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 September 2021, following an intensive training course with Marine Cultures (an NGO supporting small-scale ecological aquaculture conservation projects in Zanzibar), our coral nursery project was founded using just five underwater tables, and a small collection of coral fragments.
In the two years following, this flourishing nursery, meticulously tended by our Oceans Without Borders’ Community & Conservation rangers, provided over 7,193 micro-colonies to regenerate degraded sections of the Mnemba Island House Reef.
In a counterpoint to mid-April 2024’s coral bleaching heartache in which thousands of dead and bleached corals were recorded, there are now over 2,000 coral fragments being nurtured using a new technique of a suspended rope system.
Transplanted coral colonies from the nursery are also supporting the new artificial reef sites close to Mnemba Island: six turtle and star-shaped constructs created and deployed by our team, that are transforming into flourishing reef habitats.
These additional structures are not only reducing the current pressures on the Mnemba House Reef and supporting its regeneration, but is also providing an additional source of Day-visitor revenue and enterprise development for our partner communities.
We are working to restore the balance and 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.
Adopt a coral frame
In addition to the developing turtle and starfish-shaped artificial reef sites around Mnemba Island, Oceans Without Borders will be creating and deploying 150 coral frames, covered in coral fragments. These small-scale structures will provide increasing reef habitat for marine life, expand financial and livelihood support for local communities, and ultimately shape a thrilling underwater coral-reef pathway for snorkellers and scuba divers to follow.
To participate in this regenerative project, you are invited to adopt your very own coral frame. Coral pieces, naturally dislodged from local reefs, will be collected. These fragments – happily known as “Corals of Opportunity” – will be attached to your tagged frame, before it’s deployed to the artificial reef site, expanding this coral landscape.
Over a period of two years, quarterly reports, with pictures and updates of your coral frame’s progress will be provided.