Camp Samoa Coral Gardeners Resource Kit.
- Jeremiah Smith
- Aug 7
- 16 min read
Updated: Aug 20
So, you are interested in coming over to help us plant some coral ? Camp on the beach, go swimming, surfing, fishing, climbing, exploring and PLANT LOTS OF CORAL !
We have a lot of coral to grow. If you want to get involved, spend some time hands on, your first step will be to familiarise yourself with the information below!
Then look at our action kit and keep up to date with our posts as we get the project underway!
Reef Resiliance Network : https://reefresilience.org/
Check them out, join them, read about how it is done, check out the tool kits, attend the training. Equip yourself with knowledge ! Then come to the beach to practice planting !
The Restoration Tool Kit
Restoration toolkit (a really good overview of the restoration process, methods, and things to keep in mind)
Online trainings (including Coral Reef Restoration)
Webinars (covers timely topics such as bleaching response)
Article summaries (heavy on science - good to go deep on a specific topic)
Coral Restoration Consortium (has resources on the following topics)
Capacity Building
Genetic and Population management
Propagation and Outplanting
Restoration Planning and Management
Restoration Site Monitoring
Spawning
Species Fact Sheet
Other relevant organizations
Also check out these awesome videos and resources
Now after learning about the above and registering for the training, check out the information below. This is the basic guide and intention for December 2025! Our first coral nurseries will be planted at Lalomanu in the lagoon opposite Eco-Camp Samoa.
Our Guide To Creating Our Coral Nursery!
-Orientation -Nursery Types -All about Coral Trees -Coral Fragmentation -Legal information
Orientation
Why Do We Need Coral Reefs?
Coral reefs are the rainforests of the ocean — and they’re dying fast. Here's why they matter and why we must restore them now.
1. They Support Life
Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean but support 25% of all marine species.
Fish, turtles, mollusks, and even dolphins rely on reef ecosystems to feed, breed, and shelter.
2. They Feed People
In Samoa and across the Pacific, reefs are a major source of protein and food security.
Many coastal communities depend on reef fish for daily meals and livelihoods.
3. They Protect the Shore
Healthy reefs act as natural seawalls, absorbing up to 97% of wave energy.
They reduce coastal erosion, flooding, and storm damage — a growing risk with rising sea levels and cyclones.
4. They Support Local Economies
Reefs boost fishing, tourism, and cultural traditions — all essential to village economies.
Healthy reefs mean more fish, more snorkelers and divers, and more long-term opportunity.
5. They Are Dying Fast
Coral bleaching, overfishing, pollution, and climate change have killed 50–90% of coral cover in parts of Samoa — especially around Upolu (RNZ Report).
Without active restoration, reefs won’t recover in time to keep their role in the ecosystem.
Why Should We Restore Coral Reefs?
The main reason for us is that we are born coral caretakers. Much of our land is surrounded by coral reef and it is our responsibility to care for it. In addition to this promary motivator....
Because nature can’t keep up without help.
In some places, coral recovery takes decades — or never happens at all.
Active restoration gives coral a fighting chance by:
Growing healthy coral fragments in nurseries
Replanting them onto degraded reefs
Monitoring and protecting them during early growth stages
Restoration also:
Builds resilience: Mixing species helps reefs survive heatwaves and disease.
Inspires communities: Locals and visitors see coral bounce back, building pride and stewardship.
Prepares for the future: New research shows restored reefs can adapt and recover faster if given the right head start.
This article outlines how most of the Coral around Upolu is dead -
What is a Coral Nursery?
A coral nursery is like a plant nursery, but underwater — a safe, protected place where young coral fragments are grown until they’re strong enough to survive on damaged reefs.
We will collect small, healthy pieces of coral (called “fragments” or “nubbins”) and attach them to structures like ropes, trees, or tables in the lagoon. These fragments grow faster in the nursery because they are:
Sheltered from waves and predators
Monitored regularly for health and growth
Cleaned of algae and pests when needed
Once the coral fragments are large and healthy (after a few months), we transplant them back onto damaged reef areas to rebuild living coral cover.
Why Use a Nursery Instead of Planting Directly?
Because it increases survival. In the wild, small coral pieces can easily get:
Washed away by currents
Overgrown by algae
Eaten by fish
Killed by sediment or stress
By raising them in a nursery, we give coral the best possible start — boosting survival rates by up to 10 times compared to direct outplanting.
Familiarise yourself with these videos to understand more about how coral grows, what it looks like, various nursery structures and practices,
How does Coral grow and build reefs -
Short Coral Restoration video (in Fiji), shows timelapses of coral growth - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PR7BObzJ5ZI
About coral and coral growth, biologists perspective on nursing coral, introducing issues and growth cycles - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enpkJE-7Dkc
Written guides -
These guides may feel quite overwhelming and large, however they will be perfect for more in depth study and understanding, with much more detail than this guide. NOTE – In Situ is the type of nursery we will be curating, this means in the sea (ex situ is on land).
Training Guide for Coral Reef Restoration – includes in‑situ and ex‑situ design, site selection, maintenance https://hilo.hawaii.edu/documents/academics/mop/projects/EhrenbergJ_coralnursery_2019.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Reef Rehabilitation Manual – low‑tech in situ nursery types like rope, nets, coral trees GEFCoral+1Reef Resilience Network+1
Coral Reef Restoration Toolkit – practical steps: site choice, building, fragmentation, monitoring, care routines ICRI
Guide to Coral Reef Restoration by CRC (Coral Restoration Consortium) – contains one‑page nursery designs (coral trees, line nurseries, platforms) crc.world
Kyeema Learning Hub https://kyeemafoundation.org/explore-our-work/resources/learning-hub/
Nursery Types
In your orientation information, you may have come across some jargon or images/videos around types of coral nursery which will looks different, some are on ropes, some are on grid platforms, and so forth. At the eco camp we will be practicing IN SITU (in sea) coral gardening, and will likely use the Coral Tree Method. Here is some information on types of coral nurserys -
1. Coral Tree Nursery (Best for Beginners & Fast Growth)
Best for:
Shallow lagoons (3–10m depth)
High survival rates (fragments hang freely, less algae/sediment buildup)
Easy monitoring & cleaning
Quick to assemble (PVC + rope)
Downsides:
Needs occasional maintenance (tying fragments, adjusting lines)
Vulnerable to strong storms if not anchored well
2. Line Nursery (Cheap & Simple)
Best for:
Very shallow areas (1–5m)
Low budget (just rope + weights)
Branching corals (e.g., Acropora)
Downsides:
Fragments can tangle or get smothered by algae
Harder to monitor growth
Good if: You’re on a tight budget and have calm, shallow water.
3. Table/Frame Nursery (Sturdy but Labor-Intensive)
Best for:
Areas with mild waves
Large-scale projects (holds hundreds of fragments)
Mixed coral species
Downsides:
Needs heavy materials (metal/plastic mesh, cement)
Algae grows fast on flat surfaces (requires frequent cleaning)
Useful if: You have a dedicated team for maintenance.
All about Coral Trees
Here is a video on coral tree nurserys to watch - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fbRdIDHFAM
Step-by-Step Guide: Building a Coral Tree Nursery
(Perfect for beginners in shallow lagoons!)
This method is low-cost, easy to assemble, and ideal for volunteer teams. Based on proven designs from Fiji, the Caribbean, and C4 Conservation.
Materials Needed
(For 1 Coral Tree – Scale Up as Needed!)
1. Structure & Anchoring
✔ PVC pipes (1.5–2m long, 3–5cm diameter) – Horizontal arms ✔ PVC T-joints or cross joints (to connect arms) ✔ Cement blocks/sandbags (for base weight) ✔ Rope/nylon line (to anchor the tree)
2. Coral Attachment
✔ Monofilament fishing line (or thin nylon rope) ✔ Coral fragments (5–15cm long, collected from broken pieces) ✔ Zip ties (optional, for securing lines)
3. Tools
✔ Scissors/knife (to cut fishing line) ✔ Snorkel/dive gear ✔ Underwater slate (for notes)
Step 1: Build the Coral Tree (On Land)
(Do this at camp before deploying!)
Cut PVC pipes into:
1 vertical post (1–1.5m long)
4 horizontal arms (0.5–1m long)
Assemble the "tree":
Attach arms to the post using T-joints or cross joints (like a + sign).
Ensure the structure is stable (wiggle-test it!).
Add weights:
Tie cement blocks or sandbags to the base (so it won’t float away).
Step 2: Deploy the Tree in the Lagoon
(Best at low tide/slack current!)
Choose a site:
3–10m deep, sandy or rubble bottom (avoid seagrass).
Sheltered from waves (lagoons are perfect).
Anchor the tree:
Lower the tree into the water (2+ people make this easier).
Bury the base in sand or secure with cement blocks.
Tie extra ropes to nearby rocks if needed (for storm protection).
Step 3: Hang Coral Fragments
Collect fragments:
Never break live coral! Use naturally broken pieces (post-storm debris is ideal).
Best species: Acropora, Pocillopora, Montipora (fast-growing, hardy).
Prepare fragments:
Trim jagged edges with bone cutters (smoother = faster healing).
Attach to the tree:
Tie fishing line around the fragment (not too tight!).
Hang fragments 10–20cm apart (so they don’t touch when growing).
Start with 10–20 fragments per tree (you can add more later).
Step 4: Monitor & Maintain
Weekly checks (first month):
Are fragments staying attached?
Is algae smothering them? (Gently brush off if needed.)
Monthly checks:
Measure growth (take photos with a ruler).
Replace dead fragments (some mortality is normal).
After 6–12 months:
Transplant healthy corals to the reef! (Glue to rocks with epoxy.)
Very useful video showing coral trees in action - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qN2BIk5yElM&t=106s
Guide to Coral Trees TM - https://www.reefresilience.org/wp-content/uploads/Nedimyer-et-al.-2011-Coral-Tree-Nursery.pdf
Coral Fragmentation
In this section you will learn about the process of coral fragmentation-
Coral fragmentation is a method of asexual coral reproduction where healthy coral colonies are cut or broken into smaller pieces, called fragments, which can then grow into new, independent colonies. This technique is used in coral gardening, reef restoration, and aquarium reproduction. It mimics a natural process where disturbances like storms break off coral pieces that then reattach and grow.
This is the practice used to collect and grow more coral in our garden nursery.
Here is a very quick video to review -
This video describes and shows (around the 2 minute mark) the process and use of MICROfragmentation, which can increase coral growth and make restoration of species more efficient, these people work in a lab and their coral growth nursery is much more controlled and scientific -
Step-by-Step Guide: Collecting Coral Fragments for Your Nursery
Collecting coral fragments correctly is the most important step—do it wrong, and you’ll harm the reef. Do it right, and you’ll have a thriving nursery!
Rule #1: Never Break Healthy Coral!
Only collect fragments that: Are already broken (storm debris, boat anchor damage, loose on sand). Are small (5–15cm)—bigger pieces can reattach naturally. Come from resilient, fast-growing species (Acropora, Pocillopora, Montipora).
Never:
Break live coral off the reef.
Take rare or slow-growing corals (e.g., brain corals).
Collect from protected areas without permits.
Step 1: Find Fragments (Snorkel/Dive Survey)
Timing: Best after high tide or storms (more loose fragments).
Where to look:
Lagoon floor (sand/rubble areas where fragments wash up).
Reef edges (broken pieces often snag here).
Near old anchor damage (common source of fragments).
Check if it’s alive:
Look for polyps (tiny mouths)—if they’re open, the coral is alive!
Avoid bleached (white) or dead (covered in algae) fragments.
Step 2: Collecting & Preparing Fragments
Tools Needed:
Gloves (to avoid cuts + protect coral from oils on skin).
Mesh collection bag (lets water flow, prevents fragment damage).
Bone cutters/scissors (for trimming).
Waterproof slate (to note species/location).
How to Collect:
Gently pick up the fragment (don’t crush it!).
Rinse in seawater to remove sand/debris.
Trim dead/damaged parts with bone cutters (clean edges heal faster).
Store in shade (never leave fragments in direct sun or freshwater!).
Step 3: Transport to Nursery
Keep fragments submerged (use a bucket of seawater if carrying by boat).
Avoid stacking (they can break each other).
Attach to nursery within 1–2 hours (longer = higher stress).
Best Species for Beginners
Coral Type | Why It’s Good | Frag Size |
Acropora (Staghorn/Branching) | Grows fast (10–20cm/year) | 5–10cm |
Pocillopora (Cauliflower Coral) | Tough, survives rough handling | 5–15cm |
Montipora (Plate Coral) | Easy to glue, spreads quickly | 5–10cm |
Critical Mistakes to Avoid
Taking from healthy colonies (kills the "mother" coral).
Using dirty tools (rinse in seawater to avoid infections).
Overcrowding fragments (space them 10–20cm apart).
Quick Field Checklist
✔ Are fragments already broken? ✔ Are polyps open and colorful? ✔ Are they under 15cm? ✔ Have I trimmed ragged edges? ✔ Are they stored in seawater?
Helpful Video Demonstrations
How to Collect Coral Fragments (C4 Conservation) (Best practices for ethical collection)
Trimming & Preparing Fragments (KYEEMA Foundation) (Step-by-step trimming guide)
Next Steps
Train your team on fragment collection (do a practice run in shallow water).
Label fragments (use tags to track species/growth).
Start small—collect 20–30 fragments for your first nursery.
Key Conflict:
Some guides say: "Clip fragments from healthy corals."
Better practice (for beginners): "Only use already broken fragments."
Why the Contradiction?
Scientific vs. Community Approaches:
Research projects sometimes clip small tips from healthy corals (studies show <10% impact if done carefully).
Community-led projects (like yours) often avoid this because:
Untrained volunteers might overharvest.
Samoa’s reefs are already stressed (per your RNZ report).
Risk of Harm:
Cutting healthy coral wrongly can:
Spread disease.
Kill the donor colony.
Reduce reef resilience.
Best Practice:
1. Only Collect Already Broken Fragments
Sources:
Storm debris
Anchor-damaged areas
Coral "rubble fields" (where waves break branches naturally)
2. If You Must Clip Healthy Corals:
(Only for trained teams with permits!)
Rules:
Take ≤1 branch per colony (never the base).
Use sterilized tools (dip in 10% bleach solution between colonies).
Only clip fast-growing species (e.g., Acropora).
Never clip:
Rare/old corals.
Bleached or diseased colonies.
3. Why We Prioritize "Broken Only" for You:
Safer for beginners (no risk of killing donors).
More sustainable in crisis zones (like Samoa’s degraded reefs).
Just as effective—storm fragments grow just as well in nurseries!
Never break live coral for fragments unless you’re a trained researcher with permits. Samoa’s reefs are too fragile. Use only broken pieces!
Ethical Alternative:
Partner with MNRE or local fishers to identify storm-damaged sites where fragments are abundant.
Coral Nursery Manual for Absolute Beginners
Rule #1: We Do NOT Harm Healthy Coral!
Why We Never Break Live Coral
Samoa’s reefs are already in crisis—we must help them, not hurt them. Here’s why:
Breaking live coral kills it slowly (like cutting a tree’s roots).
Diseases spread easily when corals are cut.
It’s illegal in many places without special permits.
What We Actually Do: The "Litter Picking" Method
We only collect coral pieces that are already broken and dying. Think of it like:
Collecting seashells (you take what’s already on the sand).
Rescuing survivors after a storm.
How to Collect and plant Coral Fragments
Step 1: Find "Orphan" Corals
Where to look:
Lagoon floor (walk in shallow water at low tide).
Near broken reef edges (where waves smash corals).
After storms (best time—nature does the breaking for us!).
What to grab:
Palm-sized pieces (5–15cm long).
Colorful with tiny dots (those dots are living polyps!).
What to LEAVE:
Anything still attached to the reef.
White/chalky pieces (already dead).
Big chunks (they might regrow on their own).
Step 2: Pick Up Like a Jedi
Wear gloves (your sunscreen/oils can hurt coral).
Grab the dead end (never touch the living tissue).
Rinse in seawater (to clean off sand).
Step 3: Store Like Sushi
Keep fragments wet (use a bucket of seawater).
No squishing! (lay them flat like eggs).
Out of the sun (shade = happy coral).
Safe Transport of Coral Fragments
To move coral fragments safely from the donor site to the nursery:
1. Use a Collection Crate or Mesh Bag
Use a plastic crate with holes, mesh bag, or shallow container that allows water flow.
Place a layer of soft rubber mat or clean seaweed at the bottom to prevent rubbing.
2. Keep Fragments Submerged
Never let coral dry out — even brief air exposure (more than 1 minute) can kill tissue.
If working in shallow water or wading, keep the container below the surface at all times.
If transporting on a boat, use a bucket or cooler with seawater and keep shaded.
3. Handle Gently
Always pick up fragments by the base or dead skeleton — not the live tips.
Avoid knocking fragments against each other.
4. Avoid Overcrowding
Lay fragments in a single layer, spaced slightly apart.
Overcrowding leads to rubbing, damage, and heat stress.
Time is Coral! (Work FAST)
Why? Coral starts "suffocating" the moment it’s picked up.
Speed Guide:
Time Since Picking | What’s Happening | What to Do |
0–30 min | Coral is chill | Best time to plant! |
30–60 min | Getting stressed | Hurry—keep it wet! |
1+ hour | Drowning in its own waste | Too late—toss it back. |
Pro Tip: Work in teams—one person picks, one plants!
Planting for Dummies
You Need:
Coral "tree" (PVC pipe with arms, see page 3).
Fishing line (or zip ties).
Scissors.
How to Tie a Coral:
Loop fishing line around the dead end.
Tie to PVC (like hanging a Christmas ornament).
Snip extra line (so it doesn’t tangle).
Hang 10cm apart—no coral fights allowed!
What NOT to Do (Or You’ll Kill Everything)
❌ Don’t play "surgeon" (no cutting live coral!). ❌ Don’t use superglue (epoxy is safer). ❌ Don’t pile fragments (they’ll rot like wet leaves).
Field Cheat Sheet
Before entering water: ☑ Gloves on ☑ Bucket ready ☑ Sunscreen rinsed off
Finding fragments: ➡ Look for colorful broken bits ➡ Avoid anything attached
Planting: ➡ Tie before the coral gets thirsty (1 hour max!)
Final Rule: If In Doubt, Leave It!
We’re reef gardeners, not reef miners. Every healthy coral left is a victory!
Here is a video of attaching fragments to a coral tree – exactly what we will be doing!
Samoa Coral Crash Course: Types, Diseases & What to Watch For
(For Absolute Beginners!)
Common Coral Types in Samoa
(Focus on These for Nurseries!)
1. Fast-Growing "Weedy" Corals (Best for Beginners!)
Name | Looks Like | Why We Plant It |
Acropora (Staghorn) | Deer antlers | Grows 10x faster than other corals! |
Pocillopora (Cauliflower) | Bumpy balls | Tough—survives rough handling. |
Montipora (Plate) | Pizza crusts | Spreads quickly over rocks. |
2. Slow-Growing "Old Man" Corals (Leave These Alone!)
Name | Looks Like | Why NOT to Plant |
Porites (Boulder) | Giant rocks | Takes 50+ years to grow. |
Favia (Brain) | Wrinkly brain | Grows 1cm/year. |
3. Dangerous Corals (Don’t Touch!)
Name | Danger |
Fire Coral | Burns skin (feels like pepper spray!). |
Crown-of-Thorns Starfish | Not a coral—but eats them! Kill on sight. |
Coral Diseases to Spot
(Like Checking for a Fever!)
1. White Syndrome
Looks like:
White band creeping up coral (like spilled bleach).
Slimy edges.
What to do:
Don’t collect! It spreads fast.
White Syndrome
2. Black Band Disease
Looks like:
Black ring choking coral (like a tire mark).
What to do:
Break ahead of the black line if saving a fragment.
3. Bleaching
Looks like:
Coral turned ghost white.
Still hard (not dead yet!).
Causes:
Hot water (climate change).
What to do:
Plant these last—they’re stressed!
Quick Health Checklist
HEALTHY CORAL: ✔ Bright colors (brown, green, purple). ✔ Tiny polyps open (look for little “flowers”). ✔ Firm, not mushy.
SICK CORAL: ✖ White/black stains. ✖ Holes or cracks. ✖ Covered in fuzz (algae or bacteria).
Top 3 Coral Killers in Samoa
Crown-of-Thorns Starfish
How to spot: Spiky, purple, size of a dinner plate.
Kill it: Inject with vinegar or remove (wear gloves!).
Sand Smothering
Fix it: Gently brush off with a paintbrush.
Broken Beer Bottles
Fix it: Do a beach cleanup first!
Field Guide Cheat Sheet
DO:
Collect only loose, colorful fragments.
Plant Acropora/Pocillopora first.
Report diseases/starfish to your team leader.
DON’T:
Touch fire coral or brain corals.
Use sunscreen (it kills coral—wear a rash guard!).
Emergency Coral CPR
If your fragment looks sick:
Dip in iodine seawater (1 drop iodine per liter).
Trim dead parts with sterilized scissors.
Isolate it (don’t plant near healthy corals!).
Monitor and Maintain
Clean nursery every 2–4 weeks (remove algae, sediment)
Check for disease or bleaching
Remove predators (fireworms, drupella snails)
Replanting: When and Why
Corals must be replanted back to the reef when they’re large and healthy enough to survive on their own — usually 6 to 12 months after fragmentation.
How to know they’re ready:
Fragment has grown 2–3x its original size
Several new branch tips or spreading tissue
Firmly attached to nursery base
Why replant quickly (once ready):
Outgrowing fragments may compete or fall
Risk of nursery structure damage in storms
Fragments adapt better when transplanted while still growing
Coral colonies left too long in nurseries may become dependent or vulnerable
Ideal transplant time:
Dry season (May–October in Samoa) — calmer water, fewer storms, better visibility
Risks and How to Reduce Them
Risk | Solution |
Coral bleaching | Choose resilient colonies; avoid hot days |
Disease transfer | Sterilize tools between colonies |
Algae overgrowth | Clean nursery regularly |
Storm damage | Use sheltered nursery sites; replant promptly |
Poor attachment | Use proper ties and check strength |
Predator infestation | Monitor weekly and remove manually |
Samoa-Specific Notes
Collaborate with village matai, fishers, and youth — build local knowledge and ownership.
Respect marine protected areas and traditional fishing zones.
Choose donor sites away from freshwater runoff and anchor damage.
Monitor sea temperature — above 30°C increases bleaching risk.
Coral Nursery Tracking & Record Keeping Guide
(Simple System for Volunteers)
Golden Rule: If you didn’t record it, it didn’t happen! Proper tracking helps prove your impact and fix mistakes.
What to Record Every Time
(One Row Per Fragment!)
ID # | Date Planted | Coral Type | Nursery Location | Size (cm) | Health (1-5) | Notes | Photo? |
SAM-001 | 15/08/2024 | Acropora | Tree A, Lagoon 3 | 6 | 4 | Bright green tips | ✅ |
SAM-002 | 15/08/2024 | Pocillopora | Rope B, Lagoon 1 | 5 | 3 | Slight bleaching | ❌ |
Step-by-Step Tracking System
1. Tag Your Corals
DIY Tags: Write on zip ties with permanent marker (e.g., "SAM-001").
Or: Clip small waterproof tags to fragments.
2. Monthly Check-Up
Measure:
Growth (length in cm with ruler).
Health Score:
5 = Thriving (colorful, spreading).
3 = Okay (some bleaching).
1 = Dead (white/mushy).
Photograph:
Top-down shot with ID tag visible.
Same angle each time for comparison.
3. Log It!
Options:
Paper Logbook (in waterproof bag).
Google Sheets (use offline mode on phones).
Reef Restoration App (e.g., MERMAID).
📊 Simple Reporting Template
markdown
Nursery Report: [Month/Year] - Total fragments planted: ___ - Survival rate: ___% - Top performer: [Coral type] grew ___ cm! - Big problem: [Issue, e.g., "20% bleached"]. - Action taken: [e.g., "Moved to shadier spot"].
Free Tools to Use
Google Sheets Template
OceanMind App (Track coral growth with photos).
Plastic Slate + Pencil (Old-school but works underwater!).
Pro Tips
Train everyone the same way (no guesswork!).
Backup data weekly (drop phones in the ocean often!).
Share updates with locals—they’ll love seeing progress!
Well there you have it....lots of information for you to ponder, video to watch and some guidance on the practicalities of growing coral !
Want to be involved. Contact us. We can talk coral, you can join the team and get onto it!
We are going to need all the help we can get so if you want to stay a week, a month, six months, build your hut on the beach, bring your bell tent and join us!
Read, learn, talk about coral, watch videos, contact us and get involved !
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