Abstract Summary
Over the past 30 years we have lost 50% of corals worldwide. With climate change projections increasing over time, it is estimated that only 10% of corals will survive past 2050. Therefore, we must intervene to establish a foundation of resilient corals that allow our reefs to have a future. In 2015, we spearheaded novel research aimed at accelerating natural selection to enhance stress tolerance in corals (i.e. human- assisted evolution). Starting with the most thermal stress resistant corals, we tested emerging methods such as 1) selective breeding, 2) inducing acclimatization and 3) modifying symbioses. We selectively bred and sequenced the genomes of two of the main reef-building coral species in Kane’ohe Bay (Montipora capitata and Porites compressa), induced acclimatization in three coral species, and inoculated corals with thermal tolerant symbionts. Now we are taking the first steps to incorporate resilient coral stocks into restoration efforts to enhance long-term effectiveness, thereby increasing return on investment and offsetting the risk of losing important ecosystem services. We will identify coral stocks that are more resilient to thermal stress, grow them in in situ nurseries, and propagate them at three locations near O’ahu, Hawaii. Partners include National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (federal), Hawai’i State Department of Land and Natural Resources (state) and Malama Maunalua (non-profit). We will restore at least 5 acres (0.6 acres of live coral) using experimental plots to directly enhance coastal protection while determining whether restoration with resilient corals enhances future outcomes. The ultimate goal is to develop a best practices model for effective restoration that can be scaled up for greatest impact.
