Indonesia – Reef Balls

Reef Restoration to Sustain Livelihoods

Reefballs donated by PT Newmont Minahasa Raya in Buyat Bay stimulate reef growth and support diving tourism

PTNMR also funded the construction and monitoring of the largest artificial coral reef program undertaken by a private company, with more than 3,000 reef balls deployed in Buyat Bay and Totok Bay. PTNMR worked with the Tourism Office of South Minahasa in mapping existing coral reefs in both bays more than a decade ago. The objective was to slow reef loss, enhance fish stock and thereby sustain livelihoods of local fishermen for many years while also developing and promoting underwater tourism in the area.

Annual studies conducted from 2001 to 2009 show that the reef balls have become home to more than 80 fish and other marine species. As a result of this work, Buyat Bay has received international acclaim.

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