Coral Reef Restoration Program

Introduction to Coral Reef Ecosystems

Subtopics:

1. What are coral reefs? (Structure & biology of coral polyps)
2. Types of coral reefs (fringing, barrier, atoll)
3. Importance of coral reefs to marine biodiversity
4. Coral reefs and coastal protection
5. Major threats (bleaching, pollution, overfishing, climate change, human extraction)

Practical Activity: Field visits and Snorkelling

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Reef Biodiversity & Monitoring

Subtopics:

1. Key reef species (fish, invertebrates, algae)
2. Coral health indicators
3. Reef survey methods (transects, photo monitoring)
4. Water quality basics
5. Citizen science & community monitoring

Practical Activity: Guided reef survey (snorkelling or shore-based observation depending on safety level)

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Coral Nursery Establishment

Subtopics:

1. Principles of coral fragmentation
2. Types of coral nurseries (Coral tables)
3. Selecting healthy donor colonies
4. Nursery maintenance and cleaning
5. Ethical considerations in coral restoration

Practical Activity: Demonstration of coral nursery setup (in-water or land-based model simulation)

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Coral Transplantation & Reef Rehabilitation

Subtopics:

1. Site selection for transplantation
2. Attachment techniques
3. Monitoring survival rates
4. Protecting restored reefs
5. Long-term maintenance strategies

Practical Activity: Coral out-planting demonstration and snorkelling

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Community Engagement & Sustainable Reef Management

Subtopics:

1. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
2. Sustainable fishing practices
3. Alternative livelihoods (eco-tourism, seaweed farming)
4. Youth and school engagement

Practical Activity: Site visit & Snorkelling