SeaTrees is collaborating with Reef Explorer to help restore and build the resilience of reefs along the Coral Coast of Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island, through the cultivation and out-planting of thermally tolerant coral colonies.
The project aims to populate unoccupied reef substrate located within healthy reef zones and undertake coral predator control to ensure outplanted corals have the best chance at long-term survival and reproduction. Recognizing that true coral reef restoration involves more than just coral planting, Reef Explorer has implemented a comprehensive approach that focuses around community engagement, sustainable resource management, and ongoing ecosystem monitoring within which the coral program is embedded.
project summary
This project works to advance coral restoration efforts by restocking coral nurseries, out-planting thermally tolerant coral colonies, controlling coral predator populations at the out-planting sites, and using cutting-edge technology to help monitor the impact. With the help of our technology partner, we utilize smartphones to create detailed 3D models of outplanted sites, allowing us to gauge the impact of our efforts over time.
Coral colonies are carefully selected for their resilience and other traits, propagated in shallow water nurseries for 8-12 months, and then transplanted to carefully chosen reef zones. Monitoring includes pre- and post-planting photogrammetry of representative plots, with assessments conducted every six months to document growth, health and survivability.
The thousands of images captured are then compiled into ‘fly-through’ 3D models by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, providing a dynamic view of the restoration process.
Project Goals
The project seeks to:
project partner
Founded in 2006, Reef Explorer works closely with local communities to develop and implement marine management plans, conduct research to support marine management, and operate educational programs around local conservation efforts. Their coral restoration program is deeply embedded in community-based marine management, transforming uncolonized hard-bottom areas within marine protected zones into thriving coral communities. By focusing on heat-tolerant coral lineages identified during past bleaching events, Reef Explorer enhances coral resilience and adaptation to climate change. In collaboration with Reef Check’s coral research, they propagate and transplant 9,000–10,000 corals annually, converting approximately 3,000m² of hard bottom into coral-dominated habitats.
Why This Project Matters
The Coral Coast of Viti Levu has endured significant damage over the past few decades, caused by a combination of human-induced factors. Overfishing, tourism, pollution, outbreaks of coral predators like the Crown-of-Thorns starfish, and coral bleaching have all contributed to the decline of these vital ecosystems.
The overfishing of herbivorous fish is particularly concerning, as these fish play a crucial role in maintaining reef health by grazing on algae that can otherwise overwhelm coral.
The deterioration of these near-shore reefs is not a natural occurrence and should not be taken lightly. Human activities have surpassed sustainable limits, posing serious threats to the food security and economic prospects of future generations of Fijians.
In response, Reef Explorer is working closely with local Fijian communities to implement traditional conservation practices, such as establishing no-take marine protected areas (tabu areas) where fishing is restricted and taking other measures to ensure the sustainable use of fished areas.. These efforts have already shown promising results, with coral and fish populations recovering and showing resilience in protected areas. However, continued action is essential to ensure the long-term protection and resilience of Fiji’s coral reefs.
Project
The Coral Coast is home to a remarkable array of marine life, including over 400 species of scleractinian corals, dozens of soft coral species, more than 250 species of fish, and a rich diversity of invertebrates such as starfish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and octopuses.
Key corals targeted in this restoration project include Acropora, Pocillopora, Hydnophora, and Porites spp. among others. By focusing on these species, Reef Explorer aims to rebuild the complex structures and ecosystems that are essential for the health and diversity of Fiji’s coral reefs.
