quickly take over, smothering corals and preventing them from recovering. ReefGrazers focuses on bringing back key algae-eating species, such as the Caribbean king crab, West Indian sea egg, and West Indian top shell (whelk). These animals help restore balance by keeping algae growth under control, allowing corals to thrive.
Researchers will study their impact on the reef and determine the best ways to boost their populations. By learning more about these species and their role in the ecosystem, the project can develop effective strategies to support long-term reef restoration.
West Indian sea egg (Tripneustes ventricosus) on natural reef, grazing on the algae. © Alwin Hylkema
Sustainable Fisheries
Restoring natural grazers does more than just help the reef, it can also create new opportunities for small-scale fisheries. Some of these species, like the Caribbean king crab and West Indian top shell, have the potential to be harvested sustainably if their populations are carefully managed. By studying their growth and reproduction, the project will explore how these species could be responsibly fished without harming reef recovery.