How satellite data support the Dutch Caribbean
On the islands of Bonaire, Saba, and Statia satellite data are already helping communities take smarter, faster action. They give insight into coastal erosion, show how nature is changing, and support local decision-making in areas like safety, environment and planning. It also helps during emergencies by showing what is happening on the ground in real time.
The good news? You do not need to be a specialist to work with it. The tool is easy to use and the images speak for themselves. Whether you work in nature conservation, public safety or spatial planning, satellite data helps you make better choices for the future of the islands.
Curious to see what is possible?
Explore the satellite data at www.satellietdataportaal.nl and discover how satellite images can support your work.
Copernicus satellite data, free and open for everyone
Thanks to the European Copernicus programme, satellite data from all over Europe and far beyond are freely available to anyone. This includes high-quality radar and optical images from the Sentinel satellites, which can be used to monitor land, water, weather, and more.
For example, Sentinel data help researchers track large patches of sargassum (seaweed) drifting in the ocean, which is important for coastal planning and protecting marine life.
Whether you’re a government agency, a researcher, or just curious, you can access this satellite data at no cost.
But Copernicus is more than just satellites. It also includes a range of thematic services, such as Marine, Land, Climate Change, Atmosphere, Security, and Emergency, that provide free information products based on satellite and ground based data. These services turn complex data into useful insights for policy-makers, scientists and citizens alike.
Curious about what else Copernicus has to offer?
Learn more about the different services and how they support work on climate, oceans, emergencies and more at copernicus.eu/en/copernicus-services.
Discover local user stories
Read our user stories and discover how others are already using satellite data in their work across the islands.
Monitoring environmental pollution using satellite imagery
The maritime environment around the Dutch Caribbean is vulnerable to environmental pollution, such as oil spills and illegal discharges from ships. Monitoring such incidents over vast areas of sea is difficult and costly using only traditional methods like patrols and inspections.
Through the CleanSeaNet program of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), satellite images using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) are made available to detect potential pollution at sea. These images are analyzed for signs of contamination and used to identify likely polluters. The satellite data provides broad, frequent coverage and enables early detection, which is crucial for an effective response.
Rijkswaterstaat Zee en Delta and the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard use the satellite data operationally. They verify the alerts with aircraft, helicopters, and patrol vessels. The service supports fast decision-making and coordination between islands when action is needed. It contributes directly to cleaner seas and better protection of the fragile marine ecosystems in and around Bonaire, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten.
Protection against wild fires and other potential hazards
The Caribbean fire brigade needs to protect Bonaire from potential wild fires and other potential hazards for inhabitants and visitors on Bonaire.
Satellite data are part of the fire brigades information portal that helps the fire brigade to identify actual risks and general characteristics of the island. Currently the satellite imagery provides a general overview of the area of interest, helping the fire brigade to plan their operations in a data driven manner.
The fire brigade uses these data on a daily basis via their information portal. It provides general information the state of the area of interest.
Predicting sargassum influx
In 2025, exceptionally large amounts of sargassum are washing ashore on Bonaire, especially along the east coast. The influx threatens fragile ecosystems such as seagrass beds and coral reefs and causes significant nuisance on beaches. Timing and location of landings are hard to predict, making it difficult to mobilize resources and volunteers efficiently. STINAPA has had to issue urgent calls for help multiple times, such as in early May and mid-June 2025.
STINAPA uses a monitoring tool that combines optical satellite imagery with ocean drift models to predict the movement and expected landfall of sargassum. The tool provides forecasts several days to a week in advance, indicating where large accumulations are likely to arrive. This enables timely preparation of cleanup efforts, communication, and deployment of volunteers and equipment.
The users of the satellite data are STINAPA, local government, volunteer networks, and coastal management stakeholders. They benefit from faster, more targeted response, reduced ecological damage, and less disruption for tourism and local communities. It has also improved coordination between the involved parties.
