Bonaire Bits - Hazardous Marine Life

As a diver you know with all the excitement of diving amongst the beautiful colors and unusual formations, you must remember to respect the environment and use appropriate caution.  With the abundant diversity of marine life Bonaire offers there are of course hazards that a diver must beware.  Remember to be especially careful on night dives.  Hazardous marine life is not ferocious, but often is quite small and highly venomous.

Bristle Worms  Although they appear soft and fluffy, their tiny hairs can deliver a sting.  If a diver is stung, pick out the bristles using a pair of tweezers or duct tape, then submerge the sting in very hot water for 30-60 minutes.  If the diver has a history of venom allergies, seek medical attention immediately.

Banded Box Jellyfish

Physonect

Box Jellyfish

Jellyfish  The jellyfish sting is contracted by brushing into the nematocysts located in their trailing tentacles.  Most stings can be treated with vinegar, but a diver may need to seek medical aid if they react adversely (similar to bee sting allergies).  Keep an eye out for jellyfish in the Lac when snorkeling and beware of man-o-war and sea wasps on the outer reefs.

Fire Coral  This coral may look pretty with its caramel color, but touching it is like putting your hand on a lit cigarette.  The coral has tiny nematocysts that cause burning and itching, and can also cause swelling.  Rinse the affected area with water or seawater and apply vinegar or methylated alcohol.  In a severe case anti-histamines can help, but seek immediate medical treatment.

Sea Urchins  The stings from the spines of these creatures can range from irritating to highly intense.  Even worse, the spines can break off inside the skin.  Be vigilant to avoid contact with these creatures.  If stung, seek medical advice immediately.  The use of antibiotics may be advised.  In extreme circumstances, adminisitering CPR may be the appropriate treatment until the pain subsides.  In some cases spines may have to be surgically removed.

 

Spotted Scorpionfish

  The defense mechanism for these fish is the venom injected from the spines located on their back.  Be on the lookout for these fish in sandy or rubbly areas and on night dives.  This type injury can be very painful and cause swelling.  To treat this wound, wash the affected area, then submerse it in the hotest water the diver can stand for 60-90 minutes and seek medical attention.
 



Blackbar Barracuda

Barracuda  Barracuda bites are quite rare and normally a case of mistaken identity.  They are generally attracted to bright, shiny objects in murky waters.  You will see schools of barracuda (blackbar and great) on Bonaire's reefs - do not tease them.  Their bites can be serious.  If a diver is bitten, stop the bleeding, reassure the victim, treat for shock and seek immediate medical attention.

 

 

Nurse Shark



Sharks  There will be very few encounters with sharks while diving Bonaire.  Attacks are rare, and if one occurs, it is generally due to some misguided feeding attempt or attraction of the sharks by illegal speargun fishing.  If a shark does exhibit aggressive behavior, it is sometimes wise to leave its territory by rising to a shallower depth.    If a shark comes too close, stop, face it, and quietly watch.  Be prepared to push it away with a camera, tank or knife.  If a diver is bitten, treatment is the same as a barracuda bite, stop bleeding with pressure, reassure the victim, treat for shock and seek immediate medical attention.