Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program for Coral Restoration

Coral reefs are important and unique ecosystems that are self-sustaining and it can provide unlimited resources to us. Coral propagation is a process of introducing and distributing coral genes in areas previously devastated by human development or adverse environmental conditions. By

propagating corals we can create a naturally growing habitat that is self-sustaining for all marine organisms which inhabits it. Self-sustaining means that the structures of the reefs become source of sustenance as well as shelter for its inhabitants.

Coral propagation is one area that can spearhead knowledge development pertaining to corals, coral reefs and the marine ecosystem. It generates interest among the participant to improve diving
skills to perform the tasks involving coral propagation. By propagating corals also the participants will gain first hand information and experience of coral biology. This can propel them to take up higher coral education that eventually allows them to facilitate their own coral propagation programs.  The Ocean Quest Philippines education system is developed to progressively build your experience towards facilitating coral propagation and ultimately achieve conservation objectives. Once established the coral propagation program can host many branch of coral education including coral behavior, species identification, diseases and threats and more. Many parts of this book are written based on experiences learned from previous coral propagation program. Examples of goal for education are listed in the following:

1. Educational coral propagation that conduct experimental coral nursery and research.
   
2. Propagating coral as part of an environmental educational and awareness program.
   
3. Combination of an educational project which also help with rehabilitation of damage
   reefs. 
   

Coral propagation is an excellent platform for coastal tourism. It is an ideal product that can be integrated with corporate programs and help fuel local travel industry. Long term benefits of coral propagation in tourism are seen in creating natural coral garden to attract tourists. The coral propagation program itself can be offered to hotel guests to participate in reef rehabilitation efforts as an ‘eco-experience’.
This coral propagation program can be an activity that demonstrates a company’s social and environmental commitment. Thru sponsoring a corporate body can achieve a combination of set goals that benefits the coastal communities, conservation and education. It also directly supports local tourism. Coral propagation is a medium profile activity that allows sponsor to reach good branding mileage and social acknowledgements.

STARTING A CORAL PROPAGATION PROJECT

There are few things that must be considered before engaging in a coral propagation project. Best way to successfully propagate corals is to learn from others who have done it. The Ocean Quest coral propagation a comprehensive program and provide room for learning about corals through proven materials and expert guidance. Training and experience is important in coral propagation.
Location selected for coral propagation project must also be studied for its condition and legal aspects. Many coral propagation projects failed due to unfamiliar areas and its conditions. It is also a requirement for permits if the program should take place in a marine park. Application for permits is time consuming and it must be submitted early for approval before the program.

Diving safety must also be considered when planning a coral propagation project. One or more divers in the project must acquire first aid and rescue training. Some tasks during coral propagation can be strenuous and these must be handled by experienced divers. Diving competency is also important and refresher training is recommended for those with extended diving inactivity. Diving incompetency can cause injury or damage the corals and the environment.

1. PRELIMINARY SURVEYS 

Visit the site you intend to conduct your coral propagation project. Bring a notebook, pencil and underwater slate to record important data for the coral propagation. Take note on environmental conditions like waves, tide, currents and accessibility. Observe the underwater environment and take note of depth, bottom composition and marine life. The more you understand the mechanics of the area the better for the coral propagation project.  Make at least 3 survey dives in the areas you choose to propagate corals. Observe temperature changes in the water. Abrupt temperature changes are detrimental to corals and can cause high rates of mortality. Observe the type of corals that is most abundant in the area. If there is sufficient time, it is also recommended to map the area.

2. SOURCE OF CORAL BROODSTOCK 

Source of broodstock must also be established prior to the project. Areas with plenty of broken corals that are still alive should be marked as the source where broken fragments of corals can be collected. A massive boulder coral that has been toppled by waves is also source of broodstock. Coral broodstock can also be extracted from damaged colonies. The species of coral that colonize the area can tell us about the habitat preference of local colonies. Observing coral colonies and threatened species also help you plan better on equipment or tools needed to extract them. Broken fragments of branching corals are the easiest to collect but in some locations they are simply not available.
Extracting coral broodstock from healthy coral colony must be avoided. There are plenty of coral colonies that in need of help. Soft coral colonies often affected by infectious disease. Parts of the colony that is healthy can be extracted, rescued and propagated to the nursery and let to grow.

3. THE NURSERY SITE 

Look for shallow and sheltered bay that is not over populated by people for the project. Human activity can cause damage to the newly propagated corals. Coral thrive in areas that are
shallow and plenty of sunlight. In most coral propagation project 2.5 to 3 meter deep during low tide is ideal for coral propagation. Shallower depth also allow for easy monitoring later.
Shoreline composition must also be considered as most activity in coral propagation involves processing the corals on shore. Sandy shores with gentle slope are ideal location for coral nursery as it is easy to enter and exit the water. Rocky shores or shores with rubble provide easy access to substrate needed for coral propagation. Combination of sandy slope and rubble on the shoreline is best for coral nursery as the rubble make good substrate for coral propagation while sandy slope provides easy access.
Shoreline contour must also be considered. Bays and lagoons are the most suitable place for coral nursery. The sheltered nature of bays makes coral propagation possible in varying conditions. Shoreline open to the sea have more environmental challenges. Littoral drift of sand often affect these areas. This can hinder progress of coral nursery as the shifting sand
is potential threat to the corals.
River runoff and estuaries must also be observed carefully prior to establishing the nursery. Input of brackish water can is detrimental to coral and must be avoided. Permanent rivers and streams with steady flow can easily be seen, but transitional streams like the ones existed on most offshore islands is hardly notice during dry seasons. In rainy season they break into raging rivers washing everything in its path.

4. WATER QUALITY 

Water quality parameters are the most crucial factor in coral propagation. By measuring the water parameters we can determine if the area is suitable for coral propagation. Salinity, pH, Calcium concentrations, Magnesium concentrations and other related data must be obtain to ensure that coral can survive in the area. If the area is in close proximity to industry or human settlements, concentrations of Ammonia must also be measured as these are derived mostly from pollutants.
Carry out preliminary tests on water parameters. The preliminary survey need not be a full scaled
scientific research. You do not need to invest in expensive
water monitoring instruments to begin coral propagation. Cheaper test kits are available for onsite water tests. In the Ocean Quest coral propagation program you will learn how to use these test kits. By determining the water quality in the area can prevent waste of time and resources. If the water did not meet acceptable quality for coral propagation it is best to consider another site.

5. Community Acceptance as Project Managers

Coral propagation programs goals can be beneficial to coastal communities by providing better and safer fishing grounds close to a village. This saves the fishermen from long and dangerous trips to distant sites. Those who are not dependent their livelihood on fishing can propagate corals as environmental project for clubs, society and groups. Coral farming can bring sustainable income for local community. It's also promoting the stewardship as MANAGERS of the project and do the implementation and Management.