Coral reefs are part of the marine ecosystem that supports marine biodiversity, protects coastal communities and plays a crucial role in global environmental health. They provide shelter for countless marine species, act as natural barriers against storms and support the livelihood for millions of people around the world. Unfortunately, these ecosystems are under serious threat from climate change, pollution, ocean acidification and human activities. To counter this, the FRC is actively involved in various environmental rehabilitation and protection projects, including coral restoration. This aim, by different techniques, to help corals to improve their resilience to stressors such as rising temperatures, diseases, acidification etc. Different techniques exist, split in two big categories: sexual and asexual. The sexual process, allowing genetic diversity, consists of the association of a male and a female gamete. Usually occurring once, a year, the corals release their eggs and sperm in a mass spawning. On the other hand, the asexual process consists of fragmentation or division into clones. To contrast with the sexual process, the asexual one isn’t creating genetic diversity, but happens much more often. Fragmentation is particularly effective because corals exhibit remarkable regenerative capabilities. Certain species, such as branching corals, are especially suitable for this technique due to their rapid growth and resilience. This process allow creates a lot more of colonies. Whilst this process creates less diversity, it does create larger number of colonies. For the sake of numbers and convenience, we've decided to start fragmenting corals, asexual process. Our team of divers works actively underwater, but how do they go about it? 1. Fragmentation: Fragmentation is the process during which divers collect coral branches from healthy mother colonies. This process is carried out with great care and attention, by trained divers. Once fragmented into smaller portions, the fragments are brought to the surface and stored in seawater away from the sun. The divers quickly move on to the next stage: 2. Nurseries Attachment These fragments are carefully attached to structures such as ropes, frames and metal grids in underwater nurseries, where they can grow and strengthen before being further transplanted. The coral is attached to the support using ties, making sure that the base of the coral faces the ground, and the branches face the surface. They’ll be able to grow and evolve on this new area. After the first transplantation, the coral fragments will regularly be monitored and surveyed in their new environment. After the transplantation, the corals undergo monitoring and maintenance. Seawater is also monitored through different physic-chemical tests. This phase of growth is crucial in preparing the corals and improve their resilience for the final transplantation into degraded reef areas. 3. Final transplantation The final step in coral rehabilitation is transplantation. Mature corals from nurseries are carefully relocated to degraded reefs. This process requires meticulous planning to ensure that transplanted corals can thrive in their new environment. Factors such as water quality, depth, light availability, and local biodiversity are considered to maximize success. Over time, transplanted corals attract fish, crustaceans, and other marine life, kickstarting the recovery of the entire reef ecosystem. This approach transforms barren underwater landscapes into vibrant, self-sustaining coral meadows. By studying growth rates, survival, and ecosystem impacts, researchers refine methods and share insights that benefit global coral restoration initiatives. Through continued research, technological advancements, and community involvement, we can ensure that coral reefs not only survive but thrive, safeguarding the marine biodiversity and coastal communities that depend on them. By supporting coral rehabilitation efforts, minimizing our carbon footprint, and championing sustainable practices, we can play a part in safeguarding these essential ecosystems for future generations.