Beneath the surface of the water lies a world of vibrant color. You might miss it amid the surfers and fishermen. But rows of metal racks cultivate stunning corals here at Serangan Coral Farm.
Serangan Coral Farm is operated by Bali Aquarium. It is one of several coral mariculture farms. These corals are destined for wholesale and reef tanks around the world. The variety and abundance of corals here is staggering. You will find Montipora and Pocillopora. A truly jaw-dropping selection of Acroporas awaits.
Access to the Serangan Coral Farm is best at low tide. This allows you to get up close and inspect the corals and racks. Most are just three feet from the surface. Some Euphyllia corals grow a bit deeper. Scuba equipment is required to work efficiently with these. This area has a significant tidal variation. It creates plenty of flow and changing light conditions throughout the day.
Employees visit the farm each day. They care for the corals by removing algae. They use their hands or a small brush.
Snorkeling around the farm takes you through a coral reef lagoon. It is situated between a small channel in the larger reef. This creates interesting thermoclines. You’ll experience bathtub-hot water meeting chilly ocean currents. The corals seem to tolerate the hot shallow water each day.
The corals at Serangan are adapted to the bright environment. Some coral species will not grow in these conditions. Deepwater Acroporas need darker water. That’s why Bali Aquarium has farms set up around the island in different environments.
Workers prepare corals above water. Then they transplant them to the farm racks below.
Each day at low tide, workers visit the farm. They collect plant and care for the corals. They are often busy fragging colonies of Royal blue Acropora tenuis. This brilliant blue coral is popular in the aquarium hobby. It has been growing and propagated here for six years.
Two racks hold freshly fragged corals. Two more hold established frags. Three racks contain larger brood stock colonies. Vincent from Bali Aquarium revealed that all these Acropora tenuis came from two medium-sized mother colonies.
It is interesting to consider the active propagation of corals. The Royal blue tenuis Acro is a prime example. If left to grow in the wild, the tenuis colony would only reach a certain size. The growth rate would then slow. Larger corals can self-shade. Branches on the underside compete for space and nutrients.
From only two colonies, hundreds of potential colonies now thrive. Despite concerns about coral dying, maricultured corals and the professionals growing them have found a way to help corals survive and flourish. In aquarium lights, the tenuis appears more blue. In the wild, the colors appear more indigo.
Serangan Coral Farm demonstrates how human intervention can aid in coral propagation. It is not just about survival. It is about creating thriving coral populations.