Coral Reefs face many dangers stemming from human activities. From unsustainable tourism, damaging fishing practices, pollution from human industries, and more, it is imperative that these wonderful epicenters of biodiversity are protected. Without them, 25% of all marine life would lose a central part of their lives. (EPA, 9). Whether it be their homes, their nursing grounds, feeding grounds, or all of the above, the loss of coral reefs would be detrimental to not only our oceans, but to human lives as well. It is said that Costa Rica has lost 70% of its coral reefs in the last 30 years (Love, 3) , a devastating blow to its marine environments. The importance of coral reefs is no different in Costa Rica, with a multitude of different forms of marine life depending on these precious areas. They also support human life as well, keeping the tourism and fishing industry afloat, which are imperative areas of work for coastal communities such as the ones in Costa Rica. They can also buffer and mitigate the effects of water-based hazards such as storms, floods, and waves, another invaluable function for these coastal communities. This begs the question, how has Marine Conservation Rica helped these invaluable areas? What have we done, and how are we actively working on their protection? 

 Marine Conservation Costa Rica utilizes a process known as coral restoration. What are the specifics of this process? How do we go about it? It all starts off with recovery. The MCCR team finds coral that have strayed off from healthy coral reefs and could not survive on their own, These pieces are collected, where phase two then begins. These coral are brought in, where they are then fragmented. They are separated into multiple, smaller pieces with extreme care, and are grown on their own. Smaller coral grows faster, and the fragmentation brings about healing processes. When they are fragmented, a healing process goes into effect, healing them faster than normal with extra effort. These fragments are then brought into nurseries, where they are grown and nurtured. Here, natural fish eat algae growing off of them, and the MCCR team provides additional care. Once they are grown to an adequate size, these corals are then placed into degrading reefs, allowing for healthy growth and recovery. The idea is to provide these reefs with enough healthy coral so that they can live properly and sustain without the need for human interference. So far, we have planted nearly 2,000 colonies of coral!

  Within the next year, we intend to construct 4-6 coral reef structures, with the intention of promoting ever important biodiversity. Essentially, these structures will act as refuges for Manuel Antonio’s marine wildlife, providing them with habitats, nurseries, feeding grounds, breeding grounds, and more. These structures will utilize both outplanting and monitoring, so we can effectively observe how they adapt to environmental changes. We will also observe biodiversity levels compared to that of natural reefs, as well as the impact they have on their surrounding area.  Research done in these structures will help with the planning and execution of future endeavors. To further enhance these structures, we will utilize a fusion technique that will advance the sexual maturity of the coral colonies, exacerbating their function as spawning sites. These structures will also utilize concrete and metal material. We also aim to involve local residents as much as possible, as well as make everything as visually appealing to tourists and snorkles as possible. Here at Marine Conservation Costa Rica, we understand the importance of coral reefs, with their role to both wildlife and people being imperative. With these structures we aim to combat the coral reef crisis that Costa Rica faces. 

Written by Michael Basharis

References

https://www.ezdivemag.com/en/corals-and-conservation-in-costa-rica/#:~:text=Despite%20their%20functionality%2C%20corals%20are,70%25%20of%20its%20coral%20reefs.

https://www.epa.gov/coral-reefs/basic-information-about-coral-reefs#:~:text=Coral%20reefs%20are%20among%20the,point%20in%20their%20life%20cycle.