Poni Marine recently deployed several one-metre-tall reef balls to support coral growth in the country’s waters.
According to the organisation, the reef balls, also know as bay balls, weighing 250 kilogrammes, can accommodate up to 26 coral plugs. The initiative also involved the propagation and planting of 120 corals on the reef balls, which the organisation called a “significant step in reef restoration and marine biodiversity enhancement”.
The organisation said the deployment of 13 bay balls was executed with three speed boats, a work barge with a manual hoist and a team of 24 staff members to ensure the precise placement and stability of each reef ball.
Three researchers from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) also joined the operation to collect sediment samples to study the impact of the geological make-up around the reef balls on coral growth.
“We are thrilled to have completed this significant milestone in our reef restoration project,” said Poni Marine Chief Executive Officer Mohd Tahsin Wong bin Abdullah.
“The deployment of these reef balls and the planting of corals represent our ongoing commitment to preserving marine biodiversity and fostering healthy reef ecosystems.”
He added, “We are also excited to collaborate with researchers from UBD to gain valuable insights that will enhance our future conservation efforts.”
