Taking Algae adaptation to coral reefs worldwide with Project CoralArc
Across the planet, coral diversity is collapsing.
More than 40 % of reef-building coral species are now at risk of extinction. Entire ecosystems that took thousands of years to grow are disappearing within decades, victims of rising sea temperatures, pollution, and disease. Yet there is still hope.
The Arc takes our approach to the world, starting in Kenya
Reefs need a coordinated response, not isolated efforts. Through CoralArct, we build land-based coral facilities that bring the science and technology developed at CoralFactory to local partners around the world. Our first location is in Kenya, developed together with Wageningen University & Research and REEFolution.
A sanctuary for biodiversity
Each nursery acts as a safe haven for coral species that can no longer survive in the open ocean, preserving genetic diversity for future restoration.
A lab for resilience
Together with local universities, we identify the symbiotic algae native to each location, develop them into heat-tolerant strains, and stress-test them to confirm they hold up under real heat conditions.
A coral nursery for restoration
Within our facilities, we cultivate heat-tolerant coral carrying these proven algae at scale, ready to be outplanted onto local reefs to build reefs that can withstand future heatwaves.
A lifeline for bleaching coral
Within our facilities, we cultivate heat-tolerant coral carrying these proven algae at scale, ready to be outplanted onto local reefs to build reefs that can withstand future heatwaves.
Our Journey: Key Milestones and Future Aspirations
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Securing the partnerships and resources needed to build our first facility in Kenya.
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2027: Building the facility in Kenya
Constructing the land-based coral facility in the Shimoni-Vanga seascape, Kenya. -
Building on the results from Kenya, we open two additional facilities in new locations.
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Ten coral facilities, across ten different locations, working together to restore and adapt reefs at global scale.
Frequently asked questions about CoralArc
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Our partner REEFolution has strong experience with traditional outplanting methods, such as placing corals on the reef through scuba diving. This works well for small to medium scale projects. But because our ambition is to produce coral at much larger scales, we are exploring new outplanting techniques that can match that level of impact.
We are currently in the development phase and working with different partners to identify and test large scale, efficient and nature friendly outplanting methods. As CoralArc grows, these methods will evolve with it.
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Every facility we build is designed to be operated by the people who know the reef best: the local team. In Kenia, we work closely with REEFolution to train local staff in system operation, coral husbandry, and water quality monitoring, using the same protocols developed at CoralFactory. The goal is always the same: within a defined period, the local team runs the facility independently, with BRANCH remaining available for remote support and knowledge sharing through the BRANCH Data Network.
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We look for locations where local partners bring on-the-ground experience, established relationships with government for permitting, and access to scientific expertise, such as universities that can contribute to algae research. Local support and government backing are equally essential, since long-term success depends on the community and authorities being part of the process from the start.
Kenya is a clear example of how this comes together. REEFolution had been restoring reefs there using traditional methods for years, until they lost an estimated 65% of their farmed and transplanted coral to extreme heat. That loss is what brought them into contact with BRANCH, looking for an approach that could make their restoration work resilient to a warming ocean. Together with REEFolution and Wageningen University & Research, we selected the Shimoni-Vanga seascape as our first facility. As we grow toward ten facilities worldwide, we look for reefs facing similar challenges, where local partnerships like this one can make adaptation possible.
If your question is not listed, feel free to get in touch.
Help us give reefs a colorful future by supporting project CoralArc
Your support can make a real difference. By contributing to The Arc, you help us protect endangered coral species and build a lasting foundation for reef restoration in East Africa. Every donation, partnership, or shared message brings us closer to a future where coral reefs can thrive again. Together, we can safeguard the ocean’s beauty and resilience for generations to come.