Rebuild the Reef, One Fragment at a Time

Marine conservation diver monitoring coral fragments on artificial reef structures during the Coral Restoration Techniques course at Black Turtle Conservation, Koh Tao.
Coral restoration students working on artificial reef module installation and coral attachment under DMCR-approved restoration projects in Koh Tao, Thailand.
Student conducting coral restoration training at Black Turtle Conservation, Koh Tao, learning attachment techniques and monitoring methods on artificial reef structures.
Research diver documenting coral restoration progress and monitoring coral fragments as part of Black Turtle Conservation’s reef rehabilitation initiatives in Koh Tao.

Coral reefs are among the most threatened ecosystems on Earth — but with the right knowledge and techniques, divers can play a meaningful role in their recovery.

In this 1-day hands-on course, you’ll learn when and why a reef needs restoration, how to safely attach coral fragments using conservation-grade methods, and how to maintain and monitor restoration sites over time.

You’ll also contribute to our ongoing research project investigating the success rates of different attachment techniques used in Koh Tao, giving you real scientific experience while helping protect the reef.

*All restoration work at Black Turtle Conservation is carried out under authorization from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) — Thailand’s government agency responsible for protecting and managing the country’s marine ecosystems. This ensures that all our coral restoration and monitoring projects follow national conservation standards, promote sustainable reef recovery, and contribute valuable data to Thailand’s long-term marine management efforts.

Coral restoration is a powerful tool for reef recovery — but only when based on science, proper techniques, and long-term monitoring.

Our Coral Restoration Theory & Techniques course teaches you when restoration is appropriate, how to do it effectively, and how to maintain its success over time. You’ll learn using real examples from our restoration sites, and you’ll directly participate in active research analyzing which attachment methods yield the highest survival rates on Koh Tao’s reefs.

What you’ll learn:

  • How to determine whether a reef site requires restoration
  • Coral stress indicators and environmental factors affecting success
  • Scientific protocols for coral attachment (epoxy, cable ties, gardening, etc.)
  • How to maintain restoration sites and conduct follow-up monitoring
  • How to evaluate restoration success rates using real field data

This course is ideal if you want to:

  • Participate directly in hands-on coral restoration projects
  • Learn the science behind effective reef rehabilitation
  • Continue into specialties such as Artificial Reefs or Coral Disease
  • Join real research exploring attachment methods and long-term survival
  • Develop conservation skills used by professionals across Southeast Asia
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WHY THIS COURSE MATTERS

Coral restoration is more than planting corals — it’s a science-based approach to rebuilding ecosystem structure and resilience. With rising temperatures, storms, and human impacts threatening reefs worldwide, restoration has become a vital conservation strategy.

Through this course, you will:

  • Learn when restoration is appropriate and when it can cause harm
  • Understand the biological principles behind coral growth and healing
  • Contribute data to research improving restoration success rates around Koh Tao
  • Gain confidence working in real restoration sites used by marine scientists and conservation teams

This specialty builds on the Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP) and serves as a key foundation for Artificial Reefs, Coral Disease, and Advanced EMP.

price

8,000 THB

DURATION

1 day

classes

1 class

DIVES

2 training dives

CERTIFICATION

Conservation Diver

LEVEL REQUIRED

Advanced Open Water* Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP)
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* Not a diver yet? No problem! You can start your journey by learning to dive with us.
Our PADI Open Water and Advanced Open Water courses are the perfect first step before joining our marine conservation programs.

START WITH A DIVING COURSE

COURSE STRUCTURE

Our Coral Restoration Theory & Techniques course blends classroom learning, hands-on practice, and participation in real coral restoration research happening right now at our project sites.

Day 1
Morning 09:00 Coral Restoration Lecture
Lunch
Afternoon 12:00 Coral Restoration Dive
15:00 Coral Restoration Dive
Evening 17:00 Debrief

* Please note that the following schedule is indicative and may vary.
* Exact times for each session and dive will be confirmed before the course begins.

Morning — Theory Session:

Your day begins with an engaging classroom presentation introducing the science and purpose behind coral reef restoration. You’ll learn when and why restoration becomes necessary, how it supports reef recovery, and what environmental factors influence coral survival and resilience.

We’ll explore different restoration techniques, including fragmentation and corals of opportunity, as well as the principles behind coral nurseries and site selection for long-term success.

You’ll also be introduced to the attachment methods currently used in Thailand — such as epoxy, cable ties, and hybrid techniques — and learn how our team at Black Turtle Conservation studies their effectiveness through ongoing monitoring and data collection.

By the end of the session, you’ll have a clear understanding of the full restoration process — from concept to implementation — and how scientific research guides every stage of our reef recovery projects on Koh Tao.

Afternoon — 2 Coral Restoration Dives:

Dive 1: Coral Fragment Prep & Attachment Training

Your restoration journey begins underwater, where you’ll learn how to identify suitable coral fragments and select the best restoration structures based on species type and environmental conditions.

At our active restoration sites and nurseries, you’ll help prepare structures through cleaning and maintenance and practice different attachment techniques under instructor guidance — understanding when and why each method is used, and how it influences coral survival and growth.

Dive 2: Restoration Maintenance & Monitoring Dive

On your second dive, you’ll return to restoration areas to monitor coral health and growth, recording data that contributes to our ongoing research on attachment success rates.

By the end of the course, you’ll have a deep understanding of the full coral restoration process — from site assessment and preparation to monitoring and maintenance — and how these projects play a vital role in reef recovery across Thailand’s marine ecosystems.

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Price:
8,000 ฿
BOOK NOW
Includes:
  • Conservation Diver E-Learning
  • 1 class
  • 2 guided conservation dives
  • Conservation Diver Certification
  • Diving equipment & dive computer
  • Dive insurance
  • Refreshments & fruit on the boat
Prerequisites:
  • Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent)
  • Completion of the Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP)

Testimonials

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Chee yen Wong
1 days ago
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+1
This dive shop is highly recommended! The diving guide Isbella is very professional, enthusiastic and patient in explaining everything.
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matthias p
1 days ago
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Ich war jetzt bereits zum wiederholten Male tauchen bei Black Turtle Dive und bin begeistert. Der Service, die Hilfsbereitschaft & Professionalität sind überragend! Vor allem meine Fun Dives mit den Dive Master Nils und Hailey waren perfekt. Danke für diese tolle Erfahrung!!
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Amy Burnett
2 days ago
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+0
If you’re looking to complete your PADI open water course, I could not recommend Black Turtle Dive more. We completed the 3 day course. Learnt so much about the ocean and the safety behind diving, that we can take forward to any future dives. Our instructors Jaa and Arisa were so encouraging and patient when it came to learning new skills. As well as the incredible dive locations they take you too.
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Zoe Clark
2 days ago
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If I could give more than 5 stars I would. The staff were so friendly and welcoming as soon as we stepped through the door. Our instructors were more than perfect Jaa and arisa. Could not recommend them more. Hope to dive with them again sometime. Highly recommend
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Alya F
3 days ago
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Ich durfte meinen Open Water Diver hier absolvieren und war wirklich sehr zufrieden. Meine Tauchlehrerin war Nadine, sie ist wirklich mega super! Ich habe mich in der Ausbildung immer sehr wohl und verstanden gefühlt. Sie hat mich immer mit viel Geduld und Passion in meinem Lernprozess begleitet, VIELEN DANK Nadine! Ich schätze generell bei Black Turtle die Professionalität und Hilfsbereitschaft sehr! Man merkt das sie viel Leidenschaft im Tauchen leben (das ganze Team) und ihnen Sicherheit beim Tauchen sehr wichtig ist. Ich habe mich vom Empfang bis zur letzen Ausbildungseinheit gut betreut und beraten gefühlt. Komme gerne wieder 🤟🏼
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Federico Bertorello
4 days ago
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Hice el curso de open water, la atención de las chicas 10! Mi instructora Rhi excelente!
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Toby
4 days ago
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If your looking for low cost, high quality dive school to do your scuba open waters and/or more through, black turtle is the place to go. Ask around for an instructor named Naim and a soon-to-be instructor named Annie. They were great company and even better instructors. Strongly recommend.
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Miriam schlenker
4 days ago
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Michael Clarke
4 days ago
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Chae was awesome. Super patient and helpful with the refresher course we did together. I had some serious trouble equalising and he kept me calm, was really understanding, and managed to get me down for two great experiences. Totally recommend him and the whole staff.
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Mats Lory
5 days ago
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Amazing dive center, super professional and chill people!
Marine conservation diver documenting coral growth and attachment success as part of ongoing reef rehabilitation and monitoring programs in Koh Tao, Thailand.

Keep Learning

Once you’ve completed Coral Restoration, continue building your conservation skills with:
Artificial Reefs – Learn how to design and deploy structures to increase habitat complexity.
Coral Disease & Compromised Health – Identify stress indicators and support restoration site health.
Advanced EMP – Deepen your reef monitoring techniques and scientific diving skills.

Each specialty expands on your understanding of coral ecology and restoration science, preparing you for long-term conservation and research roles.

ECOLOGICAL MONITORING PROGRAM

Prerequisites: AOW

The Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP) introduces reef survey methods and scientific diving techniques. You’ll learn to assess fish, invertebrates, substrate, and coral health, and report your findings to an international database.

Coral Taxonomy & Identification

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP

Learn to identify coral species based on skeletal and anatomical characteristics, both on land and underwater.

This course builds essential skills for research, restoration, and monitoring projects.

NUDIBRANCH & SEA SLUG ECOLOGY

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP

Dive into the world of nudibranchs and sea slugs, key indicators of reef biodiversity and water quality. You’ll explore their taxonomy and ecology while participating in an ongoing research project at Black Turtle Conservation.

CORAL RESTORATION THEORY & TECHNIQUES

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP

Explore the science behind coral restoration.

You'll learn about restoration strategies, site selection, coral health assessment, and attachment methods.

ARTIFICIAL REEF THEORY & TECHNIQUES

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP + Coral Restoration

Artificial reefs help restore damaged habitats and provide alternative dive sites. You’ll explore the science behind their design and even create your own reef project as a classroom exercise.

CORAL PREDATORS: POPULATION MANAGEMENT & MONITORING

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP

Identify and monitor coral predators such as crown-of-thorns starfish and Drupella snails, and understand their impact on reef health.

This course teaches practical techniques for population control and long-term reef protection.

ADVANCED CORAL TAXONOMY

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP + Coral Taxonomy

Expand your coral identification skills by learning to recognize more challenging and rare genera.

This course deepens your knowledge of skeletal and anatomical traits, strengthening your abilities for advanced research and monitoring.

CORAL DISEASES & COMPROMISED HEALTH

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP + Coral Taxonomy

Discover how to identify and record common coral diseases and signs of stress in reef ecosystems.

This course equips you with the skills to assess reef health and contribute valuable data to monitoring efforts.

ADVANCED EMP

Prerequisites: AOW + EMP + Coral Taxonomy + Coral Disease + 3 Monitoring Courses

Gain experience using additional monitoring techniques, including quadrants, transects, and advanced survey methods. This course enhances your ability to collect accurate data and analyze long-term changes in reef ecosystems.

SEA TURTLE ECOLOGY & MONITORING

Learn about the ecology, behavior and threats facing sea turtles, all of which are endangered. Develop skills in turtle ID and data collection, allowing you to contribute to real conservation initiatives by recording sightings to support ongoing monitoring efforts in Koh Tao and internationally.

SHARK ECOLOGY & POPULATION STUDIES

Sharks play a crucial role as apex predators, yet many species are now critically endangered. Explore their evolution, anatomy, and ecological role. Learn population monitoring techniques and how to contribute to local and global shark databases to aid conservation efforts.

CORAL WATCH SPECIALITY

Learn how to assess coral health and contribute to a global monitoring effort using a powerful method developed by CoralWatch and supported by PADI AWARE. Gain insight into coral biology, bleaching, and climate change, while participating in real reef surveys.

PLASTIC POLLUTION: MONITORING & ASSESSMENT

Learn about the scale and impact of plastic pollution in the ocean. Gain hands-on experience monitoring microplastics and help protect reef ecosystems by removing macroplastics.

3 DAY PADI OPEN WATER DIVER

PADI ADVANCED OPEN WATER DIVER

PADI RESCUE DIVER + EMERGENCY FIRST RESPONSE (EFR)

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Grow Your Skills with Our Conservation Programs

All our marine conservation programs begin with the Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP), providing a solid foundation in scientific diving and hands-on conservation.

From there, you can continue learning through our carefully designed programs, which follow a progression we’ve developed to maximize learning and practical experience. Each course builds on the last, helping you
develop your skills step by step while contributing to meaningful conservation projects.

Whether your goal is to specialize in coral restoration, turtle research, or broader reef monitoring, our programs guide you along a clear path, so you can grow as a marine conservationist while enjoying every step of the journey.

CONSERVATION SPECIALIST

  • EMP
  • Coral Taxonomy
  • Sea turtles
  • BTD Sea slugs

REEF SPECIALIST

  • Coral Restoration
  • Artificial Reefs
  • Coral Taxonomy III
  • BTC Marine Pollution

MASTER CONSERVATIONIST

  • Giant Clams
  • BTD Cleaning Stations
  • BTD Coral Predators
  • Sharks

SCIENTIFIC DIVER

  • Image J
  • Coral Disease
  • Advanced EMP

Learning Pathway

← Scroll horizontally to see full pathway →

courses

ANY LEVEL

Open to Divers & Non-Divers
  • Sea Turtle Ecology & Monitoring
  • Coral Watch Speciality
  • Shark Ecology & Population Studies
  • Plastic Pollution: Monitoring & Assessment

ADVANCED DIVERS

AOW Required
Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP)
  • Coral Taxonomy & Identification
    • Advanced Coral Taxonomy
    • Coral Disease Monitoring
  • Nudibranch & Sea Slug Ecology
  • Coral Restoration Theory & Techniques
    • Artificial Reefs Theory
  • Coral Predators Monitoring & Mgmt
Advanced
EMP

programs

ANY LEVEL

Open to Divers & Non-Divers
3 days

CITIZEN SCIENCE

  • Coral Watch Speciality
  • Citizen Science Initiatives
  • Marine Ecology

This infographic shows the progression of the different marine conservation courses and programs we offer at Black Turtle Conservation.

Developed in collaboration with Conservation Diver, PADI AWARE, and our own in-house certifications, these courses and programs provide hands-on opportunities to learn, dive, and actively contribute to real conservation and research efforts.

ADVANCED DIVERS

AOW Required
1 week

CORE CONSERVATIONIST

  • EMP
  • Coral Taxonomy I
2 weeks

CONSERVATION SPECIALIST

  • EMP
  • Coral Taxonomy I & II
  • Sea Turtles
  • BTD Sea Slugs
+ 2 weeks

REEF SPECIALIST

  • Coral Restoration
  • Artificial Reefs
  • Coral Taxonomy III
  • BTD Marine Pollution
+ 2 weeks

MASTER CONSERVATIONIST

  • Giant Clams
  • BTD Cleaning Stations
  • BTD Coral Predators
  • Sharks
+ 2 weeks

SCIENTIFIC DIVER

  • Image J
  • Coral Disease
  • Advanced EMP

pro

PROFESSIONAL LEVEL

Dive Master Required

RESEARCH
ASSISTANT

INSTRUCTOR
DEVELOPMENT
COURSE (IDC)

EMP
INSTRUCTOR

EMP

SPECIALITY
INSTRUCTOR

EMP + ≥5 courses

MASTER
INSTRUCTOR

EMP + ≥10 courses

INSTRUCTOR
TRAINER

← Scroll horizontally to see full pathway →
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Coral Restoration course in Koh Tao and what will I learn?

The Coral Restoration Theory & Techniques course in Koh Tao is a 1-day hands-on training where you learn how to identify when a reef needs restoration, prepare coral fragments, attach them safely, maintain restoration sites, and monitor survival rates.

You’ll also take part in real research projects, evaluating different attachment methods used by conservation teams in Thailand, giving you practical experience in scientific coral restoration.

Do I need to be a certified diver to join the Coral Restoration course in Thailand?

Yes. To join the Coral Restoration course in Koh Tao, you must be at least an Advanced Open Water diver (or equivalent) and have completed the Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP).

These prerequisites ensure you understand coral ecology, buoyancy, and survey techniques before working directly with coral fragments.

Is coral restoration safe for the reef and what techniques will I learn to protect corals?

Absolutely — when done correctly. In our coral restoration training in Koh Tao, you’ll learn:

  • When restoration is appropriate and when it can cause harm
  • How to safely collect, handle, and transport fragments
  • Scientific attachment techniques (epoxy, cable ties, cement, hybrid methods)
  • How to reduce stress on coral colonies during work
  • Monitoring and maintenance protocols to ensure long-term success

All methods follow Conservation Diver’s internationally recognized standards.

Where does the Coral Restoration training take place in Koh Tao?

The Coral Restoration dives take place on real restoration sites around Koh Tao, including nurseries, artificial structures, and natural substrate restoration zones.

These locations allow you to see:

  • Different coral attachment methods
  • Fragment growth over time
  • Environmental challenges like algae or sedimentation
  • How restoration structures support reef recovery

You will work on the same sites monitored by our research team.

Will I get a certification after completing the Coral Restoration course?

Yes. After completing the Coral Restoration course in Koh Tao, you will receive an official Conservation Diver Coral Restoration certification, recognized at research centers and marine conservation organizations worldwide.

This certification qualifies you to assist in coral planting and monitoring projects in many Conservation Diver locations.

How does the Coral Restoration course in Thailand contribute to real conservation?

During your course, you’ll join ongoing research analyzing the success rates of different attachment methods used on Koh Tao.

You’ll collect data on:

  • Fragment survival
  • Algal competition
  • Predation
  • Substrate stability
  • Structure design effectiveness

Your findings help improve future restoration strategies and contribute to long-term monitoring efforts across Thailand.

Can I combine coral restoration with other marine conservation courses in Koh Tao?

Yes — most students combine the Coral Restoration course with specialties like:

  • Coral Taxonomy
  • Coral Disease & Compromised Health
  • Artificial Reefs
  • Advanced EMP

If you’re completing a longer program such as the Reef Specialist or Master Conservationist, coral restoration is already included.

How long is the Coral Restoration course and what does it include?

The Coral Restoration course in Koh Tao is a 1-day program that includes:

  • 1 theory session on restoration science
  • 2 coral restoration dives
  • Conservation Diver certification
  • Diving equipment & dive computer
  • Insurance, fruit & refreshments

Price: 8,000 THB

How does coral restoration help protect reef ecosystems in the long run?

Coral restoration helps rebuild damaged reefs, increase habitat complexity, and support biodiversity—especially in areas recovering from storms, bleaching, or anchor damage.

Through this course, you’ll learn how scientific restoration efforts support:

  • Coral recovery
  • Fish and invertebrate return
  • Increased reef resilience
  • Long-term ecosystem balance

By participating in coral restoration in Koh Tao, you become part of a global effort to protect and rehabilitate coral reefs for future generations.

Why choose Black Turtle Conservation for the Coral Restoration course in Koh Tao?

Black Turtle Conservation is one of Thailand’s leading centers for coral restoration and reef rehabilitation. Our work combines scientific research, hands-on conservation, and marine education to create a meaningful learning experience for divers and ocean enthusiasts alike.

You’ll train with marine biologists and Conservation Diver Instructor Trainers, participate in active restoration projects, and contribute data to ongoing research assessing the success of different coral attachment methods and long-term survival rates.

All our restoration activities are officially approved and monitored by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) — Thailand’s national authority for marine conservation. This ensures that every project follows strict environmental and ethical standards, supporting sustainable reef recovery and genuine conservation impact.

When you take the Coral Restoration course with Black Turtle Conservation, you’re not just learning — you’re joining real, DMCR-authorized conservation work that helps protect and restore Koh Tao’s coral reefs for the future.

Still have questions?

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