Scuba Diving With Coral Restoration Foundation Curaçao

In 2015, the Coral Restoration Foundation expanded its marine conservation efforts to the shores of Curaçao by partnering with Ocean Encounters and Lions Dive and Beach Resort. With the help of the Coral Restoration Foundation Curaçao staff and volunteer scuba divers, the new nursery went from 400 coral fragments to more than 1,200 in its first year.

During that first year volunteers helped the nursery grow by installing 10 additional “coral trees,” and divers have already started returning endangered elkhorn and staghorn corals to nearby reefs like Sweet Bottom and Tugboat. Fragging activities and out planting coral have been led by CRFC staff, who have been assisted by volunteers, local schools and tourists.

The nursery is located on Stella Maris, the house reef of Ocean Encounters and Lions Dive and Beach Resort, and is shallow enough so even snorkelers can catch a glimpse. It often prompts divers and non-divers alike to ask about what’s going on and how they can get involved.

“We are amazed by the amount of people who want to be a part of it,” says CRFC project manager Pol Bosch. “I’d like to have outplanted 2,000 corals in May 2017.”

Scuba divers interested in marine conservation have the chance to join CRFC in maintaining the coral nursery and to become underwater gardeners with a personal stake in the sites.

“We harvest, clean, frag corals, hang corals, work with epoxy, everything underwater,” says Bosch. “It’s normal to fall in love with your own corals, once you see them growing and growing fast.”

Support for CRFC through sponsorship and donations is integral for success, and volunteers are always needed for regular nursery maintenance and care. For more information on diving with the CRFC go to their website or email info@coralrestorationcuracao.org for more information.

Click here for more information about scuba diving in Curaçao.