Abstract Summary
Once largely abundant throughout the Florida Keys and Caribbean, Acropora cervicornis and A. palmata populations have drastically declined (>98% at some locations) due to multiple, compounding natural and anthropogenic stressors. As these threats continue, there is a clear need for innovative methods to reinforce remaining coral populations. Incorporating conservation genetics for the recovery of a species is not a novel concept, and its implications for the continued persistence of the species is quintessential, especially in the era of accelerating climate change. Guided by NOAA’s Acropora Recovery Plan, Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF) has developed a large-scale restoration program that encourages coral diversity for two reasons: 1) to promote resiliency at restoration sites in the context of a changing world, and 2) to better understand the influence of genetics on success at restoration sites. In 2016, CRF launched a restoration plan that emphasizes genetic diversity through outplanting nearly 50 genotypes of both A. cervicornis and A. palmata onto eight reef sites along the Florida Reef Tract. Genotypes of each species were sequenced and selected to ensure the largest range of genetic diversity possible. Here, we present preliminary findings from initial surveys of the outplanted Acroporids from all eight restoration sites. This information can help provide insight not only into survivorship of different genotypes, but also the role that genetic makeup plays in restoration strategies. Variable responses to the environment have been recorded at restoration sites and in nurseries, yet the role of genetics is still unclear in its contribution to the long-term success of local and regionally restored Acropora populations, warranting further investigation into the role of genetics and recovery of the species. This restoration strategy, coupled with subsequent tracking of coral health post-outplanting, can provide insights as to what factors promote survivorship and resilience of restored coral populations in the face of a changing ocean environment.
