Restoring Coral Reefs in Costa Rica
This project, in partnership with Raising Coral, focuses on restoring degraded coral reefs while addressing the root causes of their decline. By implementing science-based restoration techniques and engaging local communities, we aim to create lasting change for marine biodiversity and coastal livelihoods.
Reviving a Biodiversity Hotspot
Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica, is one of the world’s only four tropical fjords and home to diverse marine life, including sea turtles, dolphins, and whale sharks. However, its coral reefs have suffered significant degradation due to sedimentation, algal blooms, and water quality issues. While signs of natural recovery are emerging, restoration efforts are critical to accelerating reef health and resilience.
Why Golfo Dulce?
- Its a One-of-a-Kind Natural Lab for Restoration
- One of only four tropical fjords worldwide: A rare, sheltered environment perfect for reef recovery.
- 80% of the Osa Peninsula is protected: A global leader in conservation.
- Recognized as a Responsible Fishing Marine Area: Sustainable marine management already in place.
Building Coral Resilience
This project uses a science-driven approach to coral recovery. This restoration approach Includes:
- Coral Nurseries: Our in-situ nursery supports over 2,000 corals, ensuring a steady supply for outplanting.
- Outplanting & Propagation: Using microfragmentation techniques, we grow and transplant coral fragments to speed up reef regeneration.
- Site Selection: Restoration efforts span ten sites across Golfo Dulce, targeting the most degraded reef areas.
- Species Diversity: We focus on seven key coral species, essential for biodiversity and ecosystem stability.
What We're Restoring
Pocillopora verrucosa
Common Names: Cauliflower coral, Rasp coral, Knob-horned coral, Warty bushcoral
Pocillopora grandis
Common Name: Antler Coral
Porites lobata
Common Name: Lobe coral
Porites evermanni
Common Name: Brown Lobe Coral
Pavona gigantea
Common Name: Leaf Coral
Pavona varians
Common Name: Corrugated coral
Pavona frondifera
Common Names: Leaf Coral, Lettuce Coral
Empowering Local Stewards for Sustainable Impact
A key part of this project is ensuring long-term sustainability by training local fishers, divers, and youth in coral restoration through:
Training & Employing 'Coral Gardeners'
- Providing Open Water Dive Certification for new coral gardeners from local fishing communities.
- Advanced training in coral restoration, leadership, and teamwork to build long-term expertise.
- Rescue diver certification to enhance safety and efficiency in restoration work.
Community Education & Engagement
- Hands-on coral restoration experiences for schools and youth groups.
- Public workshops on marine conservation and sustainable fishing practices.
- Outreach programs to raise awareness about reef protection.
Addressing Root Causes of Reef Decline
Beyond restoring coral, we’re tackling the underlying issues that threaten reef health.
Sustainable Agriculture Partnerships
- Working with local farmers to implement responsible land-use practices that prevent sediment runoff.
- Promoting regenerative agriculture techniques to protect water quality.
Water Quality Improvements
- Collaborating with local governments to improve wastewater treatment and reduce pollution.
- Advocating for better coastal management policies that protect reef ecosystems.
Adaptive Management for Long-Term Success
- Continuously reviewing monitoring data to refine restoration strategies.
- Using community feedback to ensure conservation efforts align with local needs.
- Adjusting coral outplanting techniques based on real-time ecosystem responses.
By combining scientific innovation, local stewardship, and sustainable management, we’re not just restoring reefs, we’re building a lasting foundation for coral resilience and marine biodiversity.
Raising Coral
Raising Coral is a Costa Rican nonprofit dedicated to restoring coral reefs through a holistic, science-based approach that supports both marine ecosystems and the coastal communities that rely on them. By combining cutting-edge restoration techniques with local engagement, they are building a future where coral reefs and people thrive together.
Raising Coral is on a mission to reestablish Costa Rica’s reefs in a way that strengthens both marine biodiversity and human livelihoods. Their approach recognizes that healthy coral reefs are not just vital for ocean life—they are essential for sustaining fishing, ecotourism, and coastal protection.
Their goal is to position Costa Rica as a leader in reef restoration across Central America, creating resilient ecosystems that can better withstand climate change and other environmental threats.
Long-Term Restoration for Thriving Reefs
Restoring coral reefs is more than just planting corals, it requires continuous monitoring, adaptive management, and community involvement to ensure long-term success. Our approach integrates cutting-edge technology, rigorous data collection, and hands-on stewardship to scale impact effectively.
We rely on state-of-the-art monitoring techniques to assess reef health, track coral growth, and refine our restoration strategy. This Includes:
Optimized Planting Density
- Massive-growing corals (Porites, Pavona): 25 fragments/m²
- Branching corals (Pocillopora): 12 colonies/m²
Photogrammetry & 3D Reef Modeling
- Creating detailed 3D digital models of the reef to monitor structural changes.
- Allowing for precise measurement of coral health, growth, and biodiversity shifts over time.
Continuous Monitoring & Adaptive Management
- Regular reef assessments to evaluate key threats like sedimentation and algal overgrowth.
- Water quality testing to identify trends and advocate for conservation policies.
- Diver-led nursery maintenance every 15 days to ensure coral health and survival.