Coral Reef Conservation In Seychelles

Thanks again for your ongoing support of the Coral Reef Conservation project in the Seychelles. There  has been 19 years of dedicated research in the Seychelles and we are proud this project has been part of it.

Our long-term studies on reef health and aquatic debris continue.  We are also expanding into 3D underwater photography and aerial mapping. Your generous donations provide us with the necessary equipment and resources to carry out these tasks.

We regularly conduct beach and mangrove clean-up activities, DAD (Divers Against Debris) dives Through these efforts, we not only remove rubbish washed up onto the shore but also address waste left behind by people on the beach. Between April and June 2023, we have collected approximately 30-350 kg of waste during beach and mangrove clean-ups and DAD dives.

In addition to our standard data collection on fish, invertebrates, and corals to assess the current health of the ecosystem, we have completed the environmental DNA (eDNA) research project with Liverpool John Moores University. eDNA samples collected throughout the first half of the year have been sent off for analysis and we should have the results in the coming months. 

As a recap; by sampling DNA from the environment, we can expand our knowledge of the diverse range of creatures inhabiting the area, including those that may be elusive, nocturnal, or too small to be detected by the human eye. Environmental DNA, or eDNA, is an innovative technology that allows us to enhance our species lists and gain insights into factors impacting the entire ecosystem by comparing the collected DNA with a global database.

Expanding on our coastal program we are now well underway conducting vital baselines studies of the local ecosystem before massive cleanup and restoration activities begin. During mangrove surveys it was discovered that the wetlands were previously used as an illegal dumping site, which we are working with local authorities to arrange large scale clean up projects. An estimated 100 tons of waste was dumped into the wetlands over the years.

Once again, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your fantastic support of this project. Your contributions ensure the continuation of this essential research and our ongoing efforts to clean debris from the ocean, beaches and mangroves. Together, we can make a significant difference. 

We look forward to updating you next quarter.