Jeddah:The General Organization for Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS) has launched a coral propagation and restoration project in Jeddah. This initiative, in collaboration with 17SIXTY Dive Center and supported by the Saudi Water Sports and Diving Federation (SWSDF), aims to establish coral nurseries starting at La Mer Beach.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the project, which began in mid-2024, currently maintains 380 coral colonies from 13 different genera. The Pocillopora genus is the most represented with 245 colonies, making up 64.5% of the total, followed by Acropora with 62 colonies, and Porites with 35 colonies.

The nurseries employ a scientific cycle to rescue threatened coral fragments or collect them from damaged areas. These fragments are then secured to nursery tables or suspended structures, creating an optimal environment for growth, free from sediment and pollutants. Care activities include removing algae, reattaching coral fragments, and controlling predators such as crown-of-thorns starfish and Drupella snails. Colonies are monitored weekly for survival rates and health, with growth assessments conducted every three months.

Each coral colony is tagged with a unique identification number to track its growth and determine its eventual restoration site. The project also uses three-dimensional technology for larval propagation, helping wild coral larvae settle and grow.

Results show that 298 of the coral colonies are in excellent health, while 231 have grown to over 10 centimeters. This project not only aids in preserving coral colonies but also in developing procedures for coral care and expanding nursery capabilities.

The initiative serves as an integrated platform for coral reef propagation, combining scientific techniques with community involvement to rehabilitate damaged coral colonies and prepare them for replanting in their natural environments.