Restore Corals for 400 Fisherfolks in Wasini

The Wasini Coral Transplant Project team composed of community members of Wasini Beach Management Unit (BMU) continued to monitor the progress of the growth of corals and abundance of fish at the reef. Corals that had been planted prior to September 2023 had shown steady growth and were healthy with vibrant marine life. 

The third quarter of 2023 was characterized by unsusually heavy rains between October and December. These rains had an adverse impact on the growth and survival rate of the corals that were planted in September 2023. An estimated 40% of the corals died, most likely due to siltation within the Shimoni channel.

The weather in the early weeks of January 2024 looks promising, with less rains witnessed in most parts of the coast region. If this trend continues, the community plans to replace the corals that died before the onset of the long rains in early April 2024. During the same period, the team will also pick GPS coordinates as recomended during the September 2023 Monitoring Mission.

There are also ongoing discussions to attract more suppport for the project, by targetting the tourists who frequent the island during holidays. This will involve linking the activities of boat operators and homestays to the coral transplant project. Tourists will be involved directly in the project through purchasing and planting corals. The healthy growing corals have created a beautiful underwater scenery complete with a variety of fish species. Diving, snorkeling and underwater photography will be explored to boost revenues for the coral transplant project.

But all these activities require the support of well wishers willing to donate to our project. We still need more funds to help us purchase diving equipment, carry out regular monitoring activities,and develop the marine tourism component of the project.

We have a small window between now and the onset of the long rains in April 2024. Every dollar counts. DONATE NOW!

Links:

• Wasini Coral Trasplant Photo Album