REEF ORTHO

Location

Zanzibar, Tanzania.

Duration

Since 2024 to date

Supervision

Academic Research Director, Research Coordinator

Focus

Coral Reef Monitoring, Restoration

REEF

Coral Reef Propagation & Restoration

Growing coral. Building reefs. Measuring what survives.

Coral reefs are among the most diverse and valuable ecosystems along Zanzibar’s coastline.

Our reef studies combine field monitoring, underwater surveys, sedimentation measurements and experimental restoration to understand how Zanzibar’s coral reefs are changing. Established in 2024, the programme focuses on building repeatable field evidence to support practical reef management, restoration and coastal conservation.

Our work includes observing different coral types and documenting their condition, growth and surrounding habitat. We are developing coral propagation and restoration activities, assessing suitable species and methods for local reef conditions, and using underwater photogrammetry and 3D reconstruction to document reef structure over time.

We are also planning the implementation of a BioRock artificial reef system, using mineral accretion technology to investigate its potential as a platform for coral attachment and reef restoration. The project remains in the planning stage, with implementation dependent on site assessment, technical design, permitting and environmental considerations.

By combining coral monitoring, restoration trials, sedimentation measurements and repeatable reef mapping, REEF ORTHO aims to build a practical evidence base for understanding reef change and evaluating restoration approaches in Zanzibar.

REEF ORTHO

Currently active Projects

Local Islands Mapping Project

Mapping Zanzibar’s islands and coastal environments to build a clearer baseline of reef, seagrass and shoreline habitats, supporting future monitoring, research and conservation planning.

Coral Bleaching Monitoring Project

Tracking coral bleaching across Zanzibar’s reefs to document when and where bleaching occurs, measure recovery, and build a long-term record of reef health and environmental change.

BIOROCK Project

Developing and testing Biorock techniques to support coral growth and reef restoration, with field trials focused on practical applications for Zanzibar’s coastal reefs.

Reef Health Monitoring

Conducting repeatable surveys of coral cover, reef structure and associated marine life to track changes in reef condition and build a long-term picture of ecosystem health.

Coral Propagation Trials

Testing different coral propagation techniques, materials and growing conditions to identify practical methods for supporting coral restoration in Zanzibar.

Field Guide Development

From reef mapping and coral bleaching to propagation trials, sedimentation monitoring and Biorock development, CORALAB brings together the field techniques we use to understand changing reef environments.

Mapping the reef. Monitoring change. Testing what works.

REEF ORTHO

IMPACT

REEF ORTHO combines underwater photogrammetry, repeatable reef surveys and field monitoring to document the condition of Zanzibar's coral reef ecosystems. We use underwater cameras, sediment measurements and 3D reef reconstruction to understand changes in coral cover, habitat structure and marine biodiversity.

Our work includes:

  • REEF MAPPING — underwater photography, photogrammetry and orthomosaic development to create detailed records of reef structure.

  • 3D REEF RECONSTRUCTION — developing digital models to compare reef condition and monitor changes over time.

  • CORAL PROPAGATION — growing and trialling different coral types to investigate practical restoration approaches.

  • SEDIMENT MONITORING — measuring sediment deposition and investigating its effects on coral health and reef environments.

  • BIOROCK RESTORATION — planning a pilot Biorock reef installation to investigate its potential as a structure for coral attachment and restoration.

  • REEF HEALTH MONITORING — documenting coral condition, bleaching, biodiversity and environmental pressures.

  • RESTORATION TRIALS — testing approaches that can be monitored, evaluated and adapted to local reef conditions.

TIMELINE

  • 2024 — PROGRAMME ESTABLISHMENT: Establishing REEF ORTHO and developing the initial focus on coral reef monitoring, restoration and underwater survey methods.

  • 2025 — FIELD MONITORING: Expanding reef observations, underwater photography and sediment monitoring, alongside initial coral propagation and restoration trials.

  • 2026 — INTEGRATED REEF RESEARCH: Developing photogrammetry and 3D reef mapping, expanding coral cultivation and progressing plans for a pilot Biorock installation.

OUR OBJECTIVE

Build a repeatable system for documenting reef condition, testing restoration methods and producing reliable evidence to support long-term coral reef protection across Zanzibar.

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