CORAL REEF RESTORATION EFFORTS IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
SeaPro Divers Restoration Efforts with Coral Mania 2019
SeaPro Divers recently collaborated with Coral Mania 2019 in an effort to restore the health of coral reefs in Punta Cana-Bavaro. A project led by Dominican Consortium Of Coastal Restoration, FUNDEMAR, The Nature Conservancy, Punta Cana Foundation and with the collaboration and support of various companies and volunteers in the region.
During the course of 3 days, divers planted 1,711 Acropora Cervicornis coral fragments, a species known as Staghorn Coral that is Critically endangered. According to NOAA, Acropora Cervicornis coral colonies have drastically decreased since the late 80’s as a result of climate change, coral disease and unsustainable fishing practices. These fragments were returned to their natural environment to contribute to the restoration of coral reefs in the area of Punta Cana – Bávaro, one of the key economic contributor to the Dominican Republic’s tourism industry
Coral reefs play a vital role in local communities in the Caribbean, providing a resource for food, jobs and coastal protection. Collaborating in coral restoration initiatives that help preserve the delicate environment for future generations is one of the ways in which SeaPro Divers contributes to our local community.
Along with larger initiatives such as Coralmania, SeaPro Divers is a leader in local restoration efforts in Bavaro – Punta Cana. Members of our dive team not only monitor the coral gardens, but also oversee the replanting efforts in the most critical coral reefs in Bavaro. With the help of our dive students and certified divers on vacation, our team has been able to replant more than 2,000 fragments of corals throughout Bavaro Beach. For more information and to get involved in our restoration efforts during your vacation Contact Us!