ONGOING PROJECTS - Koh Tao Biorock 2008

This week has all been about the construction of Koh Tao's new dive site, Hin Fai. The Koh Tao Biorock project is the largest such project in the Gulf of Thailand and will hopefully pave the way for many more such projects in the years to come.

Biorock is a relatively new technology used to restore coral growth providing a robust habitat to propigate corals inareas where local stresses are increasing, like warming seas or increased pollution. In areas where water conditions have been degreaded corals grown on Biorock structures have proven more resilient to the chnages than natural habitats. This technology can be used to preserve corals in areas where they are particularly stressed , or help restore reefs faster when natural disturbances cause changes to the reef environment.

Monks giving their blessing to the new Biorock venture.

Ribbons being laid on one of the Biorock structures during the inauguration ceremony

A photo of all the volunteers who have helped on the Biorock project during the week

On Septemeber 28, 2008 a large number of the community got together to celebrate and inaugurate this projects inception. Unfortunately the weather was not on our side and the actual deployment of the structures has been delayed by a couple of days. It was nonetheless a great community event with local and foreign residents both old & young joining the local monks for the ceremoney. This was followed by some dancing by the local children and lunch supplied by Viewpoint Resort and organised by the Save Koh Tao group.

Volunteer Matt Dillon securing Crystal's sign to the Biorock structure

MSDT Nathan Cook of Eco Koh Tao and MI Justin Mayers of Crystal Dive with their hand crafter sign

Devrim of New Heaven dive school helping out during construction.

DAY ONE - Biorock Construction Begins, September 23 2008

After months of planning and preparations, fundraising and anticipation Koh Tao’s newest dive site formally began its rise to fame and glory on Sairee Beach. Volunteers from Crystal Dive and Eco Koh Tao joined other dedicated individuals to put in place the first of four domes to be built to make up part of the new reef.

Invitiations for a name for the new site were put out to all members of Save Koh Tao and 'Hin Fai' was the winner. Suggested by MSDT Nathan Cook of Eco Koh Tao, Hin Fai literally means 'Electric Rock' or 'The Rock of Power' and will headline the new site.

Volunteers from Crystal on Day one. MSDT Nathan Cook, Rescue and Reef Check Diver Gary Farr, MI Justin Mayers, and Advanced Diver Matt Dillon.	The steel dome structures seen here will be lowered into the water and electrified to promote coral growth. Coral fragments will be grafted onto these framea to provide a starting base for the sites development. Hopefully the transplanted corals will grow and new corals will join.	Location of the new dive site in the north of Sairee Beach just opposite the very picturesque Koh Nangyuan. There is already a natural rock pinnacle near where the Biorock Structure will go to provide immediate diving interest until the Biorock begins to take shape.
Dedicated Volunteers from Crystal Dive & Eco Koh Tao

Katie is doing conservation work with Secret Garden and recently joined Crystal Dive to get certified as an Open Water Diver.

Advanced Open Water Diver Matt Dillon helping wire up the mainframe of our first dome.

MI Justin Mayers twisting the wires of the new Biorock

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