Six Senses Zil Pasyon Transplants First Corals

By Newsroom Nov 16, 2018 2:25pm

A year after beginning its coral restoration program, Six Senses Zil Pasyon has begun transplanting coral fragments from its nursery to the natural reef environment. With the creation of the new coral garden, Six Senses Zil Pasyon and its allies hope to bring back fish and other marine life.

The resort conducted the restoration program in coordination with Seychelles National Park Authority and local NGOS Nature Seychelles and Ramos Marine and Island Reserve. The efforts began in October 2017 with the creation of a coral nursery off the shore of the resort’s northernmost beach. Marine biologists picked suitable coral fragments to harvest. The new nursery pulled from the colonies that had proven their strength after surviving the 2016 mass bleaching event in the Indian Ocean.

Last month, volunteers began the transplantation process and have returned 548 corals so far to the natural reef environment. Since they were planted a year ago, corals grew on average over 200 percent, with a growth range of between 85 and 422 percent. Over 90 percent of the corals survived the process, with majority of losses occurring during August’s rough monsoon season.

During the next part of the project, Ramos Marine and Island Reserve will take over the coral nursery’s daily activities. Nature Seychelles will hand over learning and best practices before the end of November. Six Senses Zil Pasyon will continue its pursuit of coral restoration and create a new nursery in the coming months. The resort is currently recruiting a marine biologist intern to help manage the new program.

Six Senses Zil Pasyon rests along the water on the private island Félicité, the Seychelle’s fifth largest island. The property consists of 30 villas and two multi-bedroom residences.

Six Senses Zil Pasyon Transplants First Corals

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