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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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