The waters of North Nias, located on Nias Island, North Sumatra Province, are one of the driving factors of the coastal economy in Afulu Village, Afulu District, North Nias Regency. This area has three interconnected ecosystems: coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves. The damage to coral reef ecosystems in North Nias waters was caused by the grounding of the asphalt-carrying vessel MT Aashi and leakage on the right side of the ship’s hull after being struck by waves. The crude asphalt spill at the site reached a radius of 50 km, extending to the Regional Marine Conservation Area of North Nias Regency (Toyolawa, Lahewa waters).

The crude asphalt spill contaminating North Nias waters damaged the coral reef ecosystem. The clumped asphalt in the water broke ship propellers, making access to fishing grounds longer than usual and resulting in decreased fish catches for fishermen.

To address this issue, the service team provided a solution through coral reef ecosystem rehabilitation using coral transplantation technology. This transplantation technique employs environmentally friendly materials, creating spaces for fish and marine organisms to reproduce around them. The outcomes of this program are expected to be applied practically to restore damaged coral reef ecosystems while mitigating coastal erosion.

This community service aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 14, which emphasizes increasing conservation, rehabilitation, and community resilience against coastal and marine disasters. It also includes expanding marine conservation areas as well as strengthening institutions and their management effectiveness. The program supports Key Performance Indicators (KPI) 2, 3, and 5, namely students and lecturers gaining experience outside the campus and producing modules on scientific knowledge, training, and appropriate technology for partner communities.

The partner, KUB Harapan Wunga North Nias, will be provided with a science and technology-based education module on coral transplantation methods. Furthermore, the partners will receive training in management and the application of coral transplantation technology.