Gibraltar’s first coral restoration project

Dr Awantha Dissanayake is the Head of the School of Marine and Environmental Science at UniGib.

My research interests and experience (over 25 yrs+) lie in fundamentally outlining organism physiological functioning and associated effects upon behaviour. I have applied such concepts to Marine Ecology, Conservation and Marine Policy thematics. My interests in Coral Restoration stem from wanting to implement active restoration efforts to curtail biodiversity loss against the backdrop of Climate Change and habitat loss.

The orange cup coral is an important model species with which to conduct such active restoration efforts as it is an important foundation species and bioindicator of environmental change.

My name is Sid Dewfall. I’ve worked across the globe in the dive industry as an instructor, scientific diver and polar expedition guide, supporting postgraduate research projects, leading dives from Australia, Thailand, Gibraltar and Antarctica, while contributing to marine conservation through hands-on fieldwork and citizen science projects.

My name is Viviane Wiedecke. I am from Berlin and currently pursuing an MSc in Marine Sciences and Climate Change at the University of Gibraltar. I hold a BSc in Environmental and Resource Management and have worked as a dive instructor around the world for three years. My master’s project aims to establish Gibraltar’s first coral restoration efforts, focusing on orange cup coral. Through this project and my broader career goals, I aim to combine my diving skills and academic expertise to promote global marine conservation, both by conducting hands-on restoration work and raising awareness through science communication.

Hi, I’m Carolin—a marine scientist from Germany with a passion for marine conservation, climate adaptation, and bridging the gap between science and community action. My work focuses on protecting and restoring coral reef ecosystems through hands-on restoration, citizen science, and sustainable development practices.

As a Coral Restoration Intern at the Dominica Coral Rescue Centre, I managed an in situ coral nursery with over 200 colonies spanning nine species. I conducted reef health assessments using photo quadrats, line transects, and video surveys, and took part in treating coral diseases, tracking disease progression and performing coral fragmentation and transplantation, and documenting restoration outcomes. In addition, I supported the development of an ex-situ nursery, led community outreach dives, and trained volunteers in coral handling and restoration techniques. 

I’m especially interested in the resilience of socio-ecological systems and how community engagement can strengthen marine ecosystems in the face of climate change. Whether through fieldwork, education, or collaborative research, I’m committed to creating meaningful, science-based solutions for healthier oceans and coastal communities.