Coral Nation: Protecting and Reviving Panama’s Reefs

Scuba diving off the coast of Bocas del Toro, Ariel Barrionuevo came face to face with the effects of coral bleaching. As managing director of La Coralina Island House, he was in a unique position where he could actually attempt to do something about it.

The result was Coral Nation, a nonprofit organization committed to preserving marine ecosystems of the Panama archipelago through the engagement of local communities, scientific research and protecting biodiversity, and regenerating damaged coral reefs by establishing ocean and land-based coral nurseries.

“Coral bleaching it’s something that we have to face,” says Barrionuevo. “It’s something that is definitely happening. There are so many examples around the world. As investors in the Caribbean, we think this is some something that we have to take action and be responsible for.”

Teaming up with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s state-of-the-art Bocas Del Toro Research Station and other local partners, Coral Nation was before the hotel had even opened its doors.

Phase One of the project was a six-month test of regenerating damaged coral reefs by establishing ocean-based coral nurseries at two artificial reefs that also provide fish habitats.  Once the corals grow and reach maturity, they will spawn. The corals planted during this phase are growing quickly.

Phase Two involves cleaning and measuring the transplanted corals every two weeks to monitor their growth rate, as well as measuring the biogeochemical and physical parameters of the surrounding sea to analyze water quality.

“The first planting was done right in front of La Coralina,” says Barrionuevo. “The plan is to have our own laboratory and to become independent for restoring coral, not only in front of the hotel, but also in other spots in the archipelago.”

For more information about Coral Nation check out: www.coralnation.org.