Abstract Summary
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has used a range of coral restoration techniques over the last 25 years. Restoration efforts have focused on injuries associated with ship groundings and anchoring incidents. Lessons learned have helped refine both the technical aspects and the aesthetic and ecological values of various methods. These refinements, as well as the efforts by many others in the region have helped to advance the value and efficacy of coral restoration methodologies in the Caribbean and elsewhere. Vessel groundings and anchoring injuries can create impacts that are much larger than a vessel hull or anchor. The size of injuries incurred can vary depending on where on the reef the vessel rests, continued ground force reaction of the hull, impacts from debris, propwash, or the swing of anchor chain along the bottom. Inappropriate salvage techniques when a vessel is removed perpendicular to the incoming path or when non-floating lines are used is also problematic. Under the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA), 16 U.S.C. §1443, NOAA has the authority to seek monetary damages which include: the costs to restore, replace, or acquire the equivalent of the resources injured, lost use value, assessment, monitoring, response and enforcement costs. With those recoveries, NOAA implements primary and compensatory restoration and monitoring. NOAA has implemented a wide range of restoration techniques from replication of existing reef framework, stabilization and/or removal of rubble, to stabilization and reattachment of corals. Mid-course corrections have been needed to address larger restoration sites. Monitoring has identified more effective techniques and helped improve restoration success. The tests of time, severe weather, coral bleaching and disease often take an unforeseen toll on restoration sites as well as the uninjured areas of the reef tract. Designing restorations to fit all environmental conditions is challenging.
