Reef restoration: bringing new life into the coral reefs of southwest Madagascar

Publicado em 31 January 2025

The seabed abounds in a multitude of natural treasures, as unique as they are fascinating.

Corals, an exceptionally long-lived species of marine fauna, have been forging the reefs for some twenty million years. Thanks to corals, the ecosystem role of coral reefs is preserved for the well-being and survival of marine biodiversity, coastal communities and climate.

The south-western region of Madagascar boasts the 3^rd largest reef system. Although precious, these marine edifices remain particularly vulnerable to human disturbance (overfishing, marine pollution) and climate change (ocean acidification and warming). In recent decades, the condition of coral reefs has deteriorated, leading to a reduction in their ecosystem services.

To remedy this situation, reef restoration actions in the Mahafaly landscape in the south-west of the country are being undertaken by local communities jointly with scientists and WWF. This initiative, which is a major first, began just one month ago with the establishment of a pilot site in the rural commune of Itampolo, where the reefs are more prone to various anthropogenic and climatic threats. This area reserved for reef restoration was chosen in consultation with neighboring communities and local authorities, based on scientific data collected since 2016.

The first coral nurseries were submerged in December 2024. Coral fragments are harvested from donor sites and grown in marine nurseries. After a month's immersion, over 90% of the coral fragments, of the Acropora muricata species in particular, showed good signs of growth. A ray of hope for the reefs in this region, where the population is heavily dependent on marine resources. These corals will then be transplanted to the reef to be restored around August 2025.

Regular monitoring and maintenance of the nurseries will be necessary over the coming weeks, in view of the water temperature, which is approaching 29°C, and the recent heavy rains which have brought huge amounts of sediment onto the reef, potentially further stressing the young corals.

A total of 122 reef restoration structures were built by local communities under the technical supervision of the IHSM (Institut Halieutique et des Sciences Marines), with the support of WWF. 24 of these structures have been submerged at sea. To date, 1,920 coral fragments have been stored in the nurseries.

Reef restoration: bringing new life into the coral reefs of southwest Madagascar

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