Laem Jong Transplant Site

Laem Jong is located at the southern end of Phi Phi Ley Island on the east side just before Loh Samah Bay. The site consists of a shallow reef flat that drops to a slope. The site was originally a habitat for large fields of acropora colonies that covered the slope. In 2010 the global bleaching event decimated these acropora fields leaving a barren field of dead standing coral.

Laem Jong Transplant Site

Laem Jong is located at the southern end of Phi Phi Ley Island on the east side just before Loh Samah Bay. The site consists of a shallow reef flat that drops to a slope. The site was originally a habitat for large fields of acropora colonies that covered the slope. In 2010 the global bleaching event  decimated these acropora fields.

The work to date

Attaching fragments to the metal racks has been very successful so far. Transplanting commenced at the Laem Jong site in 2015. Originally we attached to dead-standing ‘acropora’ coral however success levels using this method was limited, partially due to some minor bleaching events that occurred since then. However in 2019 colleagues at the Phuket Marine Biology Center provided 72 metal frames that could hold just over 1000 fragments. This program was expanded in 2020 with another 20 frames along with 10 wire mesh units.

Transplanting techniques

After 12 months in the coral nursery most of our corals are ready to be transplanted back onto the coral reef. We select specific locations based upon the depth and the suitability from that specific coral species. we also focus on sites that have considerable reef damage.
Over the 14 years of this project, we have explored numerous techniques for re-attaching corals to the substrate, and each has had different levels of success.

hammer transplants
Using hammer and chisel we drill (hammer) holes into dead coral substrate. This is extremely arduous as the substrate is rock hard. The corals would then be inserted into the hole and we would use bamboo chopsticks to wedge the corals into place. The advantage of using bamboo chopsticks, is that eventually they would disintegrate leaving just the coral fragment which will have fused to the substrate by then. The disadvantage was that it was very difficult to ensure all the fragments had been firmly fixed in place and many would be lost.

cable tied natural
This technique has had varied success and is largely affected by the skill of the diver carrying out the task. If the standing dead coral was too loose, or brittle then it could tumble and be washed away, so selecting a suitable piece of dead coral is important. Also there could be organisms on the standing dead coral that could affect the health of the fragment. Seasonal changes to the level of the sediment could cover the fragment if it had been attached too close to the sand. However, if the correct type of substrate is selected and the fragment is attached high enough from the sand we can see this is effective and we have many healthy coral colonies.

breeze blocks
Fragments are cemented to breeze blocks on the dive boat and then put into place underwater. This has shown good results and many of our test subjects are healthy and growing well. As the breeze blocks have no organisms growing on them, prior to attachment, this is one factor less for the coral fragments to deal with. Eventually the breeze blocks will provide a habitat for other coral species to naturally settle onto. However, the breeze blocks are heavy and impracticable if you are trying to rehabilitate a large area.

cable tied frame
By far, the highest success rate has been attaching the fragments to metal frames. The frames are manufactured so that the coral can be attached about 8″ above the sand, which avoids sedimentation. The frames are also free of aggressive organism that would affect the coral. Another great advantage is with the monitoring. When attaching corals to the natural substrate it is difficult to track where and how many corals are surviving. However each rack has a certain number of fragments attached so it is very simple to assess how many have survived.

The work to date

Attaching fragments to the metal racks has been very successful so far. Transplanting commenced at the Laem Jong site in 2015. Originally we attached to dead-standing ‘acropora’ coral however success levels using this method was limited, partially due to some minor bleaching events that occurred since then. However in 2019 we (DMCR) installed 72 metal frames that could hold just over 1000 fragments. This program was expanded in 2020 with another 20 frames along with 10 wire mesh units

Transplanting techniques

After 12 months in the coral nursery most of our corals are ready to be transplanted back onto the coral reef. We select specific locations based upon the depth and the suitability from that specific coral species. we also focus on sites that have considerable reef damage.
Over the 14 years of this project, we have explored numerous techniques for re-attaching corals to the substrate, and each has had different levels of success.

hammer transplants
Using hammer and chisel we drill (hammer) holes into dead coral substrate. This is extremely arduous as the substrate is rock hard. The corals would then be inserted into the hole and we would use bamboo chopsticks to wedge the corals into place. The advantage of using bamboo chopsticks, is that eventually they would disintegrate leaving just the coral fragment which will have fused to the substrate by then. The disadvantage was that it was very difficult to ensure all the fragments had been firmly fixed in place and many would be lost.

cable tied natural
This technique has had varied success and is largely affected by the skill of the diver carrying out the task. If the standing dead coral was too loose, or brittle then it could tumble and be washed away, so selecting a suitable piece of dead coral is important. Also there could be organisms on the standing dead coral that could affect the health of the fragment. Sometimes we discovered that the fragments were covered in sediment, due to the seasonal rise in the level of the sand and the fragment having been attached too close to the sand. However, if the correct type of substrate is selected and the fragment is attached high enough from the sand we can see this is effective and we have many healthy coral colonies.

breeze blocks
Fragments are cemented to breeze blocks on the dive boat and then put into place underwater. This has shown good results and many of our test subjects are healthy and growing well. As the breeze blocks have no organisms growing on them, prior to attachment, this is one factor less for the coral fragments to deal with. Eventually the breeze blocks will provide a habitat for other coral species to naturally settle onto. However, the breeze blocks are heavy and impracticable if you are trying to rehabilitate a large area.

cable tied frame
By far, the highest success rate has been attaching the fragments to metal frames. The frames are manufactured so that the coral can be attached about 8″ above the sand, which avoids sedimentation. The frames are also free of aggressive organism that would affect the coral. Another great advantage is with the monitoring. When attaching corals to the natural substrate it is difficult to track where and how many corals are surviving. However each rack has a certain number of fragments attached so it is very simple to assess how many have survived.

Coral Rehabilitation Workshop

Our Coral Rehabilitation Workshop aims to teach students about coral reefs and other marine organisms.
The workshop looks at the role of the coral reef ecosystem and the types of threats that have an impact on the health of the reef.
As part of the workshop students are taught the techniques used for restocking the coral nursery and the methodology used in transplanting the corals back to the coral reefs.

Learn More about our Workshop

nursery 06

Coral Rehabilitation Workshop

Our Coral Rehabilitation Workshop aims to teach students about coral reefs and other marine organisms.
The workshop looks at the role of the coral reef ecosystem and the types of threats that have an impact on the health of the reef.
As part of the workshop students are taught the techniques used for restocking the coral nursery and the methodology used in transplanting the corals back to the coral reefs.

Learn More about our Workshop

nursery 06