Coral Reef Restoration in Soufriere Bay, Saint Lucia

The GIZ-implemented CATS program in partnership with the ‘Caribbean Public Health Agency’ (CARPHA), provided support to CLEAR Caribbean to undertake one of the region’s largest coral restoration projects in Soufriere Bay, Saint Lucia. The accelerated decline of coral reef systems in this region is attributed mainly to climate change and the combined effects of mass coral bleaching and ocean acidification. Actively restoring coral reefs with keystone species such as Staghorn (Acropora cervicornis) and Elkhorn (Acropora palmata), which were once the dominant reef-building species before being decimated by the white band coral disease in the 1980s, is promising. These species incorporate bleaching and disease resistant parent stock to established reef systems promoting sexual reproduction and diversity that is crucial to supporting local fisheries, dive tourism and the well-being of coastal communities.
Nursery sites within the Soufriere Marine Management Area (SMMA) were selected based on water quality and several other biophysical parameters. Growth measurement and percentage of coral colony showing live tissue was estimated to give a measure of colony survival. A National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) was developed to train coral gardeners how to out-plant and properly maintain the newly populated reef system. A PADI approved coral nursery specialty diver course was also developed to facilitate a sustainable financing mechanism.

[@jonwarddotcom]

Lovely to see this happening.

[@zayniddinmirzaliyev1892]

Incredible