Bali - reef conservation
After our start in northern Bali (Indonesia) 2 years ago, Coral Reef Care is currently active in 7 conservation projects. Depending the area, we have set up MPAs (Marine Protected Areas), coral restoration programs or both. Preserving coral reefs has many advantages for the community. It provides conservation jobs, stimulates tourism and increases fish stocks. This mechanism is understood well by many Indonesian communities, without whom our work would not be possible.
Bali - the miracle of Bukti and Sukadana, Bali
In March we visited the marine protected areas of Bukti and Sukadana, set up by Coral reef Care and the community in 2022. Before, these areas were overfished by anyone with any kind of fishing gear. The new MPA is a no fishing zone and the fishermen themselves enforce the rules. This led to a reduction of fishing activity of 98%.
Now, in many parts of the reef we see a significant increase in biodiversity and fish stocks. It is too early to celebrate but the results are more than promising. The UN wants to protect 30% of our oceans, amazing news for marine life and much needed. In the line with this strategy, we expect to launch more successful community-driven projects like Bukti and Sukadana.
Bali - storms & University Delft
In January extreme weather dislocated parts of our artificial reefs in Jemeluk and Lipah. The other projects, situated in deeper waters, were not affected. The research and live testing we did the year prior to the deployment have proven not to be sufficient. Therefore, we started a research program with the collaboration of the University of Delft. Hydraulic engineering combined with our 25 years’ experience can accomplish our goals for the future: design a scalable, sustainable artificial reef system for remote areas that can be produced locally with locally available materials and logistics. Our research will be open source, for conservationists and governments around the world to use.
Bali - Jemeluk and Lipah
We expect the research with University of Delft to be finished beginning 2024. Meanwhile, with our partner P3A we have re-assembled our structures in Jemeluk and Lipah. This could not wait of course. We increased the stability at least 10-fold, better safe than sorry. Fortunately, most coral recruits that had attached onto the structures the last 2 years survived and are still thriving. So, apart from a delay in the 2 projects of 2,5 months, the reef is ready to go again.
See you again in July!
Credits: photos 1-2 by Giacomo D’Orlando
