CORAL NURSERY PROJECT
Duration: October 2022 - now
About the project
Coral reefs are the rainforests of the sea. An enormous diversity of life is found in the habitats created by corals. Did you know about 25% of the ocean’s fish depends on healthy coral reefs. Fish and other organisms shelter, find food, reproduce and raise their babies in the corals.
Coral reefs are part of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Coral polys, the animals primarily responsible for building reefs, can take many forms: large reef building colonies, graceful flowing fans and even small, solitary organisms. Thousands of species of corals have been discovered; some live in warm, shallow, tropical seas and others in the cold, dark depths of the ocean.
Unfortunately, coral reef ecosystems are severely threatened. Some threats are natural, such as diseases, predators, and storms. But damage like pollution, sedimentation and unsustainable fishing practices cause larger effects. This leads to climate change and raising ocean temperatures.
From protection to new medicines and recreation
Over half a billion people depend on coral reefs for food, income, and protection. The reefs protect coastlines from storms and erosion, provide jobs for local communities and offer opportunities for recreation. Corals and plants are sources of food. Even new medicines are developed from the coral to treat cancer, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease.
How do coral nurseries help?
Coral nurseries are structures built to improve the health and growth of reef forming corals. They provide a safe refuge for coral larvae to grow and thrive. Studies show that nurseries reduce mortality rates and speed up growth compared to free living coral colonies. Nurseries enable coral reproduction to be monitored, regulated, and managed – an important step in conserving and restoring reefs.
Improving the coral reef in Zanzibar
Through education we teach local communities about the importance of coral nurseries. And how they can help to restore coral reefs. One of the subjects in our environmental education program is about corals. We teach about the importance of corals, corals reefs and coral nursery. Additionally, education helps to create responsibility and ownership among local communities. Encouraging them to take part in reef restoration efforts. By educating people about the importance of coral nurseries, future generations will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to protect and restore our coral reefs.
Do you want to help restore the coral reef in Zanzibar. Donate here for the coral nursery. Many thanks!
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