How Scuba Efforts are Helping Rebuild Fajaro’s Reef

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We all know scuba diving is about adventure. But let’s not forget, it’s also about appreciating nature. That’s why many divers help with different initiatives to preserve and protect our planet. In addition to climate change and pollution, we also have to worry about natural disasters and their effect on wildlife. In 2017, Hurricane Maria left destruction in its wake, damaging the coral population in Puerto Rico. This past year, many have donated their time and effort to help salvage the reefs. Our diving community has stepped up to help with the restoration efforts.

REBUILDING FAJARO’S BEAUTY

As any native or nomad will tell you, Puerto Rico’s charm lies in the island’s natural beauty. Technicolor fish and coral colonies bolster tourism. Yes, they’re easy on the eyes, but reefs also block coasts from massive waves and house regularly consumed critters (read: red snappers, lobsters, and octopi). Good for the economy and an irreplaceable part of ocean life, reefs are basically a big deal.

Unfortunately, the Category 5 storm (which hit in September 2017) didn’t spare any of Fajaro’s tropical wonders. In fact, Hurricane Maria damaged 1.2 billion trees and displaced hundreds of thousands of coral reefs across the region. Relief answered human needs first while toppled trees and broken coral waited. Without funds, there was little movement on either restoration front until about six months after the hurricane (Spring 2018). As the island population started to regroup, seed money dedicated to coral restoration kicked in. Cue the scuba divers.

DIVING FOR GOOD

So, how does one restore coral? It starts by picking up the pieces:

  1. First, dedicated divers hunt down coral debris scattered across the once popular scuba zones.

  2. After collecting the drifted sea animals, they find “healthy” patches of reefs for rebuilding.

  3. Once they’ve removed any accumulated algae or other idlers, the volunteers lay fresh cement for “attaching” the recovered coral pieces.

Weird science, right? We think so — in the best way.

MEET THE KEY PLAYERS

Who are some of the deep divers and financial backers leading this restoration? Let’s meet them.

FORCE BLUE

Or divers getting it done. These retired veterans (U.S. Special Operations) restored 100–300 corals each day for 2 months in Puerto Rico’s northeast region with plans to continue as funds allow.

OCEAN CONSERVANCY

The environmental advocacy nonprofit is fighting the good fight (or protecting our oceans). The group helped the U.S. government supply the $1.5 million needed for Force Blue’s awesome progress. Now that’s making a splash.

PARA LA NATURALEZA

Plant whisperers and volunteers who’ve nurtured thousands of budding plants that will reforest the island. With a goal of replanting 750,000 in the next 6 years (with millions of native seeds still to recover), the green experts aren’t letting the hard work dampen their spirits. It’s a way for them to rebuild together.

SCUBA SAVES

With these restoration efforts marking the largest of their kind in Puerto Rican history, we’d call scuba diving more than a sport. It’s a vessel for healing.