Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC) subsidiary Hinatuan Mining Corp. (HMC) has announced with pride the success of its coral nursery project in the island of Hinatuan, Tagana-an, Surigao del Norte. “The coral nursery initiative, designed and implemented by HMC’s Mine Environmental Protection and Enhancement Department (MEPEO), aims to further enhance the growth of the natural coral reef systems around the marine waters of the island,” HMC Mepeo Lead and Envi-Manager Manuel Torres Jr. explained. For Jusua dela Peña, HMC’s dedicated marine biologist, success means that in less than a year of establishing the nursery – initially with 343 coral fragments in 4 nursery beds – the coral fragments have fully recovered with an excellent growth rate and a yield of 90 percent survival against a mortality rate of 10 percent.

HMC declares success in 'coral gardening'. (2020, July 27). The Manila Times, p. B9.