Coral Gets Reef-urbished

What It’s Like to Plant Coral on the Great Barrier Reef

By Ruth Puddefoot
A world icon and Australia’s most treasured natural wonder, the Great Barrier Reef never ceases to amaze with its kaleidoscope of colour, teeming marine life, and vital role in the planet’s ecology. Yet as headlines about its health have faded, a deeper story unfolds: what is really happening beneath the surface, and who is stepping up to safeguard it?
For years, as a journalist passionate about the environment and marine conservation, I have dreamed of both helping protect this natural wonder and reporting on its reality. Amid a sea of conflicting headlines about the Reef’s health, I wanted to see for myself what it is like to be part of a coral restoration project.
Increasing global and local stressors are steadily eroding the reef’s ability to withstand future shocks. Research from the Coral Nurture Program indicates that two of the most effective ways to enhance reef resilience are maintaining biodiversity and protecting coral cover. At high-value reef sites, efforts focus on preserving and enhancing existing coral populations, safeguarding the delicate balance of species that underpins the reef’s survival.
The program is a collaborative initiative between tourism operators and scientists, designed to strengthen the reef’s resilience in the face of environmental change. Rather than attempting to “save the reef” outright, it concentrates on supporting high-value sites through a combination of scientific innovation and community-based coral restoration. By planting corals and nurturing biodiversity, the program enhances both ecological health and local stewardship, particularly at sites of economic and cultural significance.
While large-scale reef restoration remains complex and costly,Coral Nurture Program aims to "buy time" by maintaining coral cover where it's most needed. Insights gained contribute to broader reef management and future site-specific intervention strategies.
As part of this initiative, I joined a fantastic team that planted corals to revive reef areas where coral cover had declined. At the same time, we worked diligently to protect and nurture vibrant reef sites that continue to flourish.
I was thrilled to be invited by Brent Chatterton, Owner and CEO of Kiana, to join this phase of the project. The team, which consisted of Dive Manager Augusto (Gus) Cazon, Park Ranger Dani Lo Surdo, and me, headed to Blue Pearl Bay, a site that has experienced a decline in hard coral cover. The full extent and causes of this decline remain unclear. Some reports suggest a significant reduction, while other research points to recent fluctuations and even signs of recovery. The reef here has been shaped by significant events, including Cyclone Ului, Cyclone Debbie and episodes of coral bleaching.

During the first dive, we carefully removed corals from nursery frames, classifying each by species and photographing them for the research team. Cleaning the frames involved removing algae and Drupella, a coral-eating sea snail. On the second dive, wearing protective gloves, we planted the corals in their new homes, gently placing each fragment in areas of the reef where it could thrive.
The process was meticulous, but witnessing the vibrant marine life interacting with the newly planted corals was a highlight. Fish inspected our work with curiosity, and the sense of contributing to something bigger than ourselves was gratifying. The project wrapped up on Monday, 16 June, and throughout the initiative, more than 2,500 new corals were planted at Blue Pearl Bay.
Being part of this project highlighted both the challenges and potential of coral restoration. Large-scale reef rehabilitation remains complex and costly; however, localised initiatives like this provide valuable insights into reef management and strategies for future interventions. It also reinforced the importance of community engagement in conservation. Hands-on experiences like this foster stewardship and inspire a deeper connection to our natural world.
For me, the weekend was not just about planting corals; it was about understanding the dedication, expertise, and collaboration required to protect one of the planet’s most precious ecosystems. The experience highlighted the interplay between science, tourism, and conservation, demonstrating how carefully guided initiatives can make a tangible difference.
How you can help protect the Reef:
   • Be a sustainable tourist: avoid touching or stepping on coral, and snorkel carefully
   • Reduce plastic use and dispose of waste responsibly
   • Buy sustainably sourced seafood
   • Educate yourself and others about reef conservation
   • Use reef-safe sunscreen
For more information, visit: https://www.coralnurtureprogram.org/

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Coral nursery at Blue Pearl Bay
Coral nursery at Blue Pearl Bay
Ruth Puddefoot planting a coral in its new home
A fish being inquisitive while watching us work
Names of Corals at Blue Pearl Bay
Augusto Cazón and Ruth Puddefoot about to start planting corals
Ruth Puddefoot infront of Coral Nurture Program Sign
Augusto Cazón and Ruth Puddefoot commencing the dive.
Dani Lo Surdo about to begin first dive.
Augusto Cazón and Ruth Puddefoot after finishing the planting process.

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