How Coral Gardening Works

In 2016, RIMS hosted Roatan’s first coral restoration workshop. Since then, RIMS has worked with the Roatan Marine Park, the Bay Islands Conservation Association, and the ICF to support coral restoration in the Bay Islands. One of the project’s nursery sites is located directly in front of RIMS, allowing staff and students to access and maintain it.

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The nursery focuses on staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis) and elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata). These branching corals provide important habitat and contribute to reef structure. Their populations have declined across the Caribbean due to threats including disease, hurricanes, and climate change.