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Coral Reefs and Coral Restoration in Jamaica: A Struggle for Survival

The Heart of Jamaica’s Coral Reefs

For those who’ve had the privilege of diving or snorkeling off Jamaica’s coasts in the 1970’s and 80’s you would have seen our reefs as they should be, teeming with life and dominated by species like Acropora palmata (Elkhorn coral) and Acropora cervicornis (Staghorn coral). These corals formed the backbone of the reef, providing habitat for an abundance of marine life and acting as the natural protectors of Jamaica’s shores, buffering coastlines from the fury of storms and hurricanes and ocean swells.

However, if you visit many of those same reefs today, you’ll notice a stark difference. The once-thriving ecosystems have been reduced to fragments, and the corals that once dominated are now a rare sight. What happened to Jamaica’s coral reefs? The story of their decline is one of disease, climate change, human interference, and neglect.

What’s Happened to Jamaica’s Reefs?

The 1980s marked the beginning of a sharp downturn for Jamaica’s coral reefs. It started with the mass die-off of Diadema antillarum—the long-spined black sea urchin—which had been a silent guardian of the reefs. These urchins grazed on algae, preventing it from overtaking the corals. But in 1983, a disease wiped out more than 90% of the sea urchin population across the Caribbean, and Jamaica’s reefs were no exception. Without the urchins to control the algae, the balance of the reefs tipped. Algae rapidly spread, choking out the corals.

Around the same time, white band disease struck Acropora species, the very corals that had once formed the backbone of Jamaica’s reefs. The disease decimated Elkhorn and Staghorn corals, reducing their numbers by up to 90% in some areas. The loss of these critical species left the reefs weakened, their complex structures now dead and brittle being broken down by waves and storms. Also leaving marine life with fewer places to hide, feed, and breed;

Human activities didn’t help. Overfishing, particularly of herbivorous fishlike parrotfish that also help keep algae in check, further damaged the delicate balance of the reef ecosystem. On top of that, land-based pollution—everything from agricultural runoff and untreated sewage to industrial waste—flowed into the coastal waters, smothering the reefs with sediment and nutrients. Algal blooms flourished, robbing the reefs of the sunlight they needed to grow and recover.

And then, there’s climate change. Rising sea temperatures have triggered multiple mass coral bleaching events, where the corals expel the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) that live in their tissues. These algae provide the corals with energy and their vibrant color. When they’re gone, the coral turns white—hence the term “bleaching.” If the bleaching lasts too long, the corals can starve and die. Jamaica has experienced several major bleaching events, the most severe in 1998, 2005, and 2023. The Port Royal Cays alone lost approximately 80% of its already diminished live coral populations.

How This Affects Jamaica

The decline of coral reefs isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a human issue, especially in Jamaica. Coral reefs are an integral part of the island’s economy, particularly its tourism industry. Jamaica’s coral reefs generate an estimated $300 million annually through tourism, with visitors flocking to the island for its clear waters, marine life, and stunning underwater scenery. Snorkeling, diving, and glass-bottom boat tours are all built around the beauty of the reefs. But as the reefs degrade, so does Jamaica’s appeal as a premier destination for marine tourism.

The impact isn’t just limited to tourism. Coral reefs are vital to Jamaica’s fisheries, serving as nurseries for many fish species. As the reefs have declined, so have fish populations, which affects local fishermen who rely on these resources for their livelihoods. Many coastal communities, especially in rural areas, depend on artisanal fishing to support their families.

There’s also the issue of coastal protection. Coral reefs act as natural barriers, breaking up wave energy and protecting Jamaica’s coastlines from storm surges, erosion, and flooding. With the loss of coral reefs, Jamaica’s shores are more vulnerable to the impacts of coastal erosion, hurricanes and rising sea levels. The cost of rebuilding infrastructure after storms has been rising, with the absence of coral reefs making the damage even worse.

Efforts to Restore Jamaica’s Coral Reefs

While the outlook may seem bleak across Jamaica, dedicated individuals, organizations, and businesses are working hard to restore coral reefs and revive these critical ecosystems.

Jonathan Hernould, Founder of Reef Construction Limited and the Port Royal Cays Coral Restoration Program, focuses his work on restoring the reefs surrounding the Port Royal Cays, an area of historical and environmental significance. This program uses coral nurseries at sea to propagate coral fragments, which are later transplanted onto degraded reef systems. Results from using this technique can be promising, with increased coral cover and improved resilience in the restored areas.

A unique initiative connected to the Port Royal project is the Adopt A Coral program. This initiative allows individuals, companies, and organizations to “adopt” coral fragments, contributing to the restoration effort by sponsoring individual coral fragments. The program not only raises much-needed funds for the restoration work but also engages the wider community in conservation. Sponsors can track the growth of their adopted corals and visit the restoration sites to see firsthand the impact of their contributions. This grassroots engagement is vital to raising awareness about coral reef health and encouraging local stewardship of Jamaica’s marine environment.

However, while these efforts are commendable, they are often underfunded and lack public and private sector backing. Coral restoration is expensive and time-consuming, and large-scale progress requires sustained financial support and political will. Unfortunately, despite the clear economic and ecological benefits, coral restoration is rarely prioritized in national budgets, coastal development projects.

A Call to Action

Jamaica’s coral reefs are at a critical juncture. If we continue to ignore their decline, the impacts on the island’s economy, environment, and communities will be severe. But with the right support, restoration efforts like those led by Reef Construction Limited can make a real difference. The Adopt A Coral program and coral gardening projects give us a way to actively participate in the recovery of these vital ecosystems.

There’s no question that Jamaica’s coral reefs are worth saving. They are a source of life, culture, beauty and help to drive the economy. By supporting coral restoration efforts, engaging with local communities, and prioritizing environmental protection, we can give Jamaica’s coral reefs a fighting chance to recover and thrive once more.

You can support this incredible initiative and Adopt a A Coral -@CaribbeanReefConstruction or visit www.ReefConstructionLimited and be a part of this special cause!

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One of Main Street Rose Hall's preferred hospitality partners - @DoctorbidServices - is a proud sponsor of Adopt A Coral!

Visit Main Street Rose Hall, Montego Bay when next in Jamaica and enjoy our murals, installations, tax-free & souvenir stores, artisan craft village and Jamaican F&B options while relaxing and listening to authentic Jamaican music.

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References:

"State of the Caribbean Coral Reefs" – UNEP, 2020.
"Caribbean Reefs in Danger" – World Resources Institute, 2019.
Gladfelter, E. H., et al. "White-Band Disease in Acropora palmata and Acropora cervicornis." Nature, 1980.
"Coral Bleaching in Jamaica: A National Report" – Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, 2023.
"The Impact of Climate Change on Coral Reefs" – International Coral Reef Initiative, 2023.
"Economic Valuation of Jamaica's Coral Reefs" – World Resources Institute, 2016.
Ibid.