Grafting Coral in Bora Bora Paradise

With my goggles fogged and my legs flailing, I struggled to stay afloat in a shimmering blue Bora Bora lagoon. 

My mission was to attach a delicate coral fragment to a gym-looking structure, a precise procedure in any setting, especially submerged in the sea.

I felt like a bull in a china shop—an underwater one.

One wrong move and I could destroy years of precious coral.

What is Coral Grafting?

I was participating in an activity called “Graft a Coral” at Four Seasons Bora Bora. The session began with Marc Shellard, with WiseOceans, giving a short presentation about the importance of ocean conservation.

Two of us who had signed up sat on benches in a makeshift classroom near the lagoon sanctuary as Shellard talked about the importance of coral.

A marine biologist from the UK, Shellard shared trivia such as the fact that reefs occupy only .01 percent of the ocean’s area but support 25 percent of aquatic life.

“And do you know reefs actually support the entire underwater ecosystem?” Shellard asked rhetorically with the delight of someone who is impressed by and respects the ocean.

“Reefs offer shelter and protection for hundreds and hundreds of species,” Shellard shared enthusiastically, marveling at the amazing underwater world.

“Are corals plants, animals, or rocks?” he questioned. “They are all three!”

He shared photos and samples of coral with whimsical names, such as “potato chip coral,” and others with tough-to-pronounce labels, such as the pocillopora.

The pocillopora looked like a pretty pink cauliflower. 

Inherent Threats to Coral

We learned about natural dangers to coral, like hurricanes, diseases, and predators, as well as threats from humans, such as errant fins, plastic bags, and changes in climate. 

Our task would be to attach a coral fragment that had been knocked off from the reef, whether by an errant fin or a storm, to a human-built structure in the lagoon.

So, it’s a bit like rescuing a baby and taking it to an orphanage?” I quizzed.

“Exactly!” Shellard said, smiling.

Months later biologists would attach the healthy, developed coral to a colony so that it can fuse. 

“Basically, we’re doing small-reef restoration,” he explained. 

Logistics of Attaching a Coral Underwater

With the humid tropical climate, I sweltered in my long-sleeved Costco SPF sun shirt; I was eager to cool off in the water.

But before entering the lagoon, we needed to select a baby coral to attach to the underwater nursery. 

The three of us walked to an area with a tank full of coral fragments, where we would each select a “baby.” 

Cradling our one-inch, fragile piece of coral, we gingerly made our way toward the lagoon. 

Like a Real-Life Aquarium 

The lagoon looked cool and inviting, with water the shade of blue Gatorade.

We donned goggles and snorkels and slipped underwater. Wearing fins is allowed in the lagoon.

Shellard was in his element. While I fumbled with my equipment, he looked at home as if he were a creature of the sea. 

He took a free dive about five feet under, surfaced, and said, pointing, “Hey, there’s a pink pocillopora…just right there!”

I followed his lead and saw a magnificent cauliflower-looking, crimson coral.

‘It is a Privilege to Do What I Do’

Rays of sunshine danced on the ocean floor, and plants swayed with the current. The three of us drifted along, taking in the colorful underwater spectacle. The only sound was our steady, slow breathing through the snorkel.

Pufferfish and yellow-striped goatfish darted here and there while a blue-eyed coral crab seemed to observe. 

The lagoon was so full of vibrant aquatic creatures that it felt like exploring a real-life aquarium.

Shellard recognized the fish as if they were old friends.

“Over here is a group of juveniles,” he told us above water. “They like to hang out in this area.” 

Mission to Inspire Others to Care About the Ocean 

Shellard treasured the ocean and its dwellers, from the goofy crab to the majestic pufferfish.

At the age of 27, Shellard has also worked in the Maldives, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, all with the mission of teaching others about ocean preservation and helping to conserve ocean life.

 “I’ve known what I wanted to do since my geography class in 8th grade when I learned about climate change. And here I am today,” Shellard said. “It’s a privilege to do what I do.”

Tying the coral underwater was a delicate procedure, and Shellard helped me as I fumbled with the string.

Even though attaching the coral was a small gesture, the experience gave me a new appreciation for underwater life. Like a proud parent, I beamed underwater.

I remembered what Shellard said during his presentation earlier in the day. 

“My mission in life is to inspire others to care about the ocean,” he said.

Mission accomplished. 

If You Go to Bora Bora

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora offers many activities such as snorkeling, pickleball, or a percussion or palm weaving class, but Grafting a Coral was my favorite and one of the most popular. The $150 per person fee for Graft a Coral helps support the lagoon sanctuary. 

Visit Tahiti Tourism for more information about the islands of Tahiti.

 

Feature photo Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. Photo by Sherry Spitsnaugle