Experts predict best time to dive spawning phenomenon

Bonaire’s corals are recognised worldwide for their healthy state of preservation. The responsibility of managing this delicate ecosystem falls to the National Parks Foundation and they have recently issued their predictions for the best time to visit the area to coincide with the miraculous coral spawning spectacle. September and October are regarded as the best months to take in this phenomenon.

The 3-9 September has been flagged as offering a high chance to view the phenomenon. Alternatively, they also predict a lot of activity from 3-9 October. Divers can expect to see the spawning of star corals; flower coral and lettuce coral. Some may even be fortunate enough to see the incredibly rare occurrence of brain coral spawning.

Spawning involves the release of gametes into the water to spread coral offspring. One of the key environmental cues determining the release of these gametes is the lunar cycle, with spawning taking place in the nights after a full moon. These events can be incredibly dramatic, with multiple species spawning at the same time, clouding the usually clear water with gametes.

Andreas Elia, managing director of Regaldive, said: “Although spawning is obviously a natural phenomenon that can never be guaranteed, there are certain things that divers can do to maximise their chances of viewing it. Planning a visit over the days with the highest predicted probability is a good start, but also by making multiple dives; diving in a place with high coral cover; not diving deeper than 50ft to maximise bottom time and using a moderately bright dive light.”

For more information, visit www.regaldive.co.uk.

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