Abstract Summary
In March 2017, size class experiments for micro-fragments (1-and 5-cm) were set up for two species placed on in situ nurseries (Acropora palmata and Orbicella annularis) and two species directly outplanted to the reef (A. palmata and D. clivosa) in southern Belize. Based on the first month’s initial high survival rate for micro-fragged A. palmata (100%), Fragments of Hope (FoH) also directly outplanted two size classes (1-and 5cm, N= 45 and 16, respectively) of A. palmata onto a shallow fore reef site in South Water Caye Marine Reserve (SWCMR) in April 2017. Since then, additional species have been micro-fragged for in situ nurseries (Dendrogyna cylindrus) and for direct outplanting: A. palmata (Laughing Bird Caye National Park, LBCNP N=118), SWCMR (n=267) and Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve (TAMR N=954) and O. annularis (TAMR N=55). Here we report on the results to date, and discuss the nuances of calculating survival rate, when directly outplanting micro-fragged corals that are purposely meant to fuse together. FoH is currently using photo-mosaics coupled with CPCe annotation to calculate instead change in coral cover on pre-measured plots in annual surveys. Based on results to date, we are confidant direct outplanting of micro-fragged A. palmata (size classes ≥ 5cm) can rapidly speed up replenishment of large sections of shallow degraded reef in Belize, by eliminating the need for nurseries altogether for this species. We also highlight the need for targeted host genetics diversity using this method and discuss trials planned for other species in Belize and other locations outside of Belize.
