CORAL REEF RESTORATION

Restoring damaged reefs

Di t C ti St t

Introduction Objectives

Coral reef destruction, resulting from both natural stressors and human impact, is widespread in Indonesia and worldwide As a primary producer, presence of healthy coral is imperative in preventing trophic cascades.

Coral restoration efforts are a crucial asset in reestablishing healthy coral populations on reefs which may have suffered degradation.

Under the instructive methods of Ocean Gardener, we propagate coral colonies in our coral nurseries and restoration sites to promote healthy and rapid coral growth We monitor health over time and evaluate water quality at the sites, recorded in our databases to evaluate success and motivate future restoration efforts.

Our coral restoration project puts focus on promoting new coral growth on damaged reefs, allowing the entire ecosystem, from primary producers to high level predators, to thrive. The primary aim of this methodology is to bridge healthy ecosystems and restore damaged reefs.

By measuring colony growth, health and survival over time within our restoration sites, we are producing quantifiable data on the success of coral restoration at various reef locations and under various environmental conditions. Evaluating the effect of our restoration efforts on the surrounding benthic ecosystems provides data that allows us to undergo scientific analysis, monitor success, adapt our methods and contribute to publications and sharing of knowledge on coral recruitment and ecosystem health with our peers.

Methodology

All interns complete a 3 day intensive coral ecology and identification course designed by our partners Ocean Gardener. The course is broken into three sections; coral identification, ecology, and restoration techniques

The first two dives of the course focuses on coral identification. Led by a certified Ocean Gardener instructor and equipped with Ocean Gardener slates, buddy teams head out to our restoration site to positively identify coral species in the area.

The final day of the course starts with a theoretical workshop on restoration techniques, followed by a "dry run", a land practice sessions to review the proper methods for planting corals In the afternoon the team heads out to the restoration site with the necessary equipment to expand the nursery site, relocate existing corals, and conduct general maintenance. An assessment is conducted to analyze growth rates, health, and recruitment strategy.

This program is conducted monthly with regular maintenance and check dives as required. Data is stored in our internal database and available for independent research requirements.

After completing the course interns are certified as Coral Gardeners with Ocean Gardener.