Coral reefs globally face numerous threats, including climate change, excessive levels of nutrients, overfishing, and direct physical damage. These factors contribute to the degradation of coral ecosystems, which are vital for marine biodiversity and coastal protection.
Coral Gardening in Fiji
In Fiji, local communities have teamed up with researchers and NGOs to tackle this problem through an innovative and simple method known as “coral gardening.” This reef restoration technique involves collecting small fragments of healthy coral, rearing them in a nursery, and transplanting them back onto degraded reef areas once they have grown larger.
Identification of Donor Corals
The process begins by identifying viable donor corals that show signs of resistance or resiliency to current threats such as bleaching events. These corals are carefully broken into small fragments.
Nursery Phase
The collected coral fragments are then fixed onto underwater structures such as ropes, mesh screens, or cement plugs in watery nurseries. Over several months to a year, these small “nubs” of coral grow in the protected nursery environment, where they’re monitored and cared for by community members.
Outplanting Process
Once the corals reach a specific size, they are ready for “out planting” on the degraded portions of the reef. Community members play an integral role in preparing the sites and securing the young corals using underwater epoxy in the damaged areas.
Challenges and Benefits
While not without challenges, such as potential storm damage or disease outbreaks in the nurseries, this method has several benefits:
- Low-Cost: The technique is relatively low-cost.
- Accessibility: It is accessible even to remote communities without advanced equipment.
- Community Involvement: Involving community members at all stages helps build local commitment to marine conservation efforts.
Global Adoption
Since its inception around 2000 by American scientist Austin Bowden-Kerby, “coral gardening” has been adopted by various global projects, including Southeast Asia and Latin America, but most extensively trialed and developed in Fiji. This global adoption highlights its effectiveness and adaptability across regions facing similar environmental challenges.