Abstract Summary
Current outplanting methods for coral restoration require labor-intensive manual transplantation of each coral-substrate-unit using adhesives, nails or cable-ties. To conduct coral restoration at the needed scale, SECORE is co-leading a collaboration (with TNC and California Academy of Sciences; the Global Coral Restoration Project (GCRP)), to develop technologies and implement partnerships to reduce labor and costs, allow application of techniques in remote areas, and expand the spectrum of species restored. We primarily utilize larval propagules that are settled on designed, self-stabilizing substrates (“seeding units, SU”) that are ‘sowed’ on the reef, without artificial attachment. Based on initial tests with tetrapod-shaped substrates, we are currently testing seven new prototype substrates (3d-printed from ceramic) designed to improve survival of recruits and retention of SUs. Another approach to facilitate large-scale restoration at locations remote from land-based infrastructure aims at transferring the production process to an in situ environment. We have developed floating “pools” that are placed in sheltered sites (e.g. lagoon or dock) prior to a coral spawning event. Fertilized eggs resulting from in-situ gamete collection and in-vitro fertilization are placed directly into the pools containing SUs to complete larval development, settlement, and potentially a post-settlement nursery period with minimal labor. Upscaling of larval restoration is also facilitated by practitioner workshops centered around coral spawning events to provide hands-on experience with these developing tools and techniques and create a community of practice. We are cultivating partnerships with local organizations with commitment and capacity to implement larval restoration at expanded locations.
