The reef corals of Golfo Dulce area have been exposed to extreme conditions in sedimentation and temperature. We refer to them as “corals of the hood” because they have shown resilience that suggests they are good candidates for restoration and potential assisted gene flow within coral communities of nearby reefs, such as at Caño Island.

Fragments of branching corals are suspended in trees or secured in lines of rope nurseries, usually for about 8-10 months. Outplanting of branching corals is either directly onto the reef, using a variety of methods to stabilize the fragments and promote attachment, or ziptied onto reef stars. Massive corals are microfragmented using a diamond saw and fragments are glued onto ceramic or cement mounts that have a stem. Fragments are placed in coral trees for about six months before outplanting, although Porites is often outplanted directly onto the reef. An underwater drill is used to drill holes the same size as the mount stems, for securing each fragment.

One objective we have to achieve self-sustaining conditions is to maintain sufficient coral cover to enhance coral larval recruitment. We are beginning larval recruitment studies to understand the background level of natural recruitment rates (likely low), and to understand where natural recruitment is most likely. Another objective we have had is to influence local communities to improve their land-based practices. A coalition called “Tierra Mar” was established in 2022, to bring together stakeholders on both land and in coastal areas to identify objectives and activities for improving land management, particularly on rice farms and palm plantations, so that upstream sources of pollution to the coastal zone can be reduced. The group has been identifying potential funding for those activities.

Raising Coral has a team of eight dedicated coral gardeners, along with a group of 27 local volunteers who consistently support their restoration activities. We have trained 20 individuals as coral gardeners in Golfo Dulce, which includes a comprehensive two-week course and diving training. Participants are compensated for their fieldwork and are part of an ongoing learning program covering topics such as leadership, team building, communication, first aid, and tourism. Additionally, local divers who are not trained as coral gardeners can engage as volunteers and receive shorter training sessions on corals and restoration.