Reef Rescuers: Coral fun in the sun

Nature Seychelles is currently hosting two international volunteer scientific divers at its Reef Rescuers project on Praslin. They help with all aspects of the project including carrying out tasks underwater. In this article, Charlotte Dale, one of the volunteers, provides a first-hand account of her experience.

Nature Seychelles Reef Rescuers is based on Praslin and working in the Cousin Island MPA

I took my first breath underwater at age ten just off the shores of the paradisiacal island of Bonaire. As I descended into the crystal-clear waters, lungs expanding and contracting at a calm yet anticipatory rate and excitement brewing in the pit of my stomach, I saw the spectacle of an alien world unfolding before my eyes. What awaited me was a vast jungle of vibrant colours and biodiversity so rich I could not contain my awe. I had no fear of depth, just a great love and curiosity for the ocean and its creatures. Years later, I find myself in Seychelles, conducting research and helping to preserve and restore the ocean’s treasures as an international volunteer with the Reef Rescuers project on Praslin.

I immediately felt at home after a warm welcome from the Nature Seychelles team and the stunning views of the sunset between Cousine and Cousin Islands, which you can see from the CORAL centre.

Her first week was spent helping build a rope nursery

My first week in the Cousin Island MPA was spent helping build a rope nursery that can hold 3,000-4,000 coral fragments at a time. Despite this labour-intensive task being exhausting, there was something oddly therapeutic and satisfying about dropping a 7kg Thor-like hammer down on a metal angle bar 18 metres below the surface. Once the structure was installed, it was time to collect reef-building Acropora colonies from the healthy donor site. As it is Hawksbill turtle nesting season, we are perpetually visited by these docile, inquisitive reptiles while we chisel away, their tags intermittently catching the rays of the sun. We know they have made it to land and, with any luck, have laid their eggs, creating a sense of optimism for the future of these critically endangered creatures. To be able to dive on a reef with such an abundance of life and coral species is truly a blessing. Knowing that these healthy fragments have a better chance of survival in nurseries or attached to spider frames keeps the hope of restoring Seychelles’ decimated reefs alive.

In addition Charlotte will conduct experiments for her Masters study

As part of my Master’s degree, I am designing an experiment for my dissertation, which will compare nursery stocking techniques, and attempt to reduce algal growth and cleaning time at nurseries. Initial monitoring will take place soon, but I am currently waiting for the weather and experiment schedules to align. The North-West monsoon seems to have ideas of its own.

I plan to remain with Nature Seychelles until at least May. I am looking forward to seeing the (hopefully) resilient corals grow, taking part in the transplantation of coral fragments, and observing the construction of a brand new land-based nursery that will employ state-of-the-art technology. Getting to experience more of this archipelagic island country fills me with joy.