Coral fun in the sun

I took my first breath under water at the age of 10, just off the shores of the paradisiacal island of Bonaire. As I descended into the crystal-clear waters, lungs expanding and contracting at a calm yet anticipatory rate, excitement brewing in the pit of my stomach, I began to see the spectacle of an alien world unfolding before my eyes. What awaited me were a vast jungle of vibrant colours and a biodiversity so rich I could not contain my awe at nature’s paintbrush. I had no fear of depth, just a great love and curiosity for the ocean and its creatures. Years later, I find myself in the Seychelles, conducting research and fighting to preserve and restore the ocean’s treasures which gift us with life, protection, opportunities and other wonders daily.

I first joined the LEAP project with Nature Seychelles in September 2021, aiming to conduct coral, invertebrate, and fish surveys in two of Mahe’s precious marine protected areas while empowering local communities by instilling a sense of responsibility and care for the currently stressed and fragile environment. I spent two months living in the wild and secluded bay of Cap Ternay. With little human traffic, stars illuminated the sky while bioluminescent plankton lit up the water under our feet at night. Surrounded by terrestrial and aquatic animals on the fringing reef, I woke up with each new day and exclaimed:

« Comme c’est beau et merveilleux! »

Diving these reefs, though beautiful, ultimately unveiled the true effects of an altering climate. While fields of thriving Lobophyllia, massive Porites and other vibrant and corals remain, vast areas of rubble where other species used to stand now also form part of the increasingly devastated landscape. Fears of the parks transitioning from coral-dominated to algal-dominated habitats also crept into my mind as I observed Pavona corals being out-competed in the shallows by Turbinaria algae. With the information gathered through surveying, it is hoped that an accurate estimation of current coral health, reef biodiversity and population dynamics can be obtained to plan for future conservation activities.

Though my endless attempts to see a Whaleshark in the blue proved unsuccessful during my time at Cap Ternay, the experience was extremely fulfilling and led to new perspectives which fostered in me a

deeper sense of responsibility and protectiveness over the reefs of our blue planet.

From LEAP I leapt to one of the largest coral reef restoration programmes in the word: Reef Rescuers, located on Mahe’s little sister, Praslin. With views of sunset between Cousine and Cousin island special

reserve, and a warm welcome from the Nature Seychelles team, I immediately felt at home. In my first weeks I assisted in the building of a mid-water rope nursery with the potential to hold 3000-4000 coral fragments at a time in the MPA just off the northern coast of Cousin. While this labour intensive task was taxing, there is something oddly satisfying and therapeutic about bringing down a 7kg Thor-like hammer down on a metal angle bar, forcing it into the seabed at 18 metres deep. With a properly installed structure, it was time to collect and fragment reef building Acropora colonies and “corals of opportunity” from the stunning, healthy donor site at Cousine island.

With Hawksbill turtle nesting season upon us, we are perpetually visited by these docile, inquisitive reptiles while we chisel away. With their tags intermittently catching the rays of the sun, we know they have made it to land and with any luck, have laid their eggs, creating a sense of optimism for the future of these critically endangered creatures. To be able to dive on a reef with such an abundance of life and coral species is truly a blessing. Knowing these fragments stand more of a chance of survival in the nurseries or attached to spider frames keeps hopes high of restoring Seychelles’ decimated reefs which previously teemed with life. Once these stocked fragments are large enough we take them to the outplanting sites around Cousin where they are ready to give birth to new life on a hopefully restored reef.

With the final chapter of my Master’s degree approaching, I designed an experiment for my dissertation, comparing stocking techniques and attempting to reduce algal growth and cleaning times. Monitoring is now in its final stage, though I am currently waiting for experiment schedules and weather to align. The Vann Nor unfortunately seems to have ideas of its own.

With plans to stay with Nature Seychelles until August, I am looking forward to following the growth of the (hopefully) resilient corals, and witnessing the building of a brand new land-based nursery where cutting-edge technology is to be employed. Getting to experience more of this archipelagic island country fills me with joy, and after three years of living here, I can say that the sea has cast its spell, and I truly am held in its net of wonder forever.