Coral nursery project | Artificial reef site | Meet the team
In addition to this life-sustaining role, a decline in live coral cover also poses a significant threat to local livelihoods, food security, commercial and subsistence fisheries, tourism, and associated industries within the Blue Economy.
The pressures on Zanzibar’s reefs mirror those threats facing coral reefs around the world: increasing water temperatures resulting from climate change, tropical cyclones, destructive fishing practices, plastic waste, unregulated tourism and coastal development. In the face of these factors, what is the role of reef restoration? The Coral Reef Consortium explains it like this:
Coral reef restoration can help span the predicted gap between the present when existing coral populations are threatened with extinction, and a future ocean that is hospitable again to corals.
In September 2021, the Oceans Without Borders’ Mnemba Island Community & Conservation team started their intensive and comprehensive training course with Marine Cultures, an NGO supporting small-scale ecological aquaculture conservation projects in Zanzibar.
This partnership with Marine Cultures will have a broad reach: we will build on our shared experiences, integrating lessons learned from the OWB Coral Reef Restoration Project, and actively engaging local communities around reef restoration.
Through these close collaborations, we are working to restore the ecological integrity of our local Mnemba Island reefs, inform the management and protection of this marine conservation area, and ultimately support the sustainability of local reef fisheries.
An accessible and suitable area of a local reef, often referred to as the Mnemba House Reef, was selected as a living laboratory for the project. From an initial five coral tables used to cultivate the coral fragments, there are now 42 tables.
This is when the first coral colonies grown in this flourishing coral nursery were transplanted onto degraded sections of the local house reef. The effectiveness of coral clips to secure the introduced corals is also being tested as part of this restorative phase. To ensure biodiversity and genetic integrity, clusters of 4 – 5 pieces will be transplanted together onto different reef sections.
At this crucial point, the funding to create a second reef site is exactly what is needed to reduce pressure on the Mnemba House Reef and encourage the new coral growth.
By 07 May 2023, 5 809 coral fragments were grown, and 1 580 transplanted onto degraded reef sections.
In the expansion phase of this coral reef restoration project, an artificial reef structure has been established at a suitable site, identified in collaboration with island communities.
Six constructs – 3 starfish, and 3 turtle shaped – have been constructed and deployed at the new site, before anchoring these structures with a filling of large quarry stones.
Over 1,500 coral colonies from the Mnemba Island coral nursery have been transplanted onto these new constructs, which are rapidly developing into thriving reef habitats.
The artificial reef remains within the Mnemba Island Marine Conservation Area (MIMCA), which allows for the local communities to still receive revenue generated from tourists on Day trips that visit the reef.
This additional reef site will not only reduce the current pressures on the Mnemba House Reef, but also support the growth of 1,580 coral colonies transplanted from the coral nursery onto degraded sections of this house reef.
The way ahead for this project holds the promise of a far-reaching legacy of research, education and new opportunities within the Blue Economy of Zanzibar.
The daily land-and-sea activities of Oceans Without Borders’ team of Community & Conservation (C & C) marine rangers, are not only developing a growing body of invaluable research data, but also maintaining an active programme of environmental awareness.
Their duties include dedicated time tending the Mnemba Island coral nursery, which is core to the Coral Reef Restoration Project, conducting regular beach erosion surveys, and interactive community time, sharing environmental learnings with school learners, young people, boat operators and fishermen.
A marine ranger is an exciting career option for young people interested in conservation, especially on Mnemba Island, as the Blue Economy develops.
Following the completion of his schooling and three years of tertiary studies at Sumait University, Zanzibar, Iliyasa broadened his skills and work experience through a number of different avenues, including time as an entrepreneur, tour / water sports guide, and schoolteacher. The opportunity to be an Oceans Without Borders’ Community and Conservation (C & C) marine ranger opened up a whole new world of possibilities.
Young people wanting to be marine rangers must have a love for marine environments, and ideally have some experience interacting with marine life.
Hija was an active member of his high school’s environmental club and graduated with several awards including an Environmental Certificate. He went on to do a Intercultural Relations Diploma at Tumaini University, Dar es Salaam, before working as a young entrepreneur. His passion for the environment made him a strong candidate for the position of an Oceans Without Borders’ Community and Conservation (C & C) marine ranger.
Marine rangers have the chance to write the future. They’re environmental revolutionaries, “doctors” of the ocean, of the animals and communities.
Haji has always had an interest in conservation. Following his completion of high school, he completed some short courses in computer science, management, and conservation before taking up a position as a receptionist in a small hotel. When he saw the Oceans Without Borders’ advertisement for a Community and Conservation (C & C) marine ranger, he was quick to apply and started his training following a successful interview.
The more variety of corals we cultivate, the better. This both preserves and promotes essential biodiversity in the reforestation of the reefs.
Marine Cultures