Science programme

Coral Restoration

Help grow the next generation of corals. Through nursery maintenance and scientific monitoring, we combine reef restoration with long-term research.

Introduction

Coral reefs are naturally resilient ecosystems, but recovery can be slow when reefs are damaged by human activities, coral bleaching, disease, or predator outbreaks.

Barefoot Conservation's Coral Restoration Program aims to support reef recovery while contributing to the growing field of restoration science. Established in 2021, the project combines active reef restoration, long-term scientific monitoring, and community engagement. Through our coral nursery, we investigate how different coral species grow and survive under nursery conditions while producing healthy coral colonies that can contribute to future restoration efforts.

What We Do

Our restoration program uses a coral gardening approach, where naturally broken coral fragments are collected and grown in an underwater nursery before being transplanted back onto the reef.

The project consists of a coral nursery and a restoration area — a two-stage approach:

Research Nursery

The Research Nursery forms the scientific foundation of the project. Individual coral fragments are monitored over time to investigate factors influencing coral growth, survival, and restoration success. By collecting long-term data, we aim to improve our understanding of restoration best practices and contribute to the broader scientific knowledge surrounding coral reef restoration.

Educational Nursery

The Educational Nursery supports community engagement and environmental education. Working closely with local children and community members, the nursery provides opportunities to learn about coral reef ecology, restoration techniques, and marine conservation. By involving the next generation in reef restoration activities, we hope to foster long-term stewardship of Raja Ampat's marine resources.

What you would actually do

Participants play an active role in maintaining and monitoring the coral nursery and restoration area.

Depending on experience and training, activities may include:

Coral nursery maintenance and cleaning

Monitoring coral health and survivorship

Measuring coral growth

Underwater photography and documentation

Coral identification training

Data recording and management

Supporting community education activities

The project provides participants with hands-on experience in coral restoration techniques while developing skills in scientific diving, ecological monitoring, and reef conservation.

Project outcomes

Since its establishment, the Coral Restoration Program has created a long-term platform for both reef rehabilitation and scientific research. The project generates valuable information on coral growth, survivorship, and restoration methods while helping build local capacity for reef conservation. By combining research, restoration, and education, the program contributes to a broader understanding of how restoration can support reef recovery and resilience in Raja Ampat.

Other programmes

Coral Ecology

Our flagship research program monitors reef health, coral bleaching, spawning events, and environmental conditions to better understand how Raja Ampat's reefs respond to a changing world.

Reef Check

Using one of the world's most widely recognised reef monitoring programs, we collect data that contribute to national and global assessments of reef health.

Manta Ray Photo-Identification

Every manta ray has a unique pattern. By photographing and identifying individuals, we contribute to long-term monitoring of Raja Ampat's manta populations.

Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS) Monitoring & Management

Monitoring and removing coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish helps protect vulnerable reefs and supports coral recovery across our monitoring sites.

Cyanobacteria & Water Quality

Investigating the links between water quality, cyanobacteria, and reef health helps us better understand the environmental pressures facing coral reefs.

Marine Debris

From beach clean-ups to long-term monitoring, we track marine pollution and support community-led solutions to keep Raja Ampat's coastlines healthy.

Community Engagement & Education

Conservation extends beyond the reef. Through environmental education, beach clean-ups, and community activities, we work alongside the Arborek community to support marine stewardship and environmental awareness.

Train on this programme.

No previous scientific experience is required. All training is provided by our science team.

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From £1,895
4–5 weeks

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