Coral Propagation
Why Are Reefs So Important?
Coral reefs are home to more than 25% of all life in the ocean, yet they make up only 1% of the oceans footprint on Earth. These important ecosystems are very delicate, living colonies that are easily affected by even the most minor of changes of temperature, acidity, or pollutants.
Coral reefs are important and unique ecosystems that are self-sustaining and provide vital support for marine life. They play a crucial role in the tropical marine environment through their contribution to the food web, their creation of habitat, and their important role in the carbon cycle.
The importance of healthy coral reefs to surrounding communities cannot be understated. They not only provide them with food and revenue (through fisheries and tourism), but also stave off coastal erosion, thereby safeguarding land and property from damage, and reducing the risk of population displacement.
One way to counteract and save what is left of this invaluable ecosystem is to rehabilitate coral reefs through coral propagation. Until recently coral rehabilitation was limited to experts only and marine biologists.
However our friends over at Ocean Quest Global hold the vision that, with training, everyone can take part in coral reef rehabilitation. Artificial reefs of man-made structure cannot achieve sustainability, as they are not food producers for reef organisms and cannot duplicate the roles of a coral reef in the marine ecosystem. A lot of marine conservation projects do more damage than good and abandoned artificial reefs too often contribute to polluting our oceans. Thus, coral reef rehabilitation needs to be happening in the most natural way possible. By rehabilitating coral reefs we can create a naturally growing habitat that is self-sustaining for the reefs inhabitants, as well as becoming a source of food and shelter. This in turn will continue to support the livelihood of local communities who depend on reefs.
Coral reef protection and rehabilitation, through the scientifically proven methodology of Ocean Quest Global, is a cost effective and easy-to-implement way to rehabilitate coral reefs, where coral is declining due to various factors of natural and man-made threats.
If you are interested in getting involved and learning about coral propagation, and helping to plant corals, please check out Ocean Quest Global.
We have no financial arrangement with Ocean Quest Global, however we fully support their methodology and ethical approach to coral propagation.