From Coral Nursery to Reef

The first quarter of 2026 has been a busy period for our Reef Ranger team. Their main activity was the outplanting of over 500 coral colonies. These were moved from the Swahili nurseries and secured onto the 75 coated metal cages we deployed on the reef late last year.

We are encouraged to see the first signs of natural coral attachment to the new coating. However, restoration in a dynamic environment requires constant care. We have noticed an abundance of juvenile parrotfish in the area; while their presence is a good sign for the ecosystem, their grazing can sometimes loosen the corals before they are fully encrusted. The team is currently monitoring their attachment closely to ensure the colonies stay in place. As we head into the rainy season, we have also been adding additional anchors to secure the cages more firmly to the degraded reef, preparing the structures for stronger seasonal currents and surges.

Our team currently consists of 10 members of the local community (9 Reef Rangers and a Captain), and we have reached an equal 5:5 gender balance. Professional training remains a priority to ensure the project is managed by a skilled local workforce. To support the team’s daily operations, we’ve added 4 dive computers for our buddy teams and 4 dive knives to assist with general nursery maintenance and safety. This quarter:

• Omar completed his PADI Divemaster training at the end of February.

• Hassan and Swabrina are still content with their Rescue Diver level.

• Mohamed and Bakari finished their PADI Advanced Open Water courses.

• Sandra, Fatuma, and Rehema completed the PADI Coral Reef Restoration Diver specialty.

• Shufaa completed her PADI Open Water Diver course.

  
  

We have noted a decrease in fishing pressure within our designated coral nursery area. While we have seen fish traps placed just outside the boundary, this is a positive sign that the "spillover effect" is working—providing local fishermen with better opportunities in the surrounding waters while the core restoration site remains protected. With the first 500 corals of the year now on the reef and a fully trained team in place, we are well-positioned for the rest of 2026. This work is made possible through our partnership with Saruni Basecamp and the continued support of the Mwakamba BMU and Kwale Fisheries.

If you are in Diani and would like to see the restoration sites for yourself, feel free to stop by our base at Swahili Beach resort for an Exploration dive.