About the pilot project
Hosted by Swahili Beach resort
Coral reefs are complex ecosystems made up of hard and soft corals, fish, sponges, crustaceans, sharks and a lot more. Unfortunately coral reefs are currently suffering severe degradation caused by human activities like global warming, unsustainable fishing and pollution. Therefore corals need our help to recover and survive!
In collaboration with REEFolution Kenya we have investigated the state of the coral reefs in Diani Beach and we found that coral reef restoration is feasible. We have deployed 6 coral depth gradients and 12 coral tree nurseries where about a thousand fragments can grow under optimal conditions. We clear the nurseries from algae and we monitor the growth of the corals continuously. Once these corals have reached their target size, we out plant them onto artificial reef structures to kick-start coral reef recovery. We are aiming to expand the project in collaboration with the local stakeholders and community over a larger area in the Diani-Chale marine reserve over the next few years.
Survey data 2020 Q3
FISH MEASUREMENTS NURSERY AREA
This report presents the findings of an analysis of fish data collected from the coral reef tree nursery area where coral reef fish surveys were conducted during the north-eastern monsoon season in 2020 and 2023. The aim of the surveys was to assess the changes overtime in fish abundance, fish diversity and total fish biomass to demonstrate the importance of coral reefs in facilitating living areas of fish.
Fish biomass
146 grams
Amount of fish
19
Fish species
7
Herbivorous fish
3
Survey data 2023 Q1
FISH MEASUREMENTS NURSERY AREA
Fish biomass
4928 grams
Amount of fish
69
Fish species
12
Herbivorous fish
18
The findings of this analysis are consistent with previous studies that have demonstrated the importance of coral reefs in providing for fish. Coral reefs provide shelter, food, and breeding grounds for a wide variety of fish species. The increase in the number of fish, biomass, and individual species observed between 2021 and 2023 at the coral reef tree nursery site indicates that coral reefs can be used to enhance fish populations and promote conservation. By protecting coral reefs, we can ensure the long-term viability of fish populations and the ecosystem services they provide.
Our Sponsors
We are very grateful to all the sponsors of our Diani pilot project!
Saruni Basecamp Foundation (KE)
We thank our sponsor for providing funds to expand the capacity and livelihood of our current Reef Rangers and train five more members from the local fishing community to become PADI coral reef restoration divers.
WWF InnoVation Fund (NL)
We thank our sponsor for making it possible to invest in the development and deployment of artificial reef structures with an innovative reef paste coating for an environmental friendly way of outplanting corals.
PADI Aware Foundation
We thank our sponsor for making it possible to invest in community involvement, specialized dive training and coral reef restoration activities including the deployment of artificial reefs and outplanting of corals.
Clear Reef Social Fund
We thank our sponsor for supporting one of our Reef Rangers in providing the funding for the materials and diving expenses needed to setup and maintain coral nurseries and to monitor the corals .
Discovery Divers (NL)
We thank our sponsor for providing financial stability of the pilot project for one year by covering boat fuel expenses and Reef Ranger support and promoting our specialty diving course in the Netherlands.
Huijgens Lyceum (NL)
We thank our sponsor for making it possible to train our first local Reef Rangers in swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving and in setting up our coral nursery area where they grow and analyze the corals.
Lush (NL)
We thank our sponsor for providing the basic needs to get us started with diving and creating local awareness by providing a projector for educational purposes and a compressor to fill our scuba diving tanks.
Contact us
Swahili Beach Resort, Diani Beach Road, Diani Beach, Kenya