New Milestone for Coral Regeneration in Fiji
Nearly 1,000 coral fragments are now ready to help restore VOMO’s surrounding reefs
In partnership with Counting Coral, VOMO Island, Fiji has reached a significant milestone in its long-term coral regeneration program, with 985 coral fragments successfully propagated and thriving within the island’s Hartz Coral Nursery after its first year underwater.
Developed in partnership with marine conservation organisation Counting Coral, the nursery has achieved an exceptional 95% survival rate, creating a powerful foundation for the next phase of reef restoration around VOMO Island.
The milestone represents years of planning, investment and environmental stewardship, reinforcing VOMO’s commitment to protecting one of Fiji’s most precious natural assets – its coral reefs.
Surrounding VOMO’s pristine shores lies an extraordinary marine ecosystem that supports countless species of fish, marine life and coral. Through this pioneering restoration program, VOMO is actively helping to safeguard and strengthen these reefs for future generations.
The Hartz Coral Nursery forms the second stage of VOMO’s three-phase coral regeneration initiative. The journey began in 2024 with the installation of the VOMO Sculptural Coral Gene Bank, a living underwater structure designed to preserve and propagate resilient coral species. Coral fragments grown from these parent colonies are then nurtured within the Hartz Coral Nursery before being transplanted back onto selected reef sites around the island.
Once outplanting begins in early 2027, the program is expected to return more than 1,000 coral fragments to VOMO’s reefs every six to twelve months, creating an ongoing cycle of reef regeneration.
“This milestone is incredibly meaningful for VOMO and for everyone who has contributed to this project,” said Leon Pink, General Manager of VOMO Island Fiji.
“This result reflects the hard work, dedication and passion of the Counting Coral team, our VOMO Marine Biologist Laisenia Rokoua, and our Ocean Play team, who continue to care deeply for this project and the marine environment around us.
“Our island’s reefs are central to the VOMO experience and to the health of the wider marine ecosystem. For our team and guests to be able to contribute in such a tangible way, is very special,” Leon said.
The nursery consists of six sculptural marine-grade stainless steel structures designed by Counting Coral to support long-term coral propagation. Together they currently house 985 living coral fragments representing a diverse range of coral species selected for their resilience and ecological importance.
The project’s success has been particularly encouraging given the environmental challenges faced during the past year, including seasonal weather events and changing ocean conditions. Survival rates across the six nursery structures ranged from 89% to 99%, highlighting both the effectiveness of the nursery design and the resilience of the corals being cultivated.
Brooke True, Executive Director of Counting Coral, said the results demonstrate what can be achieved when conservation and long-term commitment come together.
“The success of the Hartz Coral Nursery is a testament to the dedication of the VOMO team and the power of sustained reef restoration,” said Brooke.
“Every coral fragment growing within the nursery represents future habitat, biodiversity and resilience for the reef. Together, we are building a system that will continue to strengthen these ecosystems for decades to come.”
For VOMO, the coral regeneration program forms part of a broader commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible tourism. Guests have the opportunity to learn about the project through guided snorkelling experiences, educational initiatives and ongoing conservation activities that connect visitors with the island’s natural environment.
As the program enters its next phase, VOMO and Counting Coral remain focused on expanding reef restoration efforts while continuing to monitor coral health, genetic diversity and long-term ecosystem outcomes.
The achievement marks an important step forward not only for VOMO’s reefs, but also for the growing role that private island destinations can play in supporting meaningful marine conservation across the South Pacific.
