Coral Transplantation Technology for Sustainable Fisheries and Underwater Tourism

Abstract

Application of coral transplantation technology was the project funded by Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (PCAARRD DOST). Implemented by Bohol Island State University – Candijay Campus in partnership with Provincial Government of Bohol, Municipality of Anda, and AMUN Ini Beach Resort. 30,000 coral fragments from dislodged coral colonies were transplanted in damaged reef areas in Anda, Bohol, Philippines. Coral fragments were attached in the nailed concrete nails, fixed with plastic cable ties, and tightened with aqua epoxy clay from 5 m to 12 m depth. After year of transplanting corals, it was found that the total mean average of survival = 37.1 percent, however, in term of significant difference of survived coral it was revealed that there is a significant different due to “p value = 0.367” which is higher than the p = 0.05”. With regards to the influence of transplanted corals to fish, it was observed that there were 38 families with 52 species of fish, and thousands of individuals attracted and settled in the rehabilitated area. The dominant species of fish in both areas were Pomacentridae and Apogonidae with the occurrence of other attractive animals such as sea slugs, sea turtles, leopard anemone shrimp, whale shark and eagle ray.