Reef Restoration

Coral Reefs

Coral is a soft-bodied animal called a polyp, which lives in a colony of other, genetically identical polyps. Each polyp creates a hard calcium carbonate skeleton, which gives the colony a rock-like appearance. Polyps use their tentacles to capture food, extending them from the skeleton to catch tiny plankton. Despite this, polyps actually get up to 90% of their energy from a type of algae (zooxanthellae) that lives inside the corals’ tissues. This algae provides energy through photosynthesis and is also what give coral it’s colour! Scleractinia (hard corals) colonies form the foundation of the coral reef ecosystem.

Coral reefs are one of the most productive ecosystems in existence. Although they cover less than 1% of our oceans, they support around 25% of all marine life and provide income for over half a billion people.

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Coral Lagoon featuring Tang and Damsels, Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Underwater Fish Spiral - Joe Daniels Underwater Photography

Our Projects

We create effective, engaging, and educational reef restoration projects of innovative design, which are bespoke to the local environmental and stakeholder needs. Based on sound scientific foundations, our projects assist the natural recovery of a reef and help to maintain coral diversity and natural resilience

Petite Anse

Launched in March 2015 in conjunction with Four Seasons Resort Seychelles and the Seychelles Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment, this project aims to restore 10,000 sqm of degraded limestone reef in Petite Anse, a small bay in South-West Mahé, Seychelles.

Bora Bora Lagoon

In conjunction with Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, this project launched in 2021. It aims to restore and enhance 5,000 sqm of internal coral lagoon using the coral gardening technique and innovative reef structures to increase biodiversity in this important reef location.

Ste Anne Marine Park

n partnership with Club Med Resort Seychelles and the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority this project was launched in 2022 and is situated within the first marine protected area in Seychelles. It aims to restore 5,000sqm of coral reef across three sites and increasing coral by 20%.

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Under Threat

Learn more about the top threats currently faced by coral reefs worldwide

Climate Crisis

Coral reefs throughout the world face many threats, both natural and man-made. However, the warming of our oceans is the most imminent threat to coral reefs. In the last several decades, coral reefs have been hit by three global bleaching events, caused by increases in sea surface temperatures. Coral bleaching occurs when the coral becomes stressed and subsequently expels the algae that lives inside their tissues. Without these symbiotic algae, corals lose their colour and die as they have lost their primary source of nutrition.

If we do not tackle the climate crisis we could loose 90% of our coral reefs by 2050

Unsustainable Tourism

Pollution

Extractment for Ornament Trade

Changing Environment Conditions

Disease

Predation

Sedimentation

Unsustainable Fishing

Climate Change

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Though shifts can be natural, since the 1800s human activities have been the primary driver of climate change. This is predominantly down to an increased level of greenhouse gasses in the environment, caused by the burning of fossil fuels. These heat-trapping gasses result in global warming and it is estimated that the Earth’s average temperature will reach 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels by 2030. Other causes of climate change include deforestation, increased livestock farming, the use of fertilizers that contain nitrogen and fluorinated gases.

What does this mean for our oceans?

Rising sea levels, caused by the melting of ice and snow, poses a threat to species that make the beach their home, e.g., sea turtles. Ocean acidification, caused by increased carbon dioxide absorption, alters the chemical composition of our oceans, and reduces the amount of carbonate (a key building block in seawater) that is available. This makes it difficult for certain marine organisms like coral, to form their skeletons and existing skeletons may dissolve. However, the most imminent threat to our coral reefs is increasing sea temperatures. Such changes to a corals environment can lead to them becoming stressed, resulting in them expelling their symbiotic algae, and subsequently dying. On a large scale, this is called a mass bleaching event.

What can I do?

There are lots of small things we can all do to help limit climate change, and to protect coral reefs

Contribute to Coral Reef Conservation

We all have a role to play in tackling the climate crisis! By making small changes to our lifestyle, together, we can make a difference. Why not consider some of these actions? Reduce your energy consumption and if possible switch to an alternative source, increase travel by public transport, eat more local produce – especially fruit and vegetables, repair items before eventually recycling, clean up your local environment, contribute to conservation efforts, and speak up! Talk to your neighbours, colleagues, friends, and family – we are all affected by the changes we are experiencing!

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Coral Sponsorship

Help us to restore coral reefs by participating in our conservation efforts! You can either adopt a single coral fragment or sponsor a patch of reef! If you wish, you can receive a certificate in receipt of your adoption. Sponsorship can also be gifted, the perfect gift for the marine lover in your life.

Are you visiting one of our partnered resorts? Book now for the ‘Gift to the Reef’ experience and you can undertake this in person!

Your support makes great things happen. Thank You!

Adopt a Coral Sponsor the Reef

Consultancy

WiseOceans is a global specialist in marine conservation and education, running unique projects which take both environmental and stakeholder needs into account. With expertise in tropical coastal ecosystems, data collection, surveying, reef restoration and large-scale engagement and capacity building programmes we are very well suited to coordinate, manage, or develop any projects you may have.

To find out more, please contact us.

WiseOceans Marine Educator Louise at her desk in Bora Bora, French Polynesia - WiseOceans Careers