Low light intensity increased survival of coral spat in aquaculture

Coral Reefs, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 43(3), P. 627 - 640

Published: April 20, 2024

Abstract Coral reef ecosystems are declining and may not recover under future climate scenarios without intervention. Seeding reefs with corals bred in aquaculture is a promising restoration intervention; however, early coral recruits (spat) vulnerable to overgrowth by benthic algae maximizing their survival essential for the feasibility of large-scale breeding operations. This study investigated optimal light quality intensity spat growth presence algal communities typically used induce larval settlement, but which might also outcompete reduce during grow-out period. Spat were exposed two spectra (blue full spectrum) at four intensities (5–160 µmol m −2 s −1 ) over 12-week post-settlement. Survival was reduced highest nearly 40% compared lowest intensity. Light spectrum only affected 60 —where higher blue light. treatments did affect final size 33% smaller weeks 6 8 due crustose coralline (CCA), most abundant these conditions. Low intensity, on other hand, favored green brown algae, potentially respective physiologies or less competition from algae. These results indicate that low presents several advantages maintaining aquaculture, including significantly affecting growth, as well minimizing husbandry operating expenses.

Language: Английский

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Natural recovery of corals after severe disturbance

Ecology Letters, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 27(1)

Published: Oct. 18, 2023

Ecosystem recovery from human-induced disturbances, whether through natural processes or restoration, is occurring worldwide. Yet, dynamics, and their implications for broader ecosystem management, remain unclear. We explored dynamics using coral reefs as a case study. tracked the fate of 809 individual recruits that settled after severe bleaching event at Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef. Recruited Acropora corals, first detected in 2020, grew to cover levels were equivalent global average within just 2 years. Furthermore, we found 11.5 per square meter sufficient reach this However, wave exposure, growth form colony density had marked effect on rates. Our results underscore importance considering management restoration highlight how lessons learnt reef can inform our understanding high-diversity climate-disturbed ecosystems.

Language: Английский

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Coral reefs, cloud forests and radical climate interventions in Australia’s Wet Tropics and Great Barrier Reef

PLOS Climate, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 2(10), P. e0000221 - e0000221

Published: Oct. 4, 2023

Given the inadequacy of current patterns climate mitigation, calls for rapid protection are beginning to explore and endorse potentially radical options. Based on fieldwork involving original expert interviews (N = 23) extensive site visits in Australia, this empirical study explores four types interventions spanning differing degrees radicalism: adaptation, solar geoengineering, forestry ecosystems restoration, carbon removal. It examines ongoing efforts engage selective breeding assisted adaptation coral species be introduced Great Barrier Reef, as well implement regional geoengineering form fogging marine cloud brightening. also related attempts at both nature-based engineered forms removal vis-à-vis ecosystem restoration via conservation reforestation Wet Tropics Queensland World Heritage Area, enhanced weathering ocean alkalinization. This portfolio challenges existing categorizations typologies action. Moreover, identifies positive synergies coupling between options themselves, but lingering trade-offs risks needing taken into account. discusses three inductive themes which emerged from qualitative data: complexity coupling, risk multi-scalar effects, radicality governance. elucidates these with an attempt generalize lessons learned other communities around world considering protect forests, preserve reefs, or geoengineering.

Language: Английский

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The governance of marine and coral reef restoration, lessons and paths forward for novel interventions

Environmental Science & Policy, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 164, P. 103999 - 103999

Published: Jan. 17, 2025

Language: Английский

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Ayla Oasis Lagoons: A Model for Ecological Sustainability and Marine Conservation in Aqaba, Jordan

Sustainability, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 17(3), P. 1279 - 1279

Published: Feb. 5, 2025

The Ayla Oasis in Aqaba, Jordan, is a major tourism and residential development project containing three artificial lagoons. This study explores the ecological sustainable of Lagoons, focusing on seawater bottom sediment quality, habitat, addition to coral conservation restoration initiatives. flushing time, averaging 3.7 days for Upper Lagoon 2.4 Middle Lagoon, plays crucial role maintaining water quality. These measures secure well-being all visitors residents, while also preserving marine biodiversity. Upper, Middle, Tidal Lagoons exhibit physiochemical properties alignment with characteristics Gulf Aqaba. Sediment quality analysis shows organic carbon levels grain size distribution vary among lagoons, indicating expected different energy conditions healthy environment. lagoons support diverse range species, total 2343 fish individuals belonging 22 species across 17 families recorded. comprehensive lagoons’ revealed dynamic resilient ecosystem. Ayla’s initiative within its feature 166 reef balls, 5 nurseries, 2 metal structures, designed foster demonstrates effectiveness Oasis’ environmental resilience monitoring strategies, showcasing commitment management stewardship. efforts reflect ongoing dedication protecting ecosystem, ensuring long-term health reefs surrounding life.

Language: Английский

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Community Engagement for Novel Ecosystem Restoration and Assisted Adaptation Interventions: Observations and Lessons from the Australian Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program

Society & Natural Resources, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 1 - 20

Published: Feb. 10, 2025

Language: Английский

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In the Face of Climate Change, Coral Reservoirs with Restoration Potential: A Case Study in Utría Cove, Eastern Tropical Pacific

Diversity, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 17(2), P. 124 - 124

Published: Feb. 11, 2025

The limited research in Utría Cove has hindered our understanding of marginal coral areas a rapidly changing ocean. To better understand how reefs could serve as reservoirs where local communities actively be involved, we assessed the ecological attributes Utría’s areas, documented impact 2023–2024 El Niño event, and conducted SWOT analysis to frame restoration potential. current state shows reduction 1.4 ha La Chola reef, average live cover is 24% algal 41%. other two (Diego Punta Diego) showed between 14% 17%, 42% 50%, respectively. No significant differences were found structural complexity, benthic cover, macroinvertebrates; only fish richness was significantly higher at Diego. Based on previously three need interventions (i.e., active restoration), especially considering widespread bleaching recorded (temperatures up 31.4 °C; sustained mean temperatures ~30 °C ± 0.43), associated with Niño. identified four weaknesses (e.g., logistical challenges), threats illegal fishing), six strengths, opportunities that highlight potential engage locals by providing economic alternatives boosting regional initiatives.

Language: Английский

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A comparison of in situ and on‐vessel larval rearing for coral seeding

Restoration Ecology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 18, 2025

Coral sexual recruitment is critical to reef recovery yet often fails on degraded reefs. seeding one approach artificially increase the densities of coral settlers reefs and can be applied in many ways. A thorough comparison seeding‐method performance needed inform restoration decisions difficult undertake given cost complexities around employing multiple methods simultaneously. Here, we first designed a vessel‐based coral‐spawning aquaculture system. Then undertook an experimental larvae reared on‐vessel system with those situ rearing pools (SECORE basins [CRIBs]). We parameterized survival estimates assessed post‐deployment spat generated using each method. also quantified deployed across six sites inshore Great Barrier Reef. Larval was lower when than vessel (3.8 vs. 66.1%, respectively), but settlement behavior post‐settlement were comparable between treatments, yield averaging 66 72% after 3 months deployment, from CRIBs culture tanks, respectively. Spat 5 ± 8%. On‐vessel more costly supported higher survival, increased portability, enabled control manipulation conditions. By contrast, low‐cost, deployable shore, low‐maintenance. Armed this information, managers practitioners determine most appropriate method(s) for project.

Language: Английский

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Considerations, Ethics, and Risk Assessment for the Development and Application of Microbial-Based Therapies; Introducing a Rights-Based Framework for Reef Communities

Coral reefs of the world, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 197 - 212

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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Trajectories and agents of binding in stabilized and unstabilized coral rubble across environmental gradients

Ecosphere, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 16(2)

Published: Feb. 1, 2025

Abstract Natural ecosystems are routinely impacted by acute disturbances that generate space for early colonizers. Following disturbances, the interaction strengths of top‐down and bottom‐up factors across environmental gradients influence community succession. On coral reefs, rubble beds commonly form following major can persist decades. Yet, there is little understanding successional pathways lead to binding—where bound consolidated stable substrate suitable recruitment—and subsequent recovery. This study used observational experimental methods determine: (1) binding likelihood in unstabilized situ 2.5 years a bleaching event 2016 Maldives, how it varied according characteristics gradients; (2) number binds binder composition on experimentally stabilized temporally over 1.5 gradients. Surveys found was lowest reef flat (8% bound) highest at exposed deeper sites (38%), where flow appears low enough maintain stability but high support growth. When stabilized, ~100% least one bind within 6 months. while per piece units continued increase time slope, remained flat, distinct between slope—likely due higher sediment transport flat. Community also cryptic microhabitats. reefs mobilized more frequently than every months, will likely have potential delayed recruitment. Where flux deposition high, recovery unlikely even if actively stabilized. In contrast, infrequently areas with lower facilitate natural recovery, thus may not require intervention. Our findings help effectively guide managers toward best strategies rubble‐dominated optimizing limited intervention resources through careful prioritization.

Language: Английский

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