The Buleleng Police Department’s division for the protection of water and air resources planted new coral in the waters off Kaliasem Village, Lovina Beach, as part of a celebration of their 74th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the department undertook an initiative to contribute to the marine environment, which they patrol and protect daily. A total of 300 coral reefs of the Acropora species were successfully planted with the help of local fishermen.
The planting used the fragmentation method, where a fragment of a live coral is removed and grown in a specialized “nursery” before being transferred to its permanent location.
Such initiatives are periodically carried out in Bali, as many beaches are actively creating new coral reefs to attract tourists, particularly snorkelers and divers. For instance, in September of this year, new coral was planted by volunteers at Pandawa Beach, and earlier efforts were made in Nusa Dua.
Coral reefs are complex ecosystems formed by colonies of coral polyps, which often live in symbiosis with algae. Their growth and development take years, and they are highly sensitive to environmental changes such as temperature and acidity, as well as physical damage.
Unfortunately, coral reefs are often harmed by human activities, including tourism. Visitors are urged not to break or collect coral fragments as souvenirs. When removed from their environment, corals die, lose their color, and produce an unpleasant odor. This issue has led to devastating consequences in areas such as the Gili Islands, where entire coral fields have been destroyed due to a combination of overfishing, water pollution, and global climate change.
In addition to their beauty, coral reefs serve as habitats and food sources for many fish and microorganisms, making them a crucial part of tropical marine ecosystems. Protecting them is essential for maintaining the biodiversity and health of the oceans.
Sources: nusabali, baliexpress
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