To tackle this issue, instead of relying on expensive methods like coral transplantation, through Project BEAM we're using an innovative, low-cost “sea-weeding” method, in collaboration with scientists in Australia who have been successful with this method.

At two sites in Jangamo Bay, our team identified 40 coral colonies from two genera (Pocillopora and Goniastrea), dividing them into control groups (left untouched) and experimental groups (where algae are actively cleared). Competitive turfing algae are cleared using a motorised underwater scrubber donated by Fairway.

Each colony is tagged with a physical marker, its GPS-equivalent position plotted on a distribution map, and then photographed and measured. Divers use PVC quadrat frames to standardize their measurements and ensure every photo captures the same area at the same scale. Each plot is maintained and monitored over time, tracking coral recruitment, health, growth, and changes in reef biodiversity.

Through Project BEAM, By combining hands-on restoration with rigorous scientific monitoring, this project provides the first evidence base for macroalgae management in Jangamo and evaluates whether targeted algae removal can accelerate reef recovery.