Page 69 - The Dutch Caribbean Isles

ne of Captain Don’s more ambitious try on Bonaire that is second to none in the of the flora and fauna of Bonaire. Iguanas,
world. He lead the efforts to establish better lizards, over 50 species of birds, and a wide
O endeavors took place in August 1963.
He organized the biggest spear fishing com- divers conduct-- the Council of Underwater variety of indigenous and imported species

petition the island was ever to see. There Operators to unify underwater procedures of plants and trees, create the perfect bal-

were so many competitors and so few hotel for Caribbean divers. He worked with gov- ance between world class accommodations

rooms that competitors were camped out all ernment officials to establish the mooring and nature.

over the shore. The result was an incredible program, to protect the coral from anchors. C aptain Don’s Habitat’s advanced waste
orgy of speared fish and a dispirited Captain And assuredly, a better understanding of water treatment system provides all the
Don who hung up his spear gun never to the man/sea concept evolved.

take it down again. Years later he had only T hirteen years after he had the euphony necessary water to maintain the landscap-
shame of what he had done during those and forever disavowed his spear gun ing. This state of the art treatment system
early years. As a born again conservation- utilizes the latest in anaerobic bacterial

ist, and his destiny set in stone, he made a and all that used them, he envisioned a total cultures to turn both black and grey water

promise that all within his influence shall resort for the Diver. 1976 saw his dream back to 80% purity. The lush landscap-

strive to save this sea. That was the day he come true, when he established Captain ing takes care of the remaining nutrients.

was reborn and started down a path that Dons Habitat hotel. Captain Don’s Habitat is very proud of its

would forever change him as a man the F or The rooms and facilities are nestled environmental legacy and we continue to
island of Bonaire itself. in lush landscaping carefully designed play a very active role by assisting environ-
to eliminate harmful runoff into the fragile mental groups and the local government in
C aptain Don has been recognized and marine ecosystem thriving right in front of ensuring sound conservation policies and
awarded for designing safeguards to the sustainable management of Bonaire’s

protect Bonaire, man and reef. He spent Captain Don’s Habitat. natural resources.

over 30 years giving all his efforts and full W alking through the resort, one can
attention to the building a proper under-sea truly appreciate a broad spectrum
industry that has resulted in a diving indus-