About the Scuptural Coral Gene Bank

Blue Lagoon Beach Resort is located on the breathtaking Nacula Island – a hidden gem in Fiji's Yasawa Island Chain. In 2022, Blue Lagoon Beach Resort became the inaugural partner of Counting Coral and the site of the world’s first Sculptural Coral Gene bank. Submerged 15 feet underwater and spanning 60 feet across, this stunning living art piece nurtures over 370 corals, safeguarding the future of the island and community's coral reefs.

Blue Lagoon Beach Resort, Counting Coral, and Nacula Village came together to take actionable steps toward a better future for Fiji's reefs. Dedicated volunteers gathered in July of 2022 to install the sculptural coral bank, where rare and resilient corals from eight neighboring reefs were planted. The sculptural coral bank consists of a large engraved centerpiece, eight end-piece sculptures, and 120 flower structures — all created from marine-grade stainless steel to form a 60-foot circular park. Each limb of the sculptural park is planted with coral from a different neighboring reef, eight in total.

Rebuilding Reefs, Redefining Restoration

Preserves critical biodiversity: The Gene Bank safeguards the genetic diversity of Nacula Island’s coral reefs, protecting them from a future of monoculture and potential collapse.

Continuous coral cultivation: Operating like a living conveyor belt, the Gene Bank enables ongoing propagation and replanting through secondary nurseries and targeted out-planting methods.

​A unique conservation experience: This underwater living artwork captivates visitors at Blue Lagoon, encourages participation in coral restoration, and serves as a meaningful engagement and marketing tool for the resort.

​Supports marine ecosystems: By acting as an artificial reef, the Gene Bank creates new habitats for marine life, relieves pressure on natural reefs, and provides a foundation for future reef growth.

​Drives local impact: The Gene Bank generates employment, educates the community, and fosters local stewardship of marine resources.

​Advances marine protection: Counting Coral’s Gene Bank and work at Nacula led to the creation of a Marine Protected Area at Blue Lagoon, including the Gene Bank, marking a major step forward for regional marine conservation.