Page 25 - Fiji Traveller 7

By Prerna Priyanka Establishing sculptural coral gene banks sees the Counting
Coral team carry out a rigorous gene selection process,
A creative coral conservation campaign has been launched identifying and propagating the most resilient coral species, and
in Fiji through a partnership between Vomo Island Resort and observing their growth and vitality on the sculptures.
the non-profit organisation, Counting Coral, that marries tourism, “We select only corals that demonstrate resilience against
creative expression and marine conservation. rising temperatures and environmental stressors for further
The partnership aims to forge a new path towards safeguarding propagation,” Collier stated.
the world's endangered coral reefs and will provide a spectacular Meanwhile, Gaia Hines, Counting Coral's marine biologist,
underwater art installation for future generations of visitors to emphasises the importance of understanding the genetic strains
Vomo. and mutations of coral.
Intricate coral reef ecosystems, which represent 25% of "Our goal is to establish a continuous cycle of coral production,
marine biodiversity, are in crisis, says Jolyon Collier, President ensuring that we propagate only the strongest genes capable of
and Founder of Counting Coral. Projections suggest a staggering withstanding the challenges posed by climate change."
90% could be lost by 2030. Counting Coral has now successfully planted 500 guardian
“Coral reefs are not just breathtaking natural wonders,” says corals on the reefs of Vomo Island.
Collier. “They are essential lifelines for marine biodiversity, Collier explains that coral fragments are cultivated in specially
providing food sources, protecting coastlines from erosion, designed nurseries.
offering medicinal compounds, and driving local economies "We sit here frantically wiring corals as fast as we can," he
through tourism and fishing.” explains.
In 2022, Counting Coral installed its first sculptural coral gene “Once wired, the corals are swiftly attached to the nursery
bank at the Blue Lagoon Beach Resort on Nacula Island. Now it using a handoff system involving skilled swim divers. We then
is doing the same, on a larger scale, off Vomo Island. screw the parts onto over 370 different elements."
Launching the partnership recently, Deputy Prime Minister He says one of the most remarkable aspects of the
and Minister for Tourism, Viliame Gavoka said: "Tourism should conservation effort is the symbiotic relationship between the
be about more than just enjoying nature’s beauty, it should be growing corals and the marine life around them, and that the
about preserving it for future generations.” corals off Vomo are thriving, with fish swimming around them - a
Also lending his support was Brent Hill, CEO of Tourism Fiji, crucial step in their cultivation.
who noted: “By championing initiatives like sculptural coral gene "Without fish, corals suffocate… the fish's tail movement
banks, we are elevating awareness about the critical importance cleans all the sand off," the biologist elaborates.
of coral reef conservation and inspiring others to take decisive The process also reveals a surprising transformation in the
action." appearance of the coral.
"When we wire the branching purple corals onto the plates, the
Living sculptures coral tissue starts to grow around the wire, turning it purple. The
Collier says these gene banks are not just static structures plate also begins to adopt this purple hue where the coral tissue
but living entities that provide a nurturing environment for coral adheres, indicating that the coral is ready to be harvested," he
fragments. adds.
“These installations not only serve as platforms to support It takes approximately two years for the tissue to develop into
coral growth but also act as catalysts for global conversations a substrate firmly attached to the plates or tubes in the nursery.
about ocean conservation.” The fully grown corals are then considered "parent plants" due
to their ability to combine the characteristics of animals, plants,
and a distinct coral species that makes them unique.
Counting Coral’s Top 7 Tips to protect The Counting Coral team plans to expand the nursery by
Fiji’s coral reefs constructing massive steel frames capable of housing up to
3,000 corals adjacent to the existing facility.
1. Use reef-safe sunscreen: Choose sunscreens without "We take tiny fragments from the parent plants and place
chemicals that harm coral reefs.
2. Avoid touching corals: Physical contact can damage them on these new nurseries. As they grow, these fragments are
eventually reintroduced to the reef, initiating a continuous cycle
these delicate organisms.
3. Practice responsible snorkelling and diving: Avoid of coral production," Hines reveals.
Justin King, the General Manager of Vomo Island Resort, said
damaging reefs with your movements.
4. Do not disturb marine life: Interfering with marine the partnership with Counting Coral serves as a statement of
hope and the power of collaborative innovation.
animals disrupts their natural behaviours.
However, Counting Coral emphasises that the conservation of
5. Dispose of rubbish properly: Waste, especially coral reefs is a collective responsibility.
plastics, is harmful to coral reefs.
Their “Top 7 Tips to Protect Our Beautiful Coral," encourage
6. Educate yourself and others: Awareness about coral both staff and guests to remain vigilant and informed about coral
reefs is key to their conservation.
7. Support conservation efforts: Projects like the conservation practices.
"We are carving a promise in coral - a promise of resilience,
sculptural coral gene bank are vital for making a renewal, and a shared vision for a sustainable future," said
difference.
Collier.

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