It is the oceans challenge of our time: to protect and sustainably manage unique coral ecosystems. Several innovative strategies are being used in Indonesia to help coral reefs recover and repair, which could potentially be applied throughout the Pacific Islands.
Indonesia’s coral reefs are among the most diverse in the world. They are widely considered to be at the epicenter of marine biodiversity, in the heart of the Coral Triangle. Second in size only to the Great Barrier Reef in total area, Indonesia reefs span an area of some 2.6 million hectares (or 26,000 square kilometers), or about 10% of the world’s coral reefs.
Indonesian reefs are diverse in physical structure – ranging from fringing reefs to atolls to barrier reefs. They are also diverse in biological community structure, supporting an unparalleled array of coral species reef fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and associated fauna and flora. Despite the biological diversity and wealth of Indonesian coral reef ecosystems, they are at increasing risk from a combination of factors. Paramount is climate change, and ever-escalating atmospheric carbon dioxide levels which lead to warming and acidifying ocean waters. Add to this mix a host of local stressors associated with increased population pressure, development pressure, destructive and over-fishing, pollution and invasive species.
One of the most successful approaches is the Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System (MARRS).
This system includes attachng coral fragments to a network of ‘reef stars’, hexagonal structures made from locally sourced steel using a network of “Reef Stars” – hexagonal structures made from locally sourced steel.
Research shows that within four years, coral cover, colony size, and reef carbonate budget have tripled using this method, matching the growth rate of undamaged reefs.
Another innovative approach being used in Indonesia is the coral spider technique. This Involves installing man-made “spiderwebs” onto which new corals are grafted. It uses lightweight cast-iron rods welded into hexagonal shapes. The technique is low-cost, with readily available materials and easy construction. Frames are latched onto existing reefs with plastic cable ties. It has shown real success in small-scale projects for restoring reefs damaged by blast fishing.
These strategies could be adapted for use throughout the Pacific Islands in several ways:
- Capacity building: Establish a network of competent reef restoration practitioners across the region.
- Community involvement: Engage local communities and volunteers in coral gardening efforts, maintaining coral nurseries and assisting in out-planting activities.
- Tailored approaches: Adapt restoration methods to specific local conditions and needs, as demonstrated by projects in places like Kupang Bay.
- Integration with marine protected areas: Implement restoration projects within existing MPAs to enhance overall reef resilience.
- Collaboration: Foster partnerships between NGOs, government agencies, and private sector entities to support restoration efforts.
- Training and education: Develop online and in-person training modules on reef restoration best practices, tailored to the Pacific Island context.
- Larval restoration: Incorporate techniques like collecting or producing coral larvae in laboratories to enhance natural coral recruitment.
- Climate change adaptation: Focus on selecting and propagating heat-tolerant coral species to improve reef resilience to rising ocean temperatures.
