Restoring coral is something that seems to be gaining a bit of popularity among the SCUBA diving communities. I first read about coral restoration as a form of voluntourism in the Florida Keys. Ironically, I read this article on my way to Bonaire for a dive vacation. Imagine my surprise when I had landed smack in the middle of a fairly new Staghorn Coral restoration project, with the opportunity to not only hear about it, but to give it a go.
The Coral Restoration Foundation in Bonaire put on a presentation and I thought it sounded fun. So I signed up for PADI’s Coral Restoration Specialty course where I met Francesca, head of the Bonaire foundation, and Yago, the instructor. These fantastic people helped me learn about the local corals, how they function in the ocean, and the threats that cause a need to restore them.
I had many questions, likely as other divers do:
Why do the corals need restoring?
Short answer: they are damaged for a variety of reasons, namely stresses from their changing environment including diseases, warmer water temperatures, degraded water quality or in the case of Bonaire, a hurricane.
Why are corals important?
Corals offer habitat for marine life…25% of all known marine species as well as 33% of all known fish species. Coral reefs also protect the shorelines like a barrier. Corals are a critical piece of our oceans health and of course, divers love them and the marine life they attract.
How long does it take to restore a coral?
The Staghorn corals grow at a quite an amazing rate and therefore, the progress can be seen in a very short amount of time. The coral nursery pieces I encountered on my first coral dive one year ago where about an inch to two inches long. The larger pieces that I helped transplant were 6-10 inches and now a year later, are between 1-2.5 feet long. It is amazing to see the change and growth.
How can you help?
Florida has many volunteers that are able to come out and help with the coral restoration projects in the Keys. Bonaire, however, has weekly, monthly and bi-monthly visitors that could take the time to get coral certified, and take time out of their vacation to clean coral nurseries and help out, but don’t always take that opportunity. While there is help on occasion and Bonaire does have interns and local help, it sounds like your help would be absolutely appreciated. In addition, you can always donate through their website www.crfbonaire.com, adopt a coral, adopt a tree, adopt a garden or purchase t-shirts to help out.
I encourage you to check out the coral restoration program in Bonaire. Still need motivation? Here’s why we love coral restoration.
