WILLEMSTAD – As the world marks World Water Day on March 22, the spotlight often falls on access to clean drinking water. While many take high-quality tap water for granted, its availability is closely tied to the health of our surrounding marine environment. Curaçao’s drinking water originates from the sea, making the preservation of seawater quality a pressing issue. 

One of the most fascinating and crucial species maintaining this delicate balance is the parrotfish (Gutu). These vibrant, algae-eating fish play a pivotal role in reef health, ensuring that corals thrive by keeping aggressive algae growth in check. As their numbers dwindle due to overfishing, the future of Curaçao's coral reefs—and by extension, its drinking water—hangs in the balance. 

Parrotfish: Nature's Coral Gardeners 

Curaçao's waters are home to several species of parrotfish, including the Queen Parrotfish (Gutu Raton, Scarus vetula), the Stoplight Parrotfish (Gutu rab'i gai, Sparisoma viride), and the Blue Parrotfish (Gutu blou, Scarus coeruleus). Regardless of the species, all parrotfish share a common trait: they are herbivores, feeding primarily on algae and seaweed. 

By scraping algae off rocks and corals with their beak-like teeth, parrotfish prevent overgrowth that could otherwise smother coral reefs. This natural cleaning service keeps the reefs vibrant and ensures the water remains clear—a necessity for coral survival. Without these crucial herbivores, the delicate ecosystem of the reef would be at risk of suffocation under unchecked algae growth. 

Additionally, parrotfish contribute to the formation of Curaçao’s iconic white sandy beaches. As they digest algae, they also consume tiny fragments of coral, which are ground up in their digestive system and later excreted as fine sand. The constant nibbling and scraping sounds made by parrotfish can even be heard by divers and snorkelers beneath the waves. 

A Life of Transformation 

Parrotfish undergo dramatic changes throughout their lifetimes. Juveniles look entirely different from their adult counterparts, often displaying different color patterns as they mature. 

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of parrotfish biology is their ability to change sex. All parrotfish are born female, but some later transform into males. These dominant males, known as supermales, control territories and protect harems of females. 

At night, parrotfish employ a unique survival tactic. They secrete a transparent mucus cocoon from glands behind their gills, encasing themselves to mask their scent from predators like sharks and moray eels. This ingenious trick allows them to sleep safely on the ocean floor, away from the prying noses of nocturnal hunters. 

The Perils of Overfishing 

Despite their crucial role in marine ecosystems, parrotfish populations in Curaçao have plummeted due to overfishing. Large, mature fish—the ones most vital for reproduction—are often caught before they can breed, significantly reducing their ability to sustain the population. 

The loss of parrotfish has a domino effect on coral reef health. Without them, algae grow unchecked, smothering coral colonies and reducing the reef's ability to support marine life. The problem is further exacerbated by pollution from untreated sewage, which introduces excess nutrients into the ocean, fueling explosive algal growth. This combination of overfishing and pollution creates a deadly scenario: an algae-covered reef, unable to sustain life and protect coastal environments. 

A Call for Conservation 

To safeguard Curaçao's reefs, urgent action is needed: 

Protect parrotfish by enforcing fishing restrictions and creating marine reserves where they can thrive. 

Reduce pollution by implementing stricter regulations on sewage disposal and waste management. 

Raise public awareness about the importance of parrotfish and their role in preserving both coral reefs and clean drinking water. 

The health of Curaçao’s coral reefs directly affects the quality of life on the island. A degraded reef means reduced marine biodiversity, fewer fish for local fisheries, and a compromised ability to extract clean drinking water from the ocean. By protecting parrotfish, we are not only preserving the beauty of Curaçao’s underwater world but also ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. 

As World Water Day reminds us, access to clean water is never a guarantee. The fate of Curaçao’s water supply and marine ecosystem lies in our hands. It is time to act before our reefs become nothing more than memories beneath the waves.