Le Méridien Fisherman’s Cove undertakes coral reef restoration project |12 June 2017

Le Méridien Fisherman’s Cove, Seychelles, has launched the second phase of its ‘Unlock the Sea’ programme with the coral reef restoration project, further enhancing its commitment towards preserving the marine ecosystem around the hotel.

Further strengthening its partnership with The Marine Conservation Society Seychelles, this is the first coral reef restoration project on the north-west coast of Mahé and it involves setting up of coral nurseries to restore the reef.

Over the years, the coral reefs around Seychelles have suffered from bleaching and the natural restoration process of the coral reefs is a long drawn out process. Coral fragments or pieces of corals broken due to storms, snorkelers and divers or anchoring boats are used as ‘corals of opportunity’.

These are carefully collected and nurtured in in-situ coral nurseries (underwater) that have been set up exclusively for this purpose. The next phase involves construction of ex-situ coral nurseries (on land) and the out planting of the nursery-grown fragments onto the degraded reef. The entire process could take anywhere between six months and a year depending on the size and the species of the corals. Once the fragments grow into a certain size, they are out planted onto the reef.

“We believe it is our responsibility to make a valuable difference to the environment in which we operate,” said Romain Chanet, general manager of Le Méridien Fisherman’s Cove, Seychelles. “Drawing upon the success of our ‘Unlock the Sea’ programme, and seeing the interest and engagement from our guests, we see this as an opportunity for us to play an active role in marine life conservation and we are committed to make our humble contribution towards preserving a sustainable and healthy marine ecosystem,” added Mr Chanet.

The accompanying pictures show the preparation for the set-up of the coral nurseries.