Coral Reef Restoration
We collaborate with HJR Reefscaping to actively outplant corals to multiple reefs along the west and south coasts. These restoration initiatives are driven by responses to incidents such as boat groundings and natural events like hurricanes, as well as through the propagation and transplantation of nursery-grown corals.
Multistrategic Approaches to Scale Ecosystem-Based Restoration to Enhance Coral Reef Recovery and Resilience Across Puerto Rico: The four-year project will focus on restoring massive reef-building corals and ecologically important herbivores. Isla Mar is partnering with HJR Reefscaping to create two coral nurseries on the west coast and to outplant Elkhorn corals, microfragmented boulder corals and two types of herbivores (urchins and crabs) to reef sites at the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve. We will also be leading outreach initiatives such as a Coral Reef Optimism Workshop, various student internships over the years, and developing Coral Reef Guidebooks that feature key focal reefs and restoration efforts around the island. Ongoing. Funded by CRCP. Press Release.
Investigating the use of recycled glass sand in coral reef restoration: Fueled by the local brew Medalla Light, this pilot project experimented with using crushed glass beer bottles (recycled glass sand, RGS) in our cement mixture for coral reef restoration. We tested various ratios of RGS and cement to determine the optimal blend that would promote coral growth while maintaining the durability of the hardened cement. Following successful trials, we adopted the RGS mixture for ongoing restoration efforts across the island. For more insights into the process, educational videos produced by Medalla Light featuring Pedro Capo are available to watch. Completed 2023. Funded by Cervecera de Puerto Rico.
Tres Palmas Marine Reserve coral reef restoration: Since Hurricane Maria, we have been deeply engaged in coral reef restoration within the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve. This initiative began as a response to the storm's significant impact on coral health. Over time, our efforts expanded to address damage from subsequent events such as boat groundings and Hurricane Fiona. Presently, our Citizen Science program diligently monitors the progress of these corals, while ongoing restoration work at the reserve remains a priority. Ongoing. Funded by various federal and state entities.
