The current state of our planet...
Human-driven climate change and resulting signs and symptoms challenge the nature of our planet enormously over and underwater. In the last three decades alone, approximately 50% of all corals in the ocean have died and within the next 30 years, a total extinction of corals globally is likely to happen.
Corals are not only the spectacular background for your scuba diving experiences, but even more importantly the habitat for countless underwater creatures. Less then 1% of the ocean’s bottom is covered with corals, but this tiny fraction represents the home for over 25% of all species in the ocean. It is therefore imperative to us as humans in general and as divers in particular, to put a stop to this coral extinction.
Critically questioning the seemingly unstoppable thirst for more economical growth of our economies and private consumption could be a first step in facing this challenge. In a world where crucial resources are becoming scarce, the current economic path does not seem like a viable one to be followed in the future, without the risk of destroying necessary living conditions for us and other inhabitants of this planet. If we want to give this planet and its nature, including the corals, a realistic chance for survival, then we must question individual, private and public economic considerations and put them into lines with ecological (and social) sustainability.
In order to help our local reefs, we join efforts with Cozumel’s well-known marine biologist and head of the Cozumel Coral Reef Restauration Program (CCRRP), Dr. Germán Mendez. By applying internationally tested procedures for rescuing, cloning and planting corals, volunteers and professionals alike are supporting and preserving the beautiful nature underwater.
The cloning of corals means that broken and damaged pieces of coral are collected underwater by divers and then fixed onto specially prepared mounting systems. Those rescued corals or fragments of coral have to be cleaned and well taken care of for month in the ocean – very similar to a garden on land. Only after having gotten back to strength, those corals can be planted back on to a natural ground in the ocean.
The reproduction of corals is considerably more romantic: Corals usually reproduce once a year and this very special moment is well timed – a night of full moon in midsummer. Specially trained divers can then witness the so-called spawning of corals and collect sperm and egg samples and put them together in very favorable conditions in the laboratory to create new life. This process is somewhat similar to artificial insemination with humans. After bringing up the baby corals over the period of several month in the laboratory, we eventually can put them back into the ocean.
In both procedures special attention is brought to the cloning and reproduction of considerably resistant species of coral. By “planting” and “breeding” more resilient corals, the chance for survival for coral reefs in the future is increased even more.
planting and reproducing corals
On every scuba diving activity you will realize with us, a huge emphasis is put on environmental protection and the discussion of related problems and challenges. We furthermore want to inspire and incentivize fellow divers to support us in our coral restoration efforts here on Cozumel and to become ambassadors advocating for the ocean and its inhabitants everywhere!
Marine biologist Germán Mendez teaches the respective workshops so you can become active yourself and plant and restore and reproduce corals as a scuba diver on Cozumel. It is also possible to support the cause without getting wet: The Cozumel Coral Reef Restauration Program (CCRRP) is entirely funded by donations and would be extremely grateful for any further support.
Donate to CCRRP here.