Reef Sites Identified – Coral Outplanting Begins in Pemba, Msuka

24.05.2025

In May 2025, marinecultures.org and the WCS team, together with the local community in Msuka (North Pemba), reached an important milestone: the corals in our nursery are ready for transplantation, and the first suitable reef sites have been identified!

Korallenteam auf dem Boot unterwegsImage: marinecultures.org, WCS, and the local coral team on the boat during their mission.

For six days, marinecultures.org joined forces with local fishers and the WCS team to thoroughly evaluate reef areas proposed by the community. A total of 34 sites were assessed through diving, snorkeling, and drop camera surveys – focusing on suitable depths (6–12 m), reef structure, marine life, and restoration potential.

Three promising reef sites selected for coral transplantation:

  • Mwamba Mshame
  • Fungu Pango Punge
  • Kundeni Jaluo

Despite significant algal and sponge overgrowth in some areas, all three sites offer solid structural conditions for coral restoration. The first test transplants near the coral nursery have already been successfully carried out.

Korallenteam Msuka und JambianiImage: The dedicated coral gardener team of Msuka at work.

Coral Nursery: In Excellent Condition
Our coral nursery in Msuka currently consists of 36 tables with around 5,900 coral fragments. Many of them are healthy, strong, and ready for transplantation. Our 12 rope nurseries are also developing very well and will be further expanded in the coming weeks.

Einsammeln von Corals of Opportunities Image: Collecting "corals of opportunity" to be used in the coral nursery.

Thanks to the community’s decision on May 23, we are now able to begin active restoration at the Fungu Pango Punge site. For the top-rated site, Mwamba Mshame, further discussions are still needed with Blue Alliance and PECCA. Our goal is to establish both locations as long-term community-managed marine protected areas.

Next Steps
In collaboration with local authorities, we will present the reef assessment results to the community and seek their formal approval for the upcoming activities. At the same time, we will start marking the restoration zones and begin preparations for a large-scale community training in July – including the construction of 28 artificial reef structures (Reef Stars) together with local fishers.

Basis Korallenfarm MsukaImage: The base of the coral restoration team in Msuka.

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