The WIORESTORE project invites expressions of interest for a limited number of self-funded places in its upcoming field-based training: Reef-Based Coral Larval Restoration.
Hosted by the Institut Halieutique et des Sciences Marines (IH.SM) at the University of Toliara, the training will take place across IH.SM facilities and the Belaza Marine Station in Toliara, Madagascar, from 27 October to 9 November 2026.
Timed to align with predicted mass coral spawning following the full moon on 26 October, this intensive course is delivered by global restoration pioneers Distinguished Professor Peter Harrison and Dr Dexter dela Cruz (Southern Cross University), working alongside the expert team at IH.SM.
What the Training Covers
Participants will gain end-to-end practical experience across the full larval propagation cycle:
- Conducting field checks for gravid corals
- Night-time multi-species coral spawn collection
- Setting up and managing reef-based larval rearing pools
- Facilitating targeted larval settlement onto degraded reef substrate
- Monitoring early coral recruit survival and growth
Key Logistical Details
- Funding: Places are strictly self-funded. Accepted self-funded participants must cover their own international and domestic travel, visas, accommodation, meals, local transport, dive and travel insurance, and personal snorkelling or dive gear.
- Capacity: Spaces are strictly limited by boat, laboratory, and field-station capacity. A place is confirmed only upon direct receipt of an official acceptance notice.
- Schedule & Flexibility: While full attendance provides the most complete experience, partial attendance is possible. Participants should arrive on Monday, 26 October ahead of the official start on Tuesday, 27 October, with departures over the weekend of 7–8 November 2026. Please indicate your exact availability in your submission.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is open to coral reef practitioners across the Western Indian Ocean (WIO), including:
- Early-career and senior researchers and postgraduate students
- Marine Protected Area (MPA) managers and government fisheries/environment officers
- Community-based conservation leaders, NGO practitioners, and private-sector restoration operators
Prerequisites: Applicants must be confident snorkellers comfortable working from boats at night. SCUBA certification is advantageous but not mandatory.
To express your interest and register your interest in future WIO RESTORE trainings, please complete the form at https://forms.gle/QisCEiNs7u6Z2QnV7 by Monday 12 October 2026.
WIO RESTORE is a three-year initiative funded by the Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP) and led by WIOMSA with Southern Cross University, the University of Toliara, the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute and Macquarie University.
