Project title: ReefSeed – a portable aquaculture system for rapid and up-scaled production and deployment of corals for reef restoration
Project lead: Andrea Severati
Co-applicants: Dr. Muhammad Azmi Abdul Wahab, Dr. Carly Randall, Hassan Shakeel, Dr. Christopher Doropoulos
Countries involved: Australia and Maldives
Takes place: Australia and Maldives
Supporting institutions: Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI), Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Total budget: USD $1,499,999.00
Duration: 36 months
Project overview
Coral reefs are declining at alarming rates due to climate change, pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction. As natural recovery struggles to keep pace with these threats, active restoration efforts have become essential to preserve corals for future generations. Unlike terrestrial restoration projects, which have well-established methodologies and large-scale success stories, reef restoration remains in its early stages. Most projects are small-scale, short-term, and resource-intensive, often requiring substantial financial and logistical investments to maintain nurseries, grow corals, and transplant them back onto reefs. This limits the impact of restoration efforts, particularly in developing regions where resources are scarce.
The ReefSeed project will revamp coral reef restoration with innovative aquaculture methods. ReefSeed is a land-based coral aquaculture system that can reduce coral production time from months to weeks by increasing fertilization rate and accelerating coral larval settlement and deployment. This system can generate up to 144,000 young corals per year, representing a step change in the scalability of future coral reef restoration efforts.
This containerized system can be rapidly deployed from the surface, avoiding the use of divers and reducing the associated diving costs. Its portability means it can be set up right next to a beach, drawing water from the ocean and using an independent power source for filtration, pumps, and temperature control. Ultimately, ReefSeed will empower local communities to restore degraded reefs efficiently.
Specific objectives
- Develop, refine, and test the ReefSeed aquaculture system for rapid upscaling and deployment of corals for reef restoration in the Maldives
- Transfer knowledge to Maldivian scientists and restoration practitioners.
How the objectives will be met
This project will be developed through three phases:
- Phase 1: Develop the prototype of the ReefSeed system and train the staff team in Australia.
- Phase 2: Field test ReefSeed in Australia and adapt the system based on lessons learned.
- Phase 3: Transfer knowledge and technology to Maldivian scientists and restoration practitioners by promoting training sessions covering coral sexual reproduction, aquaculture techniques, among other topics.
Impact of the project
ReefSeed represents a paradigm shift in coral restoration, offering a portable and compact solution that can be implemented across the globe. Each ReefSeed system can produce up to 144,000 seeding units annually, while reducing costs and increasing efficiency, making it ideal for small island nations. By providing training, knowledge and technology transfer to Maldivian scientists and coral restoration practitioners, ReefSeed empowers local communities to restore degraded reefs efficiently, which is particularly important for remote locations lacking capacity on complex logistical operations.
Major highlights
- Innovative, portable aquaculture system for reef restoration.
- Strategic partnership with local partners to adapt this technology to the local conditions in Maldives, transfer the knowledge, and build local capacity.
- Potential for widespread application in remote reef-dependent communities.
The ReefSeed system will include innovative features such as:
- Automated spawning with high fertilization efficiency.
- Modular settlement substrates for rapid assembly and deployment.
- Surface-based deployment using environmentally safe and durable materials.
- Compact and portable design suitable for remote regions.
In 2024:
✅ Completed the ReefSeed mobile lab in Australia.
✅ Trained 9 people in coral aquaculture techniques.
To learn more about this project, watch the episode 7 of our web series.
