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Coral Guardians
Coral reefs are among the most important ecosystems on our planet, playing a role as critical as rainforests in maintaining biodiversity.
With this awareness, we are carrying out the Coral Guardians Project — Turkey’s first and only deep-sea coral transplantation initiative. Within the scope of the project, we aim to strengthen and restore the populations of the Mediterranean endemic yellow coral (Eunicella cavolini) observed at depths of 25–30 meters around the Princes’ Islands in the Sea of Marmara, which are under threat from human-induced factors such as construction debris, abandoned fishing nets, and increasing pollution.
Using the micro-fragmentation method, we collected 400 coral fragments from Sivriada and Yassıada and scientifically relocated them to the waters off Neandros (Rabbit) Island — a more sheltered and secure habitat — restoring them to their historical living environment.
Following the transplantation process, we continue to conduct regular scientific dives to monitor the corals’ adaptation to their new habitat. Our observations indicate that approximately 75% of the corals have successfully adapted to their new environment, that new coral colonies have formed outside the project area through spillover effects, and that biodiversity in the region has increased as more species are returning to the reef.
In addition, through the underwater cameras we have installed, we continuously monitor and record the corals’ development and environmental changes 24/7. The data we collect not only support scientific research but also help raise public awareness about this unique ecosystem.