Coral Restoration at Atmosphere

Coral reefs are among the most beautiful yet threatened ecosystems on Earth. At Atmosphere Dive, coral conservation and restoration are not just buzzwords—they’re active, evolving programs that tie together guest experience, marine science communication, and education. Below is how these efforts work, what we’ve accomplished, what challenges remain, and how guests can participate in meaningful, hands-on reef restoration.

Why Coral Restoration Matters

Coral reefs protect coastlines, provide habitat for countless marine species, and support fisheries and tourism. Yet reefs all around the world are under pressure: warming sea temperatures, pollution, destructive fishing methods, and physical damage from storms and human contact all degrade coral reefs. Restoring coral helps maintain reef structure, biodiversity, and the health of the marine ecosystem. It also helps reefs be more resilient to stressors.

Photo by Imran Ahmad

What is Atmosphere Doing?

1. Setting up a coral nursery on our house reef with the Institute for Marine Research (IMR). This nursery allows small coral fragments an opportunity to grow larger without extra stressors such as competition for space.  
2. Engaging in the Functional Restoration and Growth Studies (FRAGS) project, using corals of opportunity (fragments from natural breakage due to storms or accidental breakage) to replant areas with low coral cover. Together with the Institute for Marine Research and with help from our guests, we are stewarding an artificial reef dive site here in Dauin. 
3. Hosting weekly beach and underwater cleanups: marine debris, ghost fishing gear, and other forms of waste can be serious threats to coral and other marine ecosystems. Although the only way to address the root of this issue is through proper legislation and stopping pollution at the source, we still do what we can to remove trash, fishing nets, and other plastic waste from our backyard.
4. Guest participation and raising awareness: Atmosphere invites guests to join our coral planting dives, house reef clean-ups, and reef monitoring. These marine biology and conservation programs are woven into our resort.

Photo by Tamara Silverstone

Growing Hope Beneath the Waves

Here at Atmosphere we’re passionate about giving back to the ocean that gives us so much. Our coral restoration program is a hands-on effort to help damaged reefs recover and to protect the vibrant marine life that makes Dauin so special.

One of our main methods is using Corals of Opportunity, the fragments that have naturally broken off from larger colonies due to storms or wave action. Instead of cutting healthy corals, we collect these loose fragments, clean and assess them, and then attach them to reef-safe structures or directly to the reef itself. This gentler approach helps restore coral cover without adding more stress to the ecosystem.

We also maintain a coral nursery right on our House Reef. The nursery acts like an underwater garden where corals can grow safely before being transplanted back onto damaged areas. The Institute for Marine Research also monitors their growth, health, and resilience, ensuring that strong, thriving corals are re-planted.

Once mature, these fragments are securely attached to the reef in chosen sites with good water flow and light—giving them the best chance to flourish. We use artificial reef structures made from eco-friendly materials like concrete domes and metal frames, which provide new habitats where the reef has been lost.

Photo by Tracey Jennings

Learning as We Go

Nature can be unpredictable. Storms, bleaching events, and temperature changes all pose challenges, and not every coral fragment survives. Restoration is slow, careful work that requires patience, resources, and collaboration. We also have to make sure we are using an adaptive framework, and altering our approach when we see that something is not working. But each new coral that takes hold is a small victory, and every diver who helps becomes part of something bigger.

Be Part of the Change

Here at Atmosphere, we encourage all guests to engage with our conservation initiatives! Here’s what you can do:

1. Attend our weekly marine life presentations at 5pm every Saturday to learn about corals, fish behavior, marine protected areas, and much more!
2. Attend the weekly presentation from the Institute for Marine Research at 5pm every Tuesday
3. Join the FRAGS coral restoration dive every Thursday afternoon, for an additional 1000 pesos donation to the Institute for Marine Research
4. Dive eco-consciously: simple actions like practicing good buoyancy, avoiding contact with the reef, and using reef-safe sunscreen make a real difference for our corals.
5. Talk to people in your circles, contact your representatives about environmental policies, and raise awareness about ocean-climate action!  

Every coral fragment we plant represents a step toward a healthier ocean. Together, with our guests, partners, and community, we’re growing hope beneath the waves, one coral at a time.