The vibrant coral reefs surrounding Gili Lankanfushi have always been a source of wonder, teeming with marine life and showcasing nature’s artistry beneath the waves. But in 2024, like reefs around the world, our coral community was deeply impacted by the fourth global bleaching event. Rising sea temperatures caused corals to expel the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) as a stress response, that give them their brilliant colors, leaving parts of our reef pale and lifeless. Yet, amid the challenges, we found resilience, hope, and a renewed determination to protect these fragile ecosystems.
Rising to the Challenge: Operation Coral Rescue!
During the peak of the bleaching, we took measures to reduce light stress on the coral fragments in our nursery. Using jute shading over selected frames, we aimed to lessen the impact of intense sunlight, giving the corals a better chance to survive during this challenging period. It was a labor-intensive process, especially with unpredictable weather, but we knew it was a crucial step in safeguarding our nursery.
Over these few months, we were closely monitoring the corals’ condition. We’ve seen algae recolonizing some of the bleached corals demonstrating their resilience. While not all fragments made it through, the survival of many coral species exceeded our initial expectations, showing us that even in adversity, there’s a spark of resilience.
Operation
Coral Rescue: New Lines and Fragments
With the return of more stable sea temperatures, our team has resumed our transplanting efforts. We’ve started creating new coral lines, carefully selecting species that demonstrated higher tolerance to heat stress during the bleaching event. This strategic approach aims to increase the overall resilience of our nursery and the future reefs we are cultivating.
The revamped coral nursery, which was spaced out earlier this year to avoid overcrowding, is now buzzing with life. We are seeing growth in the surviving corals and have already transplanted some of them back onto our house reef, where they can continue to grow and contribute to the reef ecosystem.
A Shared Mission: Get Your Fins Wet With Us!
The experience of 2024s bleaching event has reinforced our commitment to reef conservation. It has also provided us with valuable insights into which coral species are more resilient to temperature stress. As we continue our transplanting efforts, we are prioritizing these hardier species, aiming to build a more robust and adaptable reef for the future. Involving our guests in these efforts has been a highlight. Many of you have joined us in creating new coral lines and learning about the importance of coral conservation. Seeing the enthusiasm and support from our guests has been a great reminder that protecting our reefs is a shared responsibility, and every small action contributes to a bigger impact.
Hope
on the Horizon: a new chapter
While the 2024 bleaching event was a stark reminder of the challenges our oceans face due to climate change, it also marked a turning point for our conservation efforts. We’ve learned, adapted, and come back stronger. Our coral nursery is once again flourishing, and with every transplant, we are sowing the seeds of a brighter future for our reefs.
We invite you to join us in our ongoing efforts. Whether you participate in a coral line making session, attend one of our marine biology talks, or simply take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the reef while snorkeling, your involvement helps us continue this vital work. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that our coral reefs remain a vibrant part of the Gili Lankanfushi experience for years to come.
