Outplanting begins at Ocean Cay from coral nursery fragments

The MSC Foundation has begun restoring reef habitats by outplanting nursery-grown corals in partnership with the Perry Institute for Marine Science

Focus Area: Marine Conservation

The MSC Foundation’s Super Coral Reefs Programme has been growing coral fragments in our Ocean Cay offshore nursery since 2022. Now this sustained commitment to restore vital reef ecosystems through science-led marine conservation has entered an exciting new phase. Together with the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS), we have begun outplanting these carefully cultivated coral fragments back into their natural habitat in locations well-suited for their long-term survival.

In this first phase of the initiative, over 100 fragments of five coral species were successfully outplanted at two reef sites near Ocean Cay as appropriate for each species’ depth requirements: Brown’s Cay at 12 feet and Lobo Horis at 42 feet below sea level. Among them were fragments of elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata, a critically endangered species known for its important role in building reef structure and consequently protecting coastlines.

Each coral was selected for outplanting based on its health and maturity, while a portion of each was left in the nursery, where corals grow rapidly, to rebuild stocks for future outplanting. Divers identified suitable seafloor areas, cleaned them of sediment and algae, and carefully secured the fragments using marine-safe cement. Fragments from each individual colony have been placed close together to encourage natural fusion, which will strengthen the reef’s structural integrity and protect the corals.

This first outplanting phase marks a critical milestone in our restoration strategy. By reintroducing multiple species – including Montastrea cavernosa, Eusmilia fastigiata, Orbicella faveolate and Millepora complanate in addition to Acropora palmata – the programme is not only supporting the reef ecosystem’s biodiversity but building its resilience as well.

With each coral outplanted, we move closer to reviving Ocean Cay’s reefs and securing the future of the marine life that depends on them.

The next step will be to replenish the nursery with new coral fragments to ensure a continuous cycle of growth, restoring life beneath the surface one coral at a time.