For diveOceanus by, Mohamed Seeneen

Coral Planting Project at Royal Island

In May 2023, we launched our Coral Planting Project at Royal Island. Like many reefs in the Indian Ocean and around the world, our House Reef faces challenges such as Coral Bleaching due to heat waves. These events place significant stress on the reef ecosystem and impact the experience of our guests, who visit us throughout the year.

What is Coral Bleaching?

Coral bleaching occurs when corals experience environmental stress, primarily due to rising water temperatures. Corals have a symbiotic relationship with tiny algae called zooxanthellae, which live within their tissues, providing both color and energy through photosynthesis. When the water becomes too warm, corals expel these algae, causing them to turn white or ‘bleach.’ Without their algae, corals lose their primary energy source, making them more vulnerable to disease and potential death. While bleached corals are not dead, they are in a weakened state and may not survive if conditions do not improve.

Our coral reef restoration program

When we began our project in 2023, the initial results were promising. We launched a coral reef restoration program that combined education, awareness, and hands-on restoration. School children from surrounding islands participated alongside our staff and guests.

Our first steps involved collecting resilient hard coral fragments from the top reef — corals that had survived the previous year’s heatwaves and also from our coral . Fragments that had broken off due to natural causes were attached to floating nurseries, where they thrived and grew. However, in 2024, a severe bleaching event threatened our progress, putting immense stress on the project.

Fortunately, unexpected rainfall toward the end of 2024 brought cooler temperatures, allowing the reefs to recover. Seizing the opportunity, we initiated our 2025 planting sessions with renewed energy. The involvement of our guests was crucial to this effort. The success of this initiative would not have been possible without the dedication and collaboration of the Resorts Team. Their commitment and effort have been instrumental in making this a reality.

Today, the coral colonies are flourishing, and the reef is teeming with life thanks to the fragments planted by our dedicated dive team. New nurseries have been established in our lagoon and at the House Reef, ensuring the continued growth and restoration of this vital ecosystem.

On 17th February 2025, our guests at Royal Island Resort filled 05 frames, planting 200 coral fragments with 50 participants — a true team effort!

A Collective Effort for a Brighter Future

At Royal Island, we believe that the power of community, science, and passion can overcome even the greatest challenges. With the support of our guests, we are not just restoring reefs — we are creating a legacy of conservation for future generations. As part of this commitment, our dive school actively integrates reef restoration into its programs, offering divers and snorkelers a chance to engage with marine conservation firsthand. Whether learning about coral resilience, participating in planting sessions, or exploring the thriving reefs, guests become part of a larger movement!

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