Bringing Back Reef Fish: Sustainable Impacts of Community-Based Restoration of Elkhorn Coral (Acropora palmata) in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico (2008–2023)

Sustainability, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 16(14), P. 5985 - 5985

Published: July 12, 2024

In response to the severe fragmentation of Elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata (Lamarck, 1816), stands caused by a major winter swell (“Holy Swell”) in March 2008, an emergency community-based low-tech restoration was initiated Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. Over 15-year period, coral demographic performance and fish assemblages were monitored across four restored control (non-restored) 100 m2 plots. The effort proved be highly successful, leading successful survival growth, sustained recovery assemblages, particularly herbivore guilds. Significantly increased abundance, biomass, diversity observed all trophic functional groups, fishery target species, geo-ecological groups both These positive outcomes attributed enhanced spatial complexity long-term “nutrient hotspots” within plots, refugia effect from benthic complexity, dispersal paths promoting spillover effects adjacent non-restored areas. Restoring guilds played crucial role restoring vital ecological processes reef ecosystem resilience. Recommendations include integrating assemblage into strategies, establishing natural nursery plots for future sourcing, incorporating concept seascapes holistic ecosystem-based approach restoration.

Language: Английский

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Multiscale hydrodynamics modeling reveals the temperature moderating role of the Northern Red Sea Islands

Marine Pollution Bulletin, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 194, P. 115241 - 115241

Published: July 20, 2023

Language: Английский

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What evidence exists on the ecological and physical effects of built structures in shallow, tropical coral reefs? A systematic map protocol

Environmental Evidence, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 12(1)

Published: Sept. 15, 2023

Shallow, tropical coral reefs face compounding threats from habitat degradation due to coastal development and pollution, impacts storms sea-level rise, pulse disturbances like blast fishing, mining, dredging, ship groundings that reduce reefs' height variability. One approach toward restoring reef structure these is deploying built structures. Built structures range engineered modules repurposed materials underwater sculptures intentionally placed natural rocks. Restoration practitioners managers increasingly consider incorporating structures, including nature-based solutions, into reef-related applications. Yet, synthesized evidence on the ecological physical performance of interventions across a variety contexts (e.g., restoration, protection, mitigation, tourism) not readily available guide decisions. To help inform management decisions, here we aim document global base in shallow (≤ 30 m) (35° N 35° S latitude) ecosystems. The collated use cases associated outcomes can future consideration restoration design, siting, implementation.

Language: Английский

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Evidence of Sexual Reproduction in Out-Planted Coral Colonies

Oceans, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 4(4), P. 350 - 359

Published: Oct. 25, 2023

Intervention techniques to restore coral communities have become an important management tool help recover and rehabilitate damaged reefs. The direct transplantation of healthy fragments is the most common method; however, there controversy in long-term success, as using clones may diminish genetic diversity population. Genetic recombination can be achieved when colony produces gametes eventually reproduces; therefore, it provide evidence that restored colonies produce their naturally recruited counterparts with similar size (age). Natural Pocillopora same range (between 40 50 cm diameter) were tagged sampled during rainy season determine gamete maturation. Our results show no differences reproductive activity among colonies: natural matured from June October, a peak sexually active July. Also, malformation was not observed. During production period, area’s temperature ranged 27.9 30.02 °C. results’ formed through restoration contribute only increase live cover seen previous studies but potentially medium term (>5 years after out-planting) larvae local subsidiary recruitment, since they exhibit patterns colonies. Therefore, projects maintaining region, rehabilitating community.

Language: Английский

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Numerical study of regular wave dynamics for optimizing coral reef restoration

Ocean Engineering, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 315, P. 119768 - 119768

Published: Nov. 23, 2024

Language: Английский

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