APO5_LRYWQ

Concrete Substrates for Accelerated Coral Restoration

APO5_LRYWQ
CONCRETE SUBSTRATES
FOR ACCELERATED
CORAL RESTORATION
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Concrete Substrates for Accelerated Coral Restoration 1

Main Author:

Lemuel Ranalan Alfeche

Marine Biologist/ Researcher
Filipino
Medina, Misamis Oriental, Philippines
z Conceptualized coral restoration by transplantation.
z Designed the “Acanthasia module”.
z Designed and conduct research on coral transplantation.
z Supervised initial activities on module fabrication, installation, coral
fragmentation, and “Acanthasia” coral nursery establishment.

Further Authors:

Ernesto Fabella Pelaez

Agriculturist/Businessman
Filipino
Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines
z Sourced out financial requirements for the pilot project on coral restoration
research (Phase I).
z Sourced out financial requirements for the fabrication of initial acanthasia
module (Phase II).
z Conceptualized the establishment of Acanthasia pilot nursery.

Ronald Roland Cesar Rodriguez

Businessman/Manager – Diamond Marketing
Filipino
Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines
z Sourced out financial requirements for the prototype modules
(Phase III).

Severo Eduardo M. Yap

PADI - Open Water Dive Instructor
Filipino
Duka Bay Resort Medina, Misamis Oriental, Philippines
z Trained scuba divers, and supervised underwater installation of pilot prototype
modules.
z Supervised the delineation, and zoning of Marine Protected Area (MPA).
z Assist the project on coral transplantation.

Collaborators

Sheryll Tesch
Technical Writer and Lay-out Designer
Filipino
Cebu City, Philippines
z Edited and designed regional and global entries.

Oscar Halibas Cinco

Manager – Pelaez Sports Center
Filipino
Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines
z Edited the write up for the Holcim regional entry.
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2 Concrete Substrates for Accelerated Coral Restoration

Project description
The oceans of the world have been a recipient of the most destructive human and natural activities over the
years and one of the most forgotten frontiers of the world’s ecosystems. With deteriorating water quality, overfishing
and destruction of natural coastal habitats, the world today is faced with decreased fisheries production and most
importantly, serious damage to our coral reefs is at its critical stage. Through the years, artificial reef research has
been implemented for the purpose of creating a stable susbstrate for natural rehabilitation using structures im-
mersed in damaged or barren reef areas. Such structures come in varied designs, from molded reef balls, to low-
tech modules consisting of used tires and bamboo. However, even with the presence of a susbstrate, more can be
done to speed up the process of restoration through the planting of coral fragments onto the structures.
This project explores the possibilities of human intervention going past the inherently slow and passive process
of reef restoration by means of natural recolonization to a more dynamic approach involving farming and transplant-
ing of coral fragments to effect rapid rehabilitation. Farming and transplanting plus the utilization of the Acanthasia
module leads to compression in time - reducing the time to rehabilitate the reef to within five years instead of
decades that natural processes require. The project itself does not only involve the physical stages of collecting
from the wild, creating a coral nursery and outplanting; instead it involves systems created around the project to
ensure sustainable construction. These systems include the marine protected area wherein the community, local
government, non-government organizations, and academe are actively collaborating to support and implement a
sustainable and successful rehabilitation of reefs and marine resources.
The project aims to rehabilitate damaged reefs by creating a stable substrate from environment-friendly cement
for the development of coral colonies and later for massive economic outplanting to a wider area of habitat develop-
ment. The project consists of three stages:

Stage 1 This stage covers the collection of corals from the wild. The maximum extraction of coral
fragments is 10 to 15 percent of the coral donor’s total biomass to be used as clones for
transplanting.

Stage 2 This stage involves the planting of the coral fragments onto the Acanthasia structure which
serves as a coral nursery. The structure of the nursery resembles the starfish Acanthaster
plancii, hence the name. The Acanthasia module is a multi-legged structure that is (a) free
from the suffocation of scouring silts and sands, (b) exposed to sufficient sunlight, natural
currents and nutrient cycles, and is (c) free from the disturbance of rolling dead coral boulders
during rough water conditions. This stage provides the coral a venue for growth and protection
from the elements. This structure can serve as a lifetime donor for coral clones.

Stage 3 After two years of growth, this stage (currently a work in progress in the project, to date)
involves the harvesting of coral clones from the Acanthasia coral nursery for “outplanting” to a
wider area. This involves the rehabilitation of wide reef areas using defragmented corals
growing from the Acanthasia module. The coral fragments are grown on a second type of
substrate specifically designed for outplanting. Monitoring data collected shows that coral
reef restoration using this technique can be attained within five years.
The search for better designs for both outplanting and Acanthasia substrates will continue.
Design changes of both substrates will be guided by outputs of research.

To test this concept, six modules of Acanthasia were constructed in mid-2004 and deployed in the Duka Bay
Resort Marine Sanctuary for research observation. Three modules were transplanted with coral fragments and the
other three were not and were used as the control group.
The transplantation of the coral fragments showed a high success rate in survival and growth and attracted
more fish species. The control modules, however, showed little growth except for the natural recruitment of corals
and other marine life appearing on the legs. Such observations show the importance in the concept of “Compres-
sion in Time”. Although the control modules show the steady and sure processes of natural recruitment, the
modules transplanted with coral have opened up a whole new arena of coral growth through human interventions
that make it very possible to increase the rate of recovery dramatically.
The planned start of mass production and deployment of modules is tentatively set for January of 2006, depend-
ing on results of the on-site research to measure the success of module development and monitoring of coral cover.
Such modifications in design may include an increased curvature to the top legs (to minimize the accumulation of
silt on the top), an increase in the number of legs from eight to ten, and inclusion of other attachments that would
enhance area spread of the habitat or “outplanting”. However, the original and core structure remains the same in
design as the Acanthasia where most research efforts of the project have been focused.
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Concrete Substrates for Accelerated Coral Restoration 3

Title:
CONCRETE SUBSTRATES
FOR ACCELERATED CORAL RESTORATION
City:
Municipality of Medina, Misamis Oriental
Country:
Philippines
Project type:
Environmental Engineering
Start of Construction:
January, 2006
Client:
Duka Bay Resort / General public
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4 Concrete Substrates for Accelerated Coral Restoration

Responding to the five target issues of sustainable construction

The project Concrete Substrates for Accelerated Coral Restoration, from past implementation and research
results, has proven to include qualities of economic development, social equalization and sensible treatment of the
environment. With the involvement of the supporting agencies and community, it has been a learning experience
with rewards exceeding the expected outcome of the initial project.

The project has displayed qualities working towards the goal of sustainable construction. Far from being
conventional, the project has shown initiative in answering the call for coming up with more innovative solutions to
urgent issues affecting the environment and therefore, humanity. As expressed by environmentalists in the Tenth
International Coral Reef Symposium in Okinawa, Japan (2004) “Conservation and restoration of coral reefs
should be made without delay, through scientific research and rigorous monitoring, management-tool
development and, in addition, scientifically sound restoration measures for already/degraded coral reefs
must be applied.”

The project meets the five target issues as outlined by the Holcim Foundation:

1. Quantum change and transferability;

2. Ethical standards and social equity;
3. Ecological quality and energy conservation;
4. Economic performance and compatibility; and
5. Contextual response and aesthetic impact.

Legend
Reef areas

Location map of Duka Bay

Resort and Marine Sanctuary
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Concrete Substrates for Accelerated Coral Restoration 5

1. Quantum change and transferability

The project shows quantum change and transferability through its:

(a) Simple adaptable technology;

(b) Simple onshore manual fabrication; and
(c) Stable underwater LEGO-type assembly.

a. Simple adaptable technology

The simple structure and design of Acanthasia makes it easily
adaptable for other areas to replicate. The technology makes use of a
stable concrete substrate, made with environmentally-friendly cement
with a wide design that enables the proper spacing of coral fragment
implantation along the legs. With its appropriate height and width, the
corals receive adequate sunlight and protection from erratic underwater
currents that can stir up the sea bottom.
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6 Concrete Substrates for Accelerated Coral Restoration

b. Simple onshore manual fabrication

The pieces of the structure are simple, prefabricated pieces that can easily be emulated, and when assembled,
make for an efficient and effective design. Other pieces to enforce and support the cement design are also easily
available. With its LEGO-type structure, assembly onshore is possible using pure manpower alone. This makes
on- and offshore assembly inexpensive and will increase participation in the community when setting up the
structure.

c. Stable underwater LEGO-type assembly

After the onshore fabrication of the materials, the legs and base can also be ferried offshore using bamboo rafts
for underwater installation by scuba divers. Assembly underwater, again, uses pure manpower alone of certified and
experienced scuba divers. Reinforcement underwater is done as a team and simple ways of moving around the
heavy concrete pieces are ingeniously planned using flotation devices and techniques for proper installation and
placement.
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Concrete Substrates for Accelerated Coral Restoration 7

2. Ethical standards and social equity

In line with the goal of restoring the marine environment, ethical and social issues cannot be ruled out of the
picture, for links between people and the environment can never be severed. With the underlying principle of
community involvement and sustainable management, there is no doubt that sustainable construction will follow
alongside the success of reef transplantation and rehabilitation.

The project upholds ethical standards and social equity by:

(a) Increasing participatory implementation;
(b) Providing alternative livelihood; and
(c) Increasing knowledge and awareness.

a. Increasing participatory implementation

The project, although using a simple technology, has a strong
collaborative foundation supporting its implementation. Locating the
modules in a marine protected area (MPA) should be a prerequisite for
a successful Acanthasia project. The project team has carefully planned
and built upon that concept by creating collaborations and agreements
with parties that they felt were main stakeholders of the marine
environment and its conservation. This included government agencies,
non-government organizations, academic institutions and local
government units directly involved in the area where the modules were
tested. As seen in Appendices 2,3 and 4, such agreements for joint
implementation, support and protection were made between the parties
and all these only brought about beneficial results and strengthening of
relationships to date.
b. Providing alternative livelihood
With the need to build structures that can be
assembled by using manpower, livelihood is an
option offered to the surrounding community, as
well as the monitoring and protection efforts that
are later expected in the area where the modules
are placed. As proven in the observations,
sustainability of the modules (especially those
with coral transplants) depends greatly on
protection of the area where the modules are
placed. Increased fish biomass (biomass is the
measurement of the total weight of the fish found
in the area) and increased number in species and
abundance has shown the positive future this
offers to the fishing community in terms of income
and livelihood. Not only do they take part in
protecting and implementing the project, their fish
catch is also increased which leads to a better
and sustainable livelihood. Sustainable livelihood
can take different forms ranging from better fish
catch to an increase in tourism (such as scuba
diving to view the newly formed reefs) and other
options related to the project. Importance in
participatory implementation can be seen in the
adage “Feed a man a fish and he can live for a
day, teach him to fish and he can live for a lifetime.”
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8 Concrete Substrates for Accelerated Coral Restoration

c. Increasing knowledge and awareness

The Acanthasia project has been more than just a tested concept, it has been a
learning experience amongst all collaborators of the project. From different viewpoints,
one can see the learning that has been accomplished per collaborating party:

z Project team – the team is learning from the experience of managing the project as a whole,
especially in terms of planning and supervision.
z Local government units – coastal management and protection in their areas and the local
government’s vital role in the success of projects such as this is an important lesson. The local
government unit, by law, is mandated to protect and exercise jurisdiction over its coastal habitats
(such as coral reefs). With this project this responsibility has been reinforced and interest in
coastal management and its conservation has been ignited.
z Academic institutions – This project has provided a venue for research into a new technology as
well as supporting the monitoring and evaluation of a whole marine protected area housing the
project. This is not only for marine scientists but also the youth who are future advocates and
practitioners in the conservation of our environment. The project team has invited and sponsored
cross-visits for schools to view the project and the improved marine protected area using the Duka
Bay Resort’s glass-bottom boat.
z Community – Most communities worldwide have been exposed to mismanaged projects that are
supposedly for their benefit, but fail because of lack of community participation. This project does
not offer a “dole-out” answer to poverty, but rather one that teaches the community that the success
of the project depends on their participation. The community has not only learned a new technology
but has also increased their understanding of the sea they depend on and how their actions affect
the environment and eventually the health of their families. Community participation is also about
strengthening the awareness of the roots of the problem and coming up with innovative solutions
rather than just “end-of-the-pipe” answers.
z General public – The project offers a lot to outsiders of the project as it progresses. In the marine
protected area managed by Duka Bay Resort, an increase in tourist activities showcasing the
marine protected area and the Acanthasia modules can be expected. With the continuing success
in project implementation, the hope for replication of this design and technology beyond the on-
site research is much anticipated in the future in other coastal areas and communities.
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Concrete Substrates for Accelerated Coral Restoration 9

3. Ecological quality and energy conservation

The project team conceptualized and initiated this project because they all had one interest, to restore the
ecological balance in the coastal environment and conserve their coastal ecosystems and resources. In terms of
energy conservation, being an immobile and anchored structure which gradually can become a self-sustaining
ecosystem, no fuel is needed in terms of maintenance and implementation. The only energy needed is from the
efforts of the implementing team and collaborators in installing, monitoring and protecting the structures within a
marine protected area. As discussed before, even this kind of energy is dispersed throughout the implementing
body as collaborators are delegated specific tasks in the project.

The structure promotes ecological quality and energy conservation because it:

(a) Provides shelter for fish and other marine life;

(b) Is a stable structure and also a suitable substrate for coral growth; and
(c) Catalyzes a self-sustaining reef ecosystem.

a. Provides shelter for fish and other marine life

From the moment the Acanthasia structures were assembled and installed in the marine sanctuary, the modules
planted with the coral fragments have progressively shown success in terms of coral growth and increase in fish
population. As seen in Figure 1, coral growth in terms of colony height, branch length, width and diameter show a
gradual increase over the monitoring and sampling periods. Data shows that the total change from the 1st sampling
period to the fifth sampling period have all been positive (indicating increase) as shown in the following table:

Date/Sampling Replicates CH(cm) CW(cm) CBL(cm) CBD(cm) Remarks

1st SAMPLING AVERAGE 18.45 23.37 4.48 0.68
January 27, 2005
AVERAGE 18.89 24.18 5.31 0.85
2nd SAMPLING
March 28, 2005 % CHANGE (1st -
2.40 3.45 18.54 25.90
2nd SAMPLING
AVERAGE 22.06 25.73 6.83 0.88
3rd SAMPLING
May 23, 2005 % CHANGE (2nd - coral replanting
16.76 6.41 28.64 3.84
3rd) SAMPLING recommended
AVERAGE 21.82 28.66 8.96 1.08
4th SAMPLING
July 25, 2005 % CHANGE (3rd - coral replanting
-1.09 11.39 31.30 22.45
4th) SAMPLING recommended
AVERAGE 23.96 29.37 12.07 1.41
5th SAMPLING
September 26, 2005 % CHANGE (4th - 9.81 2.49 34.62 30.39
5th) SAMPLING
% CHANGE (1st -
29.86 25.67 169.55 108.73
5th) SAMPLING
% change = ((Ave. 2nd sampling/Ave. 1st sampling) -1) x 100; (-) = decrease; (+) = increase

Figure 1. Change in coral colony height, width, branch

length and branch diameter of transplanted corals on
modules over five sampling periods

30

25
Measurement (cm)

20

15

10

0
S1 S2 S3 S4 S5
Sampling Period

CH(height-cm) CW (width-cm) CBL (length-cm) CBD (diameter-cm)

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10 Concrete Substrates for Accelerated Coral Restoration

Figures 2 and 3 also show a gradual increase in surrounding fish populations in terms of fish species and family
numbers and fish abundance. Other marine life, such as invertebrates, were also monitored and this data also
shows a gradual increase in numbers. With these positive results, there is no doubt that the presence and care of
the Acanthasia modules have contributed to enriching the marine life on site. The Acanthasia modules serve as a
stable substrate for coral growth and along with this coral growth and the presence of the structure itself, it also
provided a shelter and home for other marine life of different species.

Figure 2. Change in total number of fish species and families per 100 m2 within
an area around the modules containing transplanted coral colonies over five
sampling periods.

30
2
Total Species and Families per 100 m

25

20

15

10

0
S1 S2 S3 S4 S5
Sampling period

Total # Species Total # Families

Figure 3. Change in total number of invertebrates per 100m2 within an area

around modules containing transplanted coral.

25
2
Total invertebrates per 100m

20

15

10

0
S1 S2 S3 S4 S5
Sampling period

Total Invertebrates

b. Absorbs wave energy

Built and designed initially to protect corals from current-caused seabed disturbances that may destroy the
planted coral fragments, the modules have continued to display continued success in this area of concern. The
Acanthasia modules have successfully housed the coral fragments and colonies from these disturbances and have
absorbed wave and current action enough to protect the nursery ecosystem as well as the resident fish and marine
life that have started to use it as a shelter. Although this shows a small-scale type of protection, the future holds a
much larger potential in terms of absorbing wave action. Reefs are known to absorb wave action and protect
shallower and other terrestrial ecosystems (such as seagrass meadows and mangrove forests). As the Acanthasia
modules and outplanting stages develop into more complex reef ecosystems, these will serve as protective barriers
for the development of other important ecosystems that would otherwise not thrive due to high wave energy.
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Concrete Substrates for Accelerated Coral Restoration 11

c. Is a stable structure and a suitable substrate for coral growth

Because of its design, the Acanthasia module is an ideal structure for coral fragments to develop into colonies.
The star-like design covers a wide area for the proper spacing of the coral transplants and is raised above the
seafloor enough to expose the growing fragments to sunlight as well as to stay protected from currents that may
destroy the fragile branches. As a part of stage two, the Acanthasia module serves as a nursery to newly cut coral
which are cemented into the leg pockets. To date, the modules have housed successfully growing coral colonies as
seen in Figure 1.

d. Acts as a catalyst for a self-sustaining reef ecosystem.

100
Percent of reef rehabilitated

75
Comparison of rehabilitation rates of
assisted and natural coral growth.
50

With outplanting
25 Normal colonization

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Number of years for reef rehabilitation

It is in this statement that one can see the meaning of “Compression in Tme”. It is a fact
that corals take years to grow, and in the case of branching coral, or Acropora sp., the fastest
rate observed is only from five to ten centimeters a year! The coral grows slowly
as polyps bud off to create other polyps or when coral larvae settle
close by on a hard and stable substrate. In the case of coral
colonies, natural growth takes decades and a whole eco-
system may take even longer than that to develop! With
human efforts in the process and with the planting of
the coral fragments, the team has aided the eco-
system to develop quickly and dramatically through
constant protection and defragmentation. When
one compares the modules of the transplanted
and the non-transplanted coral, the modules with
transplanted coral have flourished. The non-trans-
planted coral modules have little or almost no coral
on it and depend mostly on the natural recruitment
of coral larvae passing by in currents. Although fish
counts may be somewhat high in the non-transplanted
modules, this is only because they are acting as fish
aggregating devices. In the future this is not sustainable
because there are no corals for the fish to stay and shelter in.
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12 Concrete Substrates for Accelerated Coral Restoration

4. Economic performance and compatibility

The initial prototype module is inexpensive when compared to the returns that it yields in the future. These
yields can be measured in terms of the financial value of the fishes caught around the area of the modules and, in
turn, the coral colonies and total ecosystem recovered and sustained over the following years. Economically, this
option for ecosystem restoration can only point towards positive results and its continuing implementation and
sustainability by the team and other local collaborating parties.

The Acanthasia modules display present and future economic performance and compatibility because each
module:

(a) Increases fish abundance;

(b) Increases fisheries production ; and
(c) Requires low cost technology.

a. Increases fish abundance

As shown in the previous graphs and the tables in Appendix 1, the general trend for fish abundance and species
richness has been increasing. The fish species observed have ranged between the reef-dwelling to the larger
pelagic species. The pelagic species, such as the Jacks, or Carangids, have been attracted to the structures and
pass through in search of food. The presence of the reef-dwelling species carry a much heavier role, for it is in the
reef-dwellers that one sees the foundations of success in the modules. The reef-dwellers are beginning to see the
modules as potentials for shelter, food and home. They stay for the health and richness in the area. Because much
of the fish observed were also the very small coral fish, this is a very positive response to the nursery as they are
beginning to develop the ecosystem as more permanent residents to the area.

Figure 3. Change in total fish abundance (fish per 100m2) within an area
around the modules containing transplanted coral colonies over five
sampling periods.

3000
Total abundance (fish/100m )
2

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0
S1 S2 S3 S4 S5
Sampling period

Total Abundance

b. Increases fisheries production

Alongside the fact that fish abundance has increased, this points towards an increase in fisheries production.
Fisheries production refers to the potential that is created in terms of increased fish catch and economic value of
this catch for local residents and fishers. Although the modules are situated within a marine protected area, and it
may seem that increases in fish abundance and species will only occur within the protected area, the “spillover
effect” must be taken into account in the light of sustainability.
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Concrete Substrates for Accelerated Coral Restoration 13

When an area is protected, the number of big fish increases. When these large individuals spawn, they usually
produce more eggs than smaller sized fish. Large spawners also produce bigger, higher quality eggs. Thus, there
is a better chance of an increase of fish for every spawning cycle within the reserve area. Protect the reserve, and
you protect the fish reproduction. Thus the “spilling over” of the surplus fish abundance, contributing to increased
biomass, outside the reserve. As seen in the graph and table (Appendix 1), fish abundance within the study sites
display a generally increasing trend. This is a positive indicator of good management in the protection of the area.
The slight decrease in fish could be attributed to an external factor, wherein commercial fishing was observed
directly outside the marine protected area. The Acanthasia module together with the protected area enhances the
environmental health for sustainable fish production.

Total No. Fish Total No. Fish Estimated Fish

Fish abundance
Date/Sampling Replicates Species Families Biomass
(fish/100 m2)
(species/100 m2) (families/100 m2) (Kg/100 m2)
1st SAMPLING AVERAGE 16.33 10.00 154.00 6.30
January 27, 2005
2nd SAMPLING
AVERAGE 14.33 7.67 821.33 19.98
% CHANGE (1st -
March 28, 2005 -12.24 -23.33 433.33 217.36
2nd SAMPLING
3rd SAMPLING
AVERAGE 13.67 5.33 1547.00 26.66
% CHANGE (2nd -
May 23, 2005 -4.65 -30.43 88.35 33.39
3rd) SAMPLING
4th SAMPLING
AVERAGE 26.33 10.67 298.33 11.55
% CHANGE (3rd -
July 25, 2005 92.68 100.00 -80.72 -56.67
4th) SAMPLING
5th SAMPLING
AVERAGE 26.00 10.67 2540.67 17.96
% CHANGE (4th -
September 26, 2005 -1.27 0.00 751.62 55.53
5th) SAMPLING
% CHANGE (1st -
59.18 6.67 1549.78 185.28
5th) SAMPLING
% change = ((Ave. 2nd sampling/Ave. 1st sampling) -1) x 100; (-) = decrease; (+) = increase
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14 Concrete Substrates for Accelerated Coral Restoration

As can be seen in the table, the different factors being measured overall (number of species and families, fish
abundance and estimated fish biomass) have increased. Abundance, over the five sampling periods, have shown an
overall increase of 1,549 percent. Biomass has also shown an overall increase of 185 percent. Biodiversity indicators
- the number of species and families - are also increasing at a steady rate.

c. Requires low cost technology

The initial prototype module is inexpensive when compared to the returns that it yields in the future. One module
requires a reasonable cost to fabricate, assemble and install, but because of the exponential growth of the corals,
the economic returns for these initial costs have been recouped. The low cost of procurement and fabrication of the
simple parts show the potential for sustainable construction as other areas begin to see the benefits of the modules
and emulation of the project. Other structures come into play to decrease costs and increase efforts and participation.
Because of the forged partnerships with the academe, local government units and government agencies, costs for
activities (such as research, law enforcement and installation) are shared amongst stakeholders. This lessens the
financial burden on the core project team, not only in terms of finances, but also in effort.

Other benefits such as the monies earned from scuba divers and tourists, although not quantified and not
included in a cost/benefit analysis, have contributed to the high returns of the project. The increased activity in the
Duka Bay resort and apparent increase in the demand to use the glass-bottom boat and diving facilities, point to an
increase in interest of the project and the marine protected area. The modules and protected area have improved
diving quality, as well as viewing quality, for guests and other tourists. Although no analysis was made on the
increase in business, economic benefits are beginning to show from various interests and activities that are currently
derived from the research project and in the immediate future.
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Concrete Substrates for Accelerated Coral Restoration 15

5. Contextual response and aesthetic impact

An Acanthasia module on a deteriorated seabed is but a start of a long process of rejuvenation in aquatic life.
The aesthetic value appears as nature undertakes the miracles of reproduction in the varied marine life-forms. The
project’s contextual response to the human destruction of mother earth’s ecosystems is through the usage of
cement as a medium for the rejuvenation and restoration of coral reefs.

This contextual response and aesthetic impact through the return of healthy reef ecosystems are:

(a) Increased potential in tourism;

(b) A wide area for rapid rehabilitation; and
(c) A catalyst for coral and fish diversity.

a. Increased potential in tourism

Aside from an increase in fish populations and fisheries resources, an increase in tourism also plays a vital role
in terms of sustainability and knowledge spread. Showcasing an innovative project as this can allow for cross-visits
of other sites and investors in the environment. Such visits can spark off more concern for the environment and
heighten the possibilities of replicating the project in other denuded reef areas. Tourism also brings with it the
possibilities of more alternative livelihood options. Such options can range from user-fee systems for appropriate
reef area utilization to tourist activity related jobs such as tour guiding or environmentally-friendly arts and crafts. As
already proven, the Duka Bay Resort has benefited from the installation of the modules with the augmented dive
activities and glass-bottom boat tours to view the sanctuary and the experimental site. Such results as these only
promise to get better with the gradual success of the project.

b. A wide area for rapid rehabilitation

As seen from the general description the actual project occurs in three stages:

Stage 1 – Covers the collection of corals from the wild. The maximum extraction of coral fragments is 10
to 15 percent of the coral donor’s total biomass to be used as clones for transplanting.

Stage 2 – Involves the planting or placing of the coral clone fragments onto the Acanthasia structure which
serves as a coral nursery. This stage provides the coral a venue for growth and protection from
the elements.
Stage 3 – After two years of growth, this stage (currently a work in progress in the project, to date) involves
the harvesting of coral clones from the Acanthasia coral nursery for “outplanting” or spread
outside of the nursery. It is also optional to make additional structures to the Acanthasia structure
to develop the original module as a self-sustaining system.
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16 Concrete Substrates for Accelerated Coral Restoration

The presented entry shows how the Acanthasia module remains as the heart of the project. Stage 2 is critical
for the entire project cycle to be complete. It is at this nursery stage that the coral fragments are cared for,
protected, and monitored on site for at least two years before Stage 3 can be put to effect. It is also this nursery
stage that sustains the project, keeping the cycle intact because it is the coral that thrives on the modules that will
be used as donors for external outplanting sites or other project modules. Therefore, ideally, Stage 1, in the
beginning, only implements collection from the wild once and the rest is sustained from the nursery Acanthasia
module.

As a work in progress, Stage 3 is currently being tested and developed to increase the success rate of wide
area spread for wider ecosystem sustainability. It is similar to the marine protected area concept of ‘larger is better’.
The wider the area of protection and care, the higher the chances are of restoring an ecosystem that houses
thousands of different species of marine life.
Stage 1. Collection from the wild.

Stage 2. Planting onto the Acanthasia nursery.

Stage 3. Outplanting and wide area spread. Two options, out-planting external to Acanthasia nursery...

or Acanthasia module development.

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Concrete Substrates for Accelerated Coral Restoration 17

c. A catalyst for coral and fish diversity

“Compression in time” is the key idea of the project. Coral colonies take years to develop naturally, and even
then, without protection, they are still exposed to destructive impacts and mortality. The project aims to speed up
the process of coral growth through defragmentation, protection, and sustainable spread. As seen in previous
graphs and the tables in Appendix 1, biodiversity is increasing in the test sites in terms of coral and fish. The
modules are not only assisted with the selection of corals transplanted on them, they are also exposed to natural
recruitment from passing currents for new species outside the chosen few for the test. Branching coral, or Acropora,
were chosen for its high rate in growth as compared to other corals. It was therefore a choice to test a coral that was
immediately measurable in success rate on the module. However, the project is still open to trying other species of
coral, such as the massive and foliose corals in its future workplan.

With the success rate in coral colony growth, it is only natural the fish will be attracted to a healthy ecosystem
to feed and reproduce. The project has proven its success through the increase in fish species and abundance in
the test areas, not only of reef-dwelling fish, but also much larger pelagic species. It is only the project team’s hope
that this success story that they are experiencing now will contribute to world environmental awareness and
concern through participation in conserving humanity’s precious marine resources now!

Acanthasia - 1 month (newly installed)

Acanthasia - 8 months

Acanthasia - 1 year
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Concrete Substrates for Accelerated Coral Restoration