Galapagos Reef Revival

12 Oct 2023 Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island, Ecuador, Central and Latin America Corals | Marine

Nicolas Davalos


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27 Apr 2021

Galapagos Coral Restoration Initiative

Galapagos Reef Revival is a collaborative project aimed to develop a scientific approach on hermatypic coral restoration in the Galapagos archipelago. Its objective is to develop a framework for coral restoration practices through the implementation of coral gardening and cultivation techniques.

Bleaching monitoring: By thoroughly studying coral bleaching response of each variety, our team can identify and select the best candidates for restoration. © Nicolas Davalos.

Bleaching monitoring: By thoroughly studying coral bleaching response of each variety, our team can identify and select the best candidates for restoration. © Nicolas Davalos.

The project aims to test methodologies and feasibility for coral restoration in the islands, in order to restore the Galapagos historic reefs and rescue its last surviving coral communities. Galapagos Reef Revival is serving as a guide to understand the resilience of these vulnerable communities, while exploiting their genetic resistance to restore coral cover, re-establish reef ecosystem functions and aid its coral population natural recovery.

Header: Restoration: Our team has transplanted the first nursery reared corals in the Galapagos, demonstrating the feasibility and potential of marine restoration in the islands. © Nicolas Davalos.

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