A Coral Fragment’s Journey – Part 1

Comic Illustrations by Fresh ‘n Salty

Ever wonder what it’s like to be a coral fragment…. just hanging in a nursery, waiting for your chance to be outplanted onto the reef?

…now you know!

The cheeky comic below was created by Fresh ‘n Salty, an environmental conservation organization that brings the ocean to life through creative illustrations and education. Here, they depict how we help restore critically endangered Elkhorn and Staghorn corals as part of the Reef Rescue Network.

  • First, we collect 5 cm coral fragments from the reef, and hang them from coral nursery trees. Note: A typical nursery hosts 5-10 trees, and hundreds of coral fragments. We often construct coral nursery trees from PVC pipes, and place them in open-water sandy seascapes, adjacent to the reef itself.
  • Coral fragments grow quickly on nursery trees. We clean them regularly to remove algae and predators.
  • After about a year of growth, we cut coral fragments from the tree, and strategically outplant them at various locations along the reef.
  • This process is highly sustainable! The original 5 cm fragments are kept in the nursery, and continue to grow faster every time they’re propagated!

Rising Tides students and instructors Dr. Karlisa Callwood and Danielle Cartwright gather at Jaws Beach, ready to snorkel and explore the rich biodiversity and critical importance of seagrass ecosystems.

Powering the Next Wave: Celebrating the Conclusion of Our 2024 Rising Tides Program

The Rising Tides program, an initiative of the Perry Institute for Marine Science, is nurturing the next generation of conservationists in The Bahamas. Through classroom instruction and field studies, Bahamian students are inspired and equipped with knowledge and skills for careers in marine science, conservation, and research. The program has certified students as PADI Open Water Divers and Reef Rescue Divers, paving the way for future academic and professional opportunities. The impact of the Rising Tides program is best expressed through the voices of its passionate participants, who share their transformative experiences and dreams for the future of marine conservation.

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