top of page

Kwa Ngala's Coral Chronicles: Uncovering Signs of Life at Bofa Reef

admin855421

A Journey Begins

On a crisp morning at 8 AM, as the tide began its inward crawl, our dedicated team of seven—comprising four valiant Turtle Rangers (Omar, Salim, Teacher, and Baraka), our marine lead Thomas, our enthusiastic intern Kioko, a conservation enthusiast friend, and myself—set out to explore the hidden wonders of the Bofa Reef. Armed with snorkels, flippers, an unstable canoe, and a trusty GPS, we embarked on a mission to assess the health of our local reef, a vital barometer of marine biodiversity.


Marine conservation team preparing to conduct a coral reef survey at Kwa Ngala, Bofa, with a canoe and snorkeling gear, assessing the state of coral health and biodiversity.
Prepped and Ready: Our reef survey team gears up for an important assessment of Kwa Ngala's coral health, armed with snorkels, flippers, and an eager spirit for marine conservation.

What We Were looking For

Before we dive into our findings, let's talk a little bit about the fascinating symbionts that we were looking for. Corals are remarkable marine organisms that form symbiotic relationships with tiny algae called zooxanthellae, which live within their tissues. This partnership allows corals to obtain energy from the algae’s photosynthesis, while their external calcium carbonate skeletons provide structure and protection for diverse marine ecosystems.

Armed with this knowledge, our team set out to assess the health and diversity of the coral species at Kwa Ngala, aiming to understand the resilience and vitality of the reef amid environmental pressures.


What We Found

Navigating through the water, half of our team in the canoe and the other four swimming strong, we scrutinized the reef’s living tapestry. Here’s a summary of our preliminary coral findings:


  • Acropora valida: Spotted in the lagoon, this coral showed white patches, hinting at possible bleaching—a sign of distress in the marine environment.

    Drawing of Acropora valida from the field guide 'Seashores of Eastern Africa and the Western Indian Ocean Islands', illustrating the detailed branching structure of this coral species.
    Explore the Structure: Acropora valida, known for its intricate branching patterns, as depicted in 'Seashores of Eastern Africa and the Western Indian Ocean Islands.

  • Galaxea fascicularis (Spiky Coral): This species stood out with its robust health, resilient amidst the reef's challenges.

    Artistic rendering of Galaxea fascicularis, also known as spiky coral, from the field guide 'Seashores of Eastern Africa and the Western Indian Ocean Islands', showcasing its distinctive appearance.
    Spotlight on Galaxea fascicularis: A detailed illustration from our field guide captures the robust features of this spiky coral.

  • Hydnophora exesa (Small Coned Coral): Young yet vibrant, showing promising signs of growth and health.

    Illustration of Hydnophora exesa, a small coned coral, from 'Seashores of Eastern Africa and the Western Indian Ocean Islands', detailing its conical growth patterns.
    Discover Hydnophora exesa: Featured in our trusted field guide, this small coned coral is known for its unique growth form.

  • Lobophytum corymbosa: Found in the shallow lagoon, appearing hearty and robust.

    Artistic illustration of Lobophytum depressum from the field guide 'Seashores of Eastern Africa and the Western Indian Ocean Islands', highlighting its soft coral characteristics.
    Delving into Lobophytum corymbosa: An illustration that beautifully depicts the soft, expansive nature of this coral.

  • Porites solida: Although healthy, these were lone structures with no fish nearby, painting a somber picture of biodiversity loss.

    Drawing of Porites solida featured in 'Seashores of Eastern Africa and the Western Indian Ocean Islands', displaying the solid, compact form of this coral.
    Understanding Porites solida: This illustration from our field guide shows the robust structure typical of this coral species.

    To ensure the accuracy of our coral identification, during our next survey we plan to take detailed images of each coral type we encounter. These images will allow us to confirm the species with greater certainty and assess their health more precisely. This step is crucial, as accurate data is the cornerstone of effective conservation strategies.


A Ray of Hope

Despite the reef’s overall dire state, our survey brought a glimmer of optimism. We discovered two living coral heads of notable size, surpassing our expectations for a reef under stress. These findings serve as a beacon of hope, signaling that life persists even in the most challenging conditions.


Challenges Ahead

The biodiversity observed was minimal, with very few fish and an abundance of sea urchins dominating the scene. This underscores the urgent need for continued conservation efforts and further detailed scientific assessments to truly understand and mitigate the impacts on our reef.


Looking Forward

This preliminary survey is just the beginning. Kioko is tasked with creating a distribution map based on our observations, which will guide our next steps. We plan to conduct a more systematic survey in the coming weeks, armed with the knowledge and hope gleaned from today’s expedition.


Join Us

As we continue our journey to conserve and rejuvenate Bofa's marine life, we invite you to follow along and support our efforts. Every step we take is a step towards a healthier ocean. Dive into our world by following us on instagram, visiting our online shop, or contributing to our cause.


Together we can create a harmonious existence where all species and people thrive!

15 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


Beach Clean ICC Day 2022 Image 92.jpg

Thanks for submitting!

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

to #Let'sDoGoodTogether

When we work together to fix a common problem, we can do so much good! We appreciate your support and interest in partnering with us.

Contact Us

Questions, comments, or have a creative idea you'd like to speak to someone on our team about bringing to life?

We'd love to connect! Fill out the form below & a member of our crew will reach out asap.

Thanks for submitting!

ADDRESS

USA Office

5150 Palm Vly Rd #209, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

Kenya Workshop

Karen Village, Ngong Road, Karen, Nairobi 00502

PHONE

Call or Text

(904) 907-3596

WhatsApp

+254 727 531301

EMAIL

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • TikTok
bottom of page