Project Coral and the Journey of Hope

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This new photographic display highlights the connections between the Horniman’s scientific breakthroughs in coral reproduction, and coral reef restoration in the ocean.

See photographs from Hope Reef in Indonesia, alongside behind the scenes images at the Aquarium. The display will highlight some of the people and communities working together, showing how hope can travel from research tanks to living reefs.

Project Coral

Project Coral has been a world-leading coral breeding programme since 2012, pioneering new ways to reproduce corals. These discoveries in our south London basement are now giving reefs a fighting chance, protecting ocean wildlife, and offering hope for the future.

Mars Coral Reef Restoration Program

Since 2006, the Mars Coral Reef Restoration Program has been working to help bring coral reefs back to life using techniques such as Reef Stars, hexagonal, sand-coated steel frames that are installed on degraded reefs to provide a stable platform for rapid coral growth. At Hope Reef, Salisi’ Besar, Indonesia – the flagship reef restored using this approach – local communities and international scientists have collaborated to create the word ‘HOPE’ in restored coral, as a powerful message.

The Horniman Aquarium’s Dr Jamie Craggs is working with Mars to help bridge the gap between research and restoration. Some of his photos are on show, along with those taken by Ikoz (Muhammad Rizky Madjid), for the Mars Coral Reef Restoration Programme.