The Dutch were the first to harvest salt on Bonaire in the early 17th century. It remains the number one, in fact the only, export. A significant share of the south at Pekelmeer (and some of the north) is dominated by salt flats. They look like huge pink lakes teeming with white foam. This unique color occurs as the seawater is evaporated by the sun. This produces algae and bacteria that are eaten by pink brine shrimp, the favorite food of flamingoes. The Cargill company piles the salt into huge mountains before loading the white crystals into nearby freighters. This product is used in cold climates across the world for roads in the winter. Recent research suggests someday the algae can be used to produce oil on the island.
