Waidroka Bay is a small slice of paradise - an oasis for travelers, adventurers, and now, dedicated ocean stewards. As one of our newest partners, Waidroka Bay Surf & Dive Resort has officially embarked on its coral restoration journey with Counting Coral. Situated beside some of Fiji’s most remarkable reef systems, the resort has taken a meaningful step toward long-term ecological care.
Following ecological surveys in 2024, our team returned in 2025 to install the initial phase of a Sculptural Coral Gene Bank. As of June 2025, Waidroka now hosts three marine-grade stainless steel modules, compact in scale but striking in design, serving as the foundation of their restoration system. These structures currently support 60 carefully selected parent corals, chosen for traits such as local rarity, health, and potential resilience.
Although Waidroka is a smaller resort, its impact is anything but small. The team’s enthusiasm and commitment to reef protection are unmistakable, and this first stage represents the beginning of a project poised to expand over time. As additional modules are added in future years, these structures will grow into a dynamic network of restoration sites, creating both ecological value and an immersive reef experience for visiting swimmers and divers.
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Bringing conservation to a new region of Fiji: The Gene Bank introduces active reef restoration to this stretch of Viti Levu’s coastline, an area where hands-on conservation has been limited.
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A small, scalable model built for long-term growth: Designed with intention, Waidroka’s first three modules serve as the foundation for a restoration system that can expand over time. Starting compact allows for careful monitoring, easy adaptation, and continuous scaling as the project evolves.
An inspiring underwater feature that engages divers and volunteers:
Waidroka’s Gene Bank offers a distinctive new experience beneath the surface - one that sparks curiosity, draws divers back to witness its progress, and invites hands-on participation. The project has already begun attracting volunteers, visitors, and community members eager to be involved, creating meaningful learning opportunities and building a growing network of reef restoration supporters.
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Cutting-edge restoration techniques that lead the way in coral recovery:
Waidroka’s Gene Bank utilizes our advanced materials, innovative structural design, and refined propagation methods that represent the frontier of modern coral restoration. From durable engineering to optimized out-planting strategies, every component is designed to enhance survivorship and accelerate the recovery of surrounding reefs—setting a high scientific standard for restoration in Fiji and beyond.​​​​
In Fijian, “Waidroka” translates to “fresh spring water,” a reference to the creek that flows through the surrounding rainforest, passing the resort and emptying directly into the Pacific Ocean. The site is situated within a biologically rich lagoon, featuring shallow waters and a naturally protected environment. These factors were carefully considered in selecting the site, along with the availability of coral sources and the overall structural design requirements.
Within the lagoon, three modules have been installed, each comprising three arms and a central hub, supporting a total of 20 corals per module. These structures were specifically engineered for this scenario, while also serving as foundational units for future expansion.
This project represents a scalable initiative and stands as a testament to Waidroka, its staff, and management, reflecting their strong commitment to environmental stewardship. Their dedication to doing what is right for the ecosystem is evident, regardless of how the project began, and sets a model for sustainable reef restoration.
Waidroka Bay is now positioned to out-plant hundreds—and eventually thousands—of coral fragments in the coming years, a vital effort for a region increasingly impacted by tourism, environmental stressors, and ongoing ecosystem pressures.
