Fiji has officially inaugurated its third sculptural coral gene bank at Castaway Island Resort, a notable advancement in the country’s marine restoration initiatives aimed at safeguarding coral reefs. This innovative approach employs coral sculptures to foster the regeneration of damaged reef ecosystems.
Jolyon Collier, founder of Counting Coral, explained that as these coral colonies thrive, fragments will be harvested to create additional coral parks, thus enhancing biodiversity and fortifying fragile marine ecosystems. The project on Qalito Island is notable for housing 420 parent coral species, including rare varieties not commonly seen in the region, along with what are known as “super corals.”
Collier further elaborated on the process, stating, “Those parent animals will attach to the sculpture, grow, and become large coral species. Then we return, take fragments from those parent corals, and plant them into secondary nurseries. So, from the original 420, we can harvest up to 2,000 every six months.” This technique promises to expand efforts in coral rehabilitation significantly.
Fiji’s Minister for Tourism, Viliame Gavoka, praised Counting Coral’s initiative, calling it a “legacy in the making.” He emphasized that this initiative transcends mere restoration efforts, creating living sanctuaries that engage visitors in hands-on conservation activities, ultimately building a harmonious future where marine life and human communities coexist productively.
The project symbolizes hope not just for the coral species now finding a home, but also for the Fijian communities who will benefit from the return of robust marine ecosystems. As Fiji continues to navigate the challenges posed by climate change and overfishing, such forward-thinking projects contribute to steering the nation towards a sustainable future.
Recent efforts, including the Coral Gene Bank initiative, align with broader conservation strategies already in place within Fiji, such as the National Action Plan for Coral Reef Conservation established by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. These efforts collectively reflect a hopeful commitment to marine preservation that not only aims to restore ecological balance but also enhances the livelihood of local communities.
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