Micro-fragmentation “master class” underway on Praslin Island

Group-photo Nature Seychelles Team

Nature Seychelles, in partnership with the UNDP and the Government of Seychelles, is hosting a Coral Restoration Micro-fragmentation Training Workshop from March 10 to March 14, 2025, at its CORAL facility in Amitie, Praslin Island. This is part of the regional Coral Reef Restoration Project being implemented in Seychelles and Mauritius, with financial support from the Adaptation Fund.

The training workshop kicked off today March 10th, with an opening ceremony led by Mr. Denis Matatiken, the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change, and Environment.

Mr. Denis Matatiken, the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change, and Environment

It brings together 15 coral reef practitioners from the two countries, to equip them with the innovative micro-fragmentation technique for coral reef restoration. They include representatives from the implementing partners in Seychelles, Mauritius, and Rodrigues, namely Nature Seychelles, Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority, MCSS, Shoals Rodrigues, Ecosud, Reef Conservation, Marine Academy and Research Centre, Albion Fisheries Research centre, Mauritius Oceanography Institute, as well as the Blue Economy Research Institute-University of Seychelles.

Dr. David Vaughan, CEO of Plant a Million Corals and a prominent expert in coral restoration who is also the editor of “Active Coral Restoration: Techniques for a Changing Planet,” is leading the training. He will share his extensive knowledge and hands-on expertise, covering topics such as land nursery operations, branching and massive coral restoration, and coral sexual reproduction.

Micro-fragmentation accelerates coral growth and represents a significant advancement in reef restoration efforts

Dr Vaughan developed micro-fragmentation, a revolutionary approach, which involves cutting corals into tiny fragments that grow significantly faster than traditional methods. This technique accelerates coral growth and represents a significant advancement in reef restoration efforts. Trainees will acquire practical micro-fragmentation, coral cutting, and mounting techniques.

“This is a masterclass in coral micro-fragmentation and you are learning from the grandmaster of micro-fragmentation,” said Dr Nirmal Shah, Nature Seychelles’ Chief Executive.

He added that the training is being held for the first time in Seychelles and that this is a historical moment in the Western Indian Ocean.

“Micro-fragmentation will be an incredible game-changer for coral restoration in Seychelles and Mauritius. By using this technique, we will be able to grow, propagate, and plant species of massive corals, which we were not able to grow and plant in our normal ocean nurseries, to increase the diversity and resilience of restored reefs,” he said.

Dr. Vaughan demonstrating how to micro-fragment corals using a specialised band saw

“In addition to being taught by Dr Vaughan himself, you are also privileged to be using the country’s first land-based coral nursery in Africa,” PS Matatiken told participants in his opening remarks.

 

“This facility is a symbol of hope and a testament to our commitment to pioneering solutions for coral restoration in the face of a changing climate. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Nature Seychelles, UNDP, and all the partners and stakeholders who have made this workshop possible,” he added.

Mr. Daig Romain, Seychelles’ National Project Coordinator for the Coral Restoration Project said the regional training will not only facilitate knowledge exchange, but also build capacity among coral reef practitioners from Seychelles, Mauritius, and Rodrigues, fostering South-South collaboration among SIDS. “By working together and sharing expertise, we are strengthening our collective efforts to combat the impacts of climate change on marine biodiversity,” he stated.  

(Nature Seychelles)

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