1
|
Talekar S, Barrow CJ, Nguyen HC, Zolfagharian A, Zare S, Farjana SH, Macreadie PI, Ashraf M, Trevathan-Tackett SM. Using waste biomass to produce 3D-printed artificial biodegradable structures for coastal ecosystem restoration. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 925:171728. [PMID: 38492597 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
The loss of ecosystem functions and services caused by rapidly declining coastal marine ecosystems, including corals and bivalve reefs and wetlands, around the world has sparked significant interest in interdisciplinary methods to restore these ecologically and socially important ecosystems. In recent years, 3D-printed artificial biodegradable structures that mimic natural life stages or habitat have emerged as a promising method for coastal marine restoration. The effectiveness of this method relies on the availability of low-cost biodegradable printing polymers and the development of 3D-printed biomimetic structures that efficiently support the growth of plant and sessile animal species without harming the surrounding ecosystem. In this context, we present the potential and pathway for utilizing low-cost biodegradable biopolymers from waste biomass as printing materials to fabricate 3D-printed biodegradable artificial structures for restoring coastal marine ecosystems. Various waste biomass sources can be used to produce inexpensive biopolymers, particularly those with the higher mechanical rigidity required for 3D-printed artificial structures intended to restore marine ecosystems. Advancements in 3D printing methods, as well as biopolymer modifications and blending to address challenges like biopolymer solubility, rheology, chemical composition, crystallinity, plasticity, and heat stability, have enabled the fabrication of robust structures. The ability of 3D-printed structures to support species colonization and protection was found to be greatly influenced by their biopolymer type, surface topography, structure design, and complexity. Considering limited studies on biodegradability and the effect of biodegradation products on marine ecosystems, we highlight the need for investigating the biodegradability of biopolymers in marine conditions as well as the ecotoxicity of the degraded products. Finally, we present the challenges, considerations, and future perspectives for designing tunable biomimetic 3D-printed artificial biodegradable structures from waste biomass biopolymers for large-scale coastal marine restoration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sachin Talekar
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia; ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Green Chemistry in Manufacturing, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia; Centre for Sustainable Bioproducts, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Colin J Barrow
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia; ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Green Chemistry in Manufacturing, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia; Centre for Sustainable Bioproducts, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia.
| | - Hoang Chinh Nguyen
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia; Centre for Sustainable Bioproducts, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Ali Zolfagharian
- School of Engineering, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Shahab Zare
- School of Engineering, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | | | - Peter I Macreadie
- Deakin Marine Research and Innovation Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia
| | - Mahmud Ashraf
- School of Engineering, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Stacey M Trevathan-Tackett
- Deakin Marine Research and Innovation Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Edwards A, Guest J, Humanes A. Rehabilitating coral reefs in the Anthropocene. Curr Biol 2024; 34:R399-R406. [PMID: 38714172 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.12.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
Coral reefs provide food and livelihoods for hundreds of millions of coastal people in over 100 countries. Recent global estimates for the total value of goods and services that they can generate indicate around US$ 105,000-350,000 per hectare per year, but local estimates of current total economic value can be one to two orders of magnitude lower. Unfortunately, coral reefs are under threat both from local human stressors (for example, sediment and nutrient run-off from agriculture, sewage discharges, dredging, destructive fishing, land 'reclamation', overfishing) and, increasingly, from stressors related to global climate change (not only El Niño Southern Oscillation-related marine heatwaves, which cause mass bleaching and mortality of corals, but also more frequent and powerful tropical cyclones and ocean acidification). Four successive mass-bleaching events on Australia's iconic Great Barrier Reef between 2016 and 2022 (plus another one currently underway) have focused world attention on the need for urgent action to protect coral reefs. It is clear that coral reef ecosystems will continue to decline unless anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions are reduced and innovative management strategies are developed to assist adaptation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alasdair Edwards
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK.
| | - James Guest
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Adriana Humanes
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Strudwick P, Camp EF, Seymour J, Roper C, Edmondson J, Howlett L, Suggett DJ. Impacts of plastic-free materials on coral-associated bacterial communities during reef restoration. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2024; 16:e13229. [PMID: 38192237 PMCID: PMC10866064 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Coral propagation and out-planting based restoration approaches are increasingly being applied to assist natural recovery of coral reefs. However, many restoration methods rely on plastic zip-ties to secure coral material which is potentially problematic for the marine environment. Plastic-free biodegradable alternatives may however pose unique risks to coral-associated bacterial communities integral to coral health. Therefore, to identify whether biodegradable materials differentially impact coral-associated bacterial communities we examined Acropora millepora coral-associated bacterial communities during propagation in two experiments on the Great Barrier Reef. Coral fragments were secured to coral nurseries with conventional plastic, metal, or biodegradable (polyester and polycaprolactone) ties. Tie failure and coral-associated bacterial communities were then characterized over six months. Minimal coral mortality was observed (3.6%-8%) and all ties had low failure rates (0%-4.2%) except for biodegradable polyester ties (29.2% failure). No differences were observed between coral-associated bacterial communities of fragments secured with different ties, and no proliferation of putatively pathogenic bacteria was recorded. Overall, our findings suggest that reducing reliance on conventional plastic is feasible through transitions to biodegradable materials, without any notable impacts on coral-associated bacterial communities. However, we caution the need to examine more coral taxa of different morphologies and new plastic-free materials prior to application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paige Strudwick
- Faculty of Science, Climate Change ClusterUniversity of Technology SydneyUltimoNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Emma F. Camp
- Faculty of Science, Climate Change ClusterUniversity of Technology SydneyUltimoNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Justin Seymour
- Faculty of Science, Climate Change ClusterUniversity of Technology SydneyUltimoNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Christine Roper
- Faculty of Science, Climate Change ClusterUniversity of Technology SydneyUltimoNew South WalesAustralia
| | | | - Lorna Howlett
- Faculty of Science, Climate Change ClusterUniversity of Technology SydneyUltimoNew South WalesAustralia
| | - David J. Suggett
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)ThuwalKingdom of Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Leung SK, Mumby PJ. Mapping the susceptibility of reefs to rubble accumulation across the Great Barrier Reef. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:211. [PMID: 38285268 PMCID: PMC10824869 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12344-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Disturbance-induced rubble accumulations are described as "killing fields" on coral reefs as coral recruits suffer high post-settlement mortality, creating a bottleneck for reef recovery. The increasing frequency of coral bleaching events, that can generate rubble once coral dies, has heightened concerns that rubble beds will become more widespread and persistent. But we currently lack the tools to predict where rubble is most likely to accumulate. Here, we developed a modelling framework to identify areas that are likely to accumulate rubble on forereef slopes across the Great Barrier Reef. The algorithm uses new high-resolution bathymetric and geomorphic datasets from satellite remote sensing. We found that 47 km of reef slope (3% of the entire reef surveyed), primarily in the southern region, could potentially reach 50% rubble cover. Despite being statistically significant (p < 0.001), the effects of depth and aspect on rubble cover were minimal, with a 0.2% difference in rubble cover between deeper and shallower regions, as well as a maximum difference of 0.8% among slopes facing various directions. Therefore, we conclude that the effects of depth and aspect were insufficient to influence ecological processes such as larval recruitment and recovery in different coral communities. Maps of potential rubble accumulation can be used to prioritise surveys and potential restoration, particularly after major disturbances have occurred.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shu Kiu Leung
- Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, Level 5, Goddard Building, St. Lucia, QLD, Brisbane, 4072, Australia.
| | - Peter J Mumby
- Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, Level 5, Goddard Building, St. Lucia, QLD, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lewis BM, Suggett DS, Prentis PJ, Nothdurft LD. Cellular adaptations leading to coral fragment attachment on artificial substrates in Acropora millepora (Am-CAM). Sci Rep 2022; 12:18431. [PMID: 36319668 PMCID: PMC9626494 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23134-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive propagation by asexual fragmentation in the reef-building coral Acropora millepora depends on (1) successful attachment to the reef substrate through modification of soft tissues and (2) a permanent bond with skeletal encrustation. Despite decades of research examining asexual propagation in corals, the initial response, cellular reorganisation, and development leading to fragment substrate attachment via a newly formed skeleton has not been documented in its entirety. Here, we establish the first "coral attachment model" for this species ("Am-CAM") by developing novel methods that allow correlation of fluorescence and electron microscopy image data with in vivo microscopic time-lapse imagery. This multi-scale imaging approach identified three distinct phases involved in asexual propagation: (1) the contact response of the coral fragment when contact with the substrate, followed by (2) fragment stabilisation through anchoring by the soft tissue, and (3) formation of a "lappet-like appendage" structure leading to substrate bonding of the tissue for encrustation through the onset of skeletal calcification. In developing Am-CAM, we provide new biological insights that can enable reef researchers, managers and coral restoration practitioners to begin evaluating attachment effectiveness, which is needed to optimise species-substrate compatibility and achieve effective outplanting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brett M. Lewis
- grid.1024.70000000089150953School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - David S. Suggett
- grid.117476.20000 0004 1936 7611Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Peter J. Prentis
- grid.1024.70000000089150953Centre for Agriculture and Bioeconomy and School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| | - Luke D. Nothdurft
- grid.1024.70000000089150953School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Dehnert I, Galli P, Montano S. Ecological impacts of coral gardening outplanting in the Maldives. Restor Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- I Dehnert
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT) University of Milan – Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 20126 Milan Italy
- MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll Republic of Maldives
| | - P Galli
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT) University of Milan – Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 20126 Milan Italy
- MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll Republic of Maldives
| | - S Montano
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT) University of Milan – Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 20126 Milan Italy
- MaRHE Center (Marine Research and High Education Center), Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll Republic of Maldives
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Shaver EC, McLeod E, Hein MY, Palumbi SR, Quigley K, Vardi T, Mumby PJ, Smith D, Montoya‐Maya P, Muller EM, Banaszak AT, McLeod IM, Wachenfeld D. A roadmap to integrating resilience into the practice of coral reef restoration. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2022; 28:4751-4764. [PMID: 35451154 PMCID: PMC9545251 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Recent warm temperatures driven by climate change have caused mass coral bleaching and mortality across the world, prompting managers, policymakers, and conservation practitioners to embrace restoration as a strategy to sustain coral reefs. Despite a proliferation of new coral reef restoration efforts globally and increasing scientific recognition and research on interventions aimed at supporting reef resilience to climate impacts, few restoration programs are currently incorporating climate change and resilience in project design. As climate change will continue to degrade coral reefs for decades to come, guidance is needed to support managers and restoration practitioners to conduct restoration that promotes resilience through enhanced coral reef recovery, resistance, and adaptation. Here, we address this critical implementation gap by providing recommendations that integrate resilience principles into restoration design and practice, including for project planning and design, coral selection, site selection, and broader ecosystem context. We also discuss future opportunities to improve restoration methods to support enhanced outcomes for coral reefs in response to climate change. As coral reefs are one of the most vulnerable ecosystems to climate change, interventions that enhance reef resilience will help to ensure restoration efforts have a greater chance of success in a warming world. They are also more likely to provide essential contributions to global targets to protect natural biodiversity and the human communities that rely on reefs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Margaux Y. Hein
- Marine Ecosystem Restoration Research and ConsultingMonacoMonaco
| | | | - Kate Quigley
- Minderoo FoundationPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Tali Vardi
- ECS for NOAA Fisheries Office of Science & TechnologySilver SpringMarylandUSA
| | - Peter J. Mumby
- Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueenslandAustralia
| | - David Smith
- Coral Reef Research UnitSchool of Life SciencesEssexUK
- Mars IncorporatedLondonUK
| | | | | | | | - Ian M. McLeod
- TropWATER, The Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, James Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
| | - David Wachenfeld
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park AuthorityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Horizon scan of rapidly advancing coral restoration approaches for 21st century reef management. Emerg Top Life Sci 2022; 6:125-136. [PMID: 35119476 PMCID: PMC9023016 DOI: 10.1042/etls20210240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Coral reef restoration activity is accelerating worldwide in efforts to offset the rate of reef health declines. Many advances have already been made in restoration practices centred on coral biology (coral restoration), and particularly those that look to employ the high adaptive state and capacity of corals in order to ensure that efforts rebuilding coral biomass also equip reefs with enhanced resilience to future stress. We horizon scan the state-of-play for the many coral restoration innovations already underway across the complex life cycle for corals that spans both asexual and sexual reproduction — assisted evolution (manipulations targeted to the coral host and host-associated microbes), biobanking, as well as scalable coral propagation and planting — and how these innovations are in different stages of maturity to support new 21st century reef management frameworks. Realising the potential for coral restoration tools as management aids undoubtedly rests on validating different approaches as their application continues to scale. Whilst the ecosystem service responses to increased scaling still largely remain to be seen, coral restoration has already delivered immense new understanding of coral and coral-associated microbial biology that has long lagged behind advances in other reef sciences.
Collapse
|
9
|
Lamont TAC, Williams B, Chapuis L, Prasetya ME, Seraphim MJ, Harding HR, May EB, Janetski N, Jompa J, Smith DJ, Radford AN, Simpson SD. The sound of recovery: Coral reef restoration success is detectable in the soundscape. J Appl Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.14089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ben Williams
- Biosciences University of Exeter Exeter UK
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research University College London London UK
| | | | | | - Marie J. Seraphim
- School of Health and Life Sciences University of the West of Scotland Paisley UK
| | | | | | | | - Jamaluddin Jompa
- Graduate School Universitas Hasanuddin Makassar Indonesia
- Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries Universitas Hasanuddin Makassar Indonesia
| | - David J. Smith
- Mars Incorporated London UK
- Coral Reef Research Unit School of Life Sciences University of Essex Colchester UK
| | | | - Stephen D. Simpson
- Biosciences University of Exeter Exeter UK
- School of Biological Sciences University of Bristol Bristol UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ferrari R, Lachs L, Pygas DR, Humanes A, Sommer B, Figueira WF, Edwards AJ, Bythell JC, Guest JR. Photogrammetry as a tool to improve ecosystem restoration. Trends Ecol Evol 2021; 36:1093-1101. [PMID: 34404550 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2021.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Ecosystem restoration has been practiced for over a century and is increasingly supported by the emergent applied science of restoration ecology. A prerequisite for successful ecosystem restoration is determining meaningful and measurable goals. This requires tools to monitor success in a standardized way. Photogrammetry uses images to reconstruct landscapes and organisms in three dimensions, enabling non-invasive measurement of key success indicators with unprecedented accuracy. We propose photogrammetry can improve restoration success by: (i) facilitating measurable goals; (ii) innovating and standardizing indicators of success; and (iii) standardizing monitoring. While the case we present is specific to coral reefs, photogrammetry has enormous potential to improve restoration practice in a wide range of ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renata Ferrari
- Australian Institute of Marine Sciences, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia.
| | - Liam Lachs
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Daniel R Pygas
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Adriana Humanes
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Brigitte Sommer
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Will F Figueira
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Alasdair J Edwards
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - John C Bythell
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - James R Guest
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gouezo M, Fabricius K, Harrison P, Golbuu Y, Doropoulos C. Optimizing coral reef recovery with context-specific management actions at prioritized reefs. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 295:113209. [PMID: 34346392 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Assisting the natural recovery of coral reefs through local management actions is needed in response to increasing ecosystem disturbances in the Anthropocene. There is growing evidence that commonly used resilience-based passive management approaches may not be sufficient to maintain coral reef key functions. We synthesize and discuss advances in coral reef recovery research, and its application to coral reef conservation and restoration practices. We then present a framework to guide the decision-making of reef managers, scientists and other stakeholders, to best support reef recovery after a disturbance. The overall aim of this management framework is to catalyse reef recovery, to minimize recovery times, and to limit the need for ongoing management interventions into the future. Our framework includes two main stages: first, a prioritization method for assessment following a large-scale disturbance, which is based on a reef's social-ecological values, and on a classification of the likelihood of recovery or succession resulting in degraded, novel, hybrid or historical states. Second, a flow chart to assist with determining management actions for highly valued reefs. Potential actions are chosen based on the ecological attributes of the disturbed reef, defined during ecological assessments. Depending on the context, management actions may include (1) substrata rehabilitation actions to facilitate natural coral recruitment, (2) repopulating actions using active restoration techniques, (3) resilience-based management actions and (4) monitoring coral recruitment and growth to assess the effectiveness of management interventions. We illustrate the proposed decision framework with a case study of typhoon-damaged eastern outer reefs in Palau, Micronesia. The decisions made following this framework lead to the conclusion that some reefs may not return to their historical state for many decades. However, if motivation and funds are available, new management approaches can be explored to assist coral reefs at valued locations to return to a functional state providing key ecosystem services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marine Gouezo
- Palau International Coral Reef Center, PO Box 7086, Koror, Palau; Marine Ecology Research Centre, Southern Cross University, PO Box 157, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia.
| | - Katharina Fabricius
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia.
| | - Peter Harrison
- Marine Ecology Research Centre, Southern Cross University, PO Box 157, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia.
| | - Yimnang Golbuu
- Palau International Coral Reef Center, PO Box 7086, Koror, Palau.
| | | |
Collapse
|