In Jamaica, between August 2009 and April 2010, coral was transplanted as part of the development of the Falmouth Cruise Ship Terminal.
The ecological challenge
The ecological solution
The coral was removed, together with some of the substrate, using hammers, chisels and underwater saws. Then it was 'glued' in the new locations using a special epoxy material that can cope with severe hurricanes. Cement was also used and the substrate was fixed into position in the new locations using steel pins. Boskalis worked with specialist teams. Some teams were specialized in removing the coral, while others were responsible for transportation, and others were involved in taking the coral to its new home. And there were special surveillance teams, who were responsible for things like monitoring the health of the coral. Not only during the transplantation, but also a number of months after completion and once again in 2011, the new colonies were inspected to see how healthy they were. 96% had survived the 'move'. That is a major success for the Jamaica coral transplant. The results were presented at an international coral research conference in Australia in 2012.
