Building Circular Economies Through Coral Cultivation

Countries involved:  UK, Indonesia

Coral Collective Partner:  CORDAP

Indonesia is home to the largest coral reef system in the world. It is also one of the most biodiverse. Many of the corals found here are at risk from the aquarium trade, and despite the Indonesian Government limiting the harvesting of ornamental corals from the wild, the majority of these are still illegally collected directly from the reef. Huge advances have already been made in culturing corals, but the more species we can successfully cultivate, the more we can alleviate widespread loss of corals on account of collection pressure. This project will use a novel and portable ‘lab in a box’ apparatus to reproduce rare and ornamental coral species, reducing the reliance of the aquarium trade on wild corals. The corals grown will also have the potential to be used for reef restoration purposes, leveraging sustainable business practice to fund and support local coral reef conservation.

FAQ of Coral Reefs Conservation in Uk

• Does the UK have any coral reefs?

  Yes, the UK has coral reefs, primarily located around the coasts of Scotland and the Channel Islands. These reefs are mostly deep-sea cold-water corals, such as the Lophelia pertusa species, which thrive in cooler waters compared to tropical coral reefs.

• What conservation efforts are being used for coral reefs?

  Conservation efforts for coral reefs include the creation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), sustainable fishing practices, coral restoration projects, and reducing pollution. Coral cultivation, raising awareness, and limiting destructive fishing practices are key strategies to preserve coral reefs for future generations.

• Is coral legal in the UK?

  Coral is legal in the UK; however, wild coral collection is strictly regulated under international law. The UK adheres to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which ensures that coral harvesting and trade are conducted sustainably to protect vulnerable species.

• What is the government doing to protect coral reefs?

  The UK government is taking steps to protect coral reefs by designating Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), regulating fishing activities, and promoting sustainable tourism. Furthermore, it supports global coral conservation through funding and participation in international conservation agreements such as CITES and the UN Ocean Conference.

• What is the best charity for coral reefs?

  Some of the best charities for coral reefs include Project Coral, For Coral, and The Coral Collective. These organizations focus on coral restoration, protection, and raising awareness about the importance of coral reefs globally. Additionally, Reefs Save is another notable initiative dedicated to coral conservation.

• What are countries doing to protect coral reefs?

  Countries are protecting coral reefs by establishing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), promoting sustainable fisheries, reducing coastal pollution, and investing in coral restoration. Nations such as Australia have launched significant reef preservation projects, like the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, while others are working on climate change mitigation to safeguard reefs from warming oceans.