Environment-friendly techniques for
scuba-diving and snorkelling
ReefballsA first for Curaçao
Environment-friendly techniques for scuba-diving and snorkelling
The Diver's/Snorkeller's Eight Commandments
Plantages "PortoMari" wishes you happy diving & snorkelling. PortoMari’s Past
A fascinating history Plantages PortoMari, which covers an area of 594 hectares, has a history that goes back to 1684. In that year, Puerto Marie was given permission to create enclosures for cows, sheep and goats. Without this permit, the owner was not allowed to raise livestock. The landhouse (or country house) was built in the second half of the 18th century, but in the nineteen- thirties it was struck by lightning and burnt to the ground. In the 18th century, a fortification was built on the top of Seru Caballé. This post was rebuilt in 1742 as Fort Porto Mari and it had ten cannons, both 12 and 18 pounders. When in 1805 the English captured the neglected fort, it still had 19 cannon balls and one 12-pound cannon, which the invaders proceeded to throw into the sea to render the fort harmless. PortoMari played an important role in the slave uprising of 1795. It was here that the slaves gathered and the famous discussion took place between Tula and Pastor Schinck. Fierce fighting during which many rebellious slaves were killed followed this meeting. About 200 slaves and freed slaves used to live on the plantation. They raised livestock, cultivated maize, grew fruit and vegetables in the orchard near the landhouse, made charcoal and tended the limestone ovens. After emancipation in 1863, most of the freed slaves continued to live on the Plantation. Footprints 2001/1 “Un journal c’est un monsieur” Water Management at PortoMari - Where every drop of water counts Reefballs - A first for Curaçao Plantages "PortoMari" - 7 years from now ... A Glimpse into the Future Playa PortoMari - then and now by Ingrid Lochem Environment-friendly techniques for scuba-diving and snorkelling PortoMari's Past - A fascinating history
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Have you
been to Playa PortoMari lately? If so, you will have noticed an inordinate
amount of activity going on. Difficulty parking your car? So sorry, but it
is all in a good cause - our Reefball Research Project. Maybe you have
read about it already because Curaçao's local newspapers have taken great
interest in our innovative approach to promote coral regeneration around
the coast and on our reef in particular. Hurricane Lenny caused
considerable damage to our "double" reef in November 1999. The first reef,
the one that is in the shallow water and accessible from the shore, was
the main victim and that is where we are concentrating our recovery
efforts. Although Reefballs have been used in other countries, this is a
first for Curaçao. Under the guidance of two American specialists, Todd
Barber and Larry Beggs, and our own marine biologist, Maureen Kuenen, some
twelve volunteers have been constructing concrete reefballs that are being
placed in strategic locations to encourage new coral growth and provide
shelter and breeding places for other reef inhabitants. Want to know more
about reefballs? The Reef Ball Foundation in America has an interesting
website: 
Although Plantages "PortoMari" tries to do everything to make
scuba-diving and snorkelling as attractive as possible, we need your
cooperation to help protect and preserve our underwater treasures.
