Coral Threats and Restoration Practices

Coral reefs, the magnificent undersea ecosystems full of life, are confronting an unprecedented catastrophe due to the rising threat of coral mortality. South Florida and the Caribbean Sea have been hit with one of the most alarming marine heat waves to hit this region. With water temps rising to over 100 degrees Fareinheight for several days, scientists and conservationists are racing to preserve what is left on the reefs after this event that caused 100% bleaching in the area. These dynamic marine environments, home to innumerable species and a lifeline for coastal populations, are under attack from various sources. This blog will dive into coral restoration and the critical concerns brought about by coral bleaching and other coral threats.

Understanding Coral Bleaching:

Coral bleaching, a phenomenon with alarming consequences, occurs when coral polyps expel their vital symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae). These algae provide nourishment and vivid colors to corals through photosynthesis. When corals are stressed by rising sea temperatures, pollution, or disease, they expel these algae, leading to their pale and "bleached" appearance. Coral can recover from bleaching within a certain timeframe if the environmental stress that is causing the bleaching subsides. In the case of Florida, the way to preserve the coral populations and genetic diversity of the coral species, scientists raced to remove coral from marine-based nurseries into land-based nurseries which will allow some of the coral to recover from bleaching and later be put back out on the reef.

Current Threats and Causes of Coral Bleaching:

Climate Change: One of the significant drivers of coral bleaching is the rising temperature of our oceans due to climate change. Elevated ocean temperatures intensify the frequency and severity of heat waves, forcing corals to expel their essential algae and rendering them susceptible to diseases and mortality.

Ocean Acidification: Elevated carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere contribute to ocean acidification. This process reduces the availability of calcium carbonate, a crucial element for coral skeletons. Weakened coral structures are more prone to damage and erosion.

Pollution: Agricultural runoff, sewage, and coastal development introduce excess nutrients and contaminants into the water, compromising water quality and increasing stress on coral reefs.

Overfishing and Destructive Practices: Unsustainable fishing practices, including dynamite fishing and the use of destructive gear like trawling nets, can physically harm coral reefs, and destroy the surrounding ecosystems.

Coral Restoration:

In response to the dire situation of coral reefs, coral restoration has emerged as a critical strategy to aid damaged reefs in recovering and building resilience against numerous environmental and human threats. 

A Few of the Pivotal Restoration Techniques:

Coral Nurseries: Scientists and conservationists establish coral nurseries, cultivating fragments of healthy corals. Once these fragments reach an appropriate size, they are transplanted onto damaged reefs, aiding in the recovery process.

Artificial Reefs: Specially designed underwater structures, ranging from sculptures to sunken ships, serve as artificial reefs. These structures offer a substrate for coral settlement and growth.

Coral Microfragmentation: This innovative approach involves breaking healthy corals into tiny fragments, which then grow into larger colonies more rapidly than traditional methods.

Assisted Evolution: Researchers are exploring genetic enhancements to make corals more resilient to stressors like heat and acidity.

 

The Reef Healers Team got Certified in Coral Restoration!

We recently traveled to Roatan, Honduras, and got certified in coral restoration to help future reef restoration efforts. We completed the coral restoration: coral ambassador certification through Coconut Tree Divers and the Roatan Marine Park and learned the techniques and knowledge needed to preserve coral populations through restorative practices.

As we delved into our certification course, we discovered the intricate art of maintaining a coral tree – a foundation of coral restoration in most areas. The Roatan Marine Park has a coral nursery with over 40 coral trees with a mix of Staghorn and Fused Staghorn. We each went to our own coral tree to start the process of delicately cleaning the algae off the coral structures while also collecting crucial data for the Marine Park. Through this practice, we developed a profound knowledge of how to identify not only diseased and bleached coral but also coral that has been preyed upon by different coral predators, like fire worms.

Coral Propagation Techniques

One of the most awe-inspiring aspects of our certification was the practice of asexual coral fragmentation. This technique involves carefully cutting fragments of coral, which are then strapped onto a coral tree structure using metal clamps and filaments. These fragments have the remarkable ability to regenerate from the cut portion of the fragment into larger pieces, perpetuating the cycle of coral life.  Witnessing this process illuminated the resilience of these organisms and the remarkable regenerative potential that lies within them. 

Outplanting Coral Fragments

During our training, our dedicated instructor selected ten hand-sized coral fragments for out-planting back on the reef. Our instructor chose a spot separate from the nursery trees that had leftover coral skeletons identifying that the small area could use some new coral. We cleared small areas on a patch of rocks using hammers, carefully securing the 10 coral fragments with epoxy. The magic of this process lies in the drying of the epoxy, which allows the corals to grow around it, adorning the rocks with vibrant life and color. 

Our participation in this remarkable initiative has left an indelible mark on our hearts. The opportunity to contribute to the preservation efforts of the Roatan Marine Park has ignited a sense of responsibility within us. The dedication and passion exhibited by the park's team and the local community inspire us to continue advocating for protecting our oceans and marine life. With the increase of mass bleaching and coral loss globally, restoration projects like the one at the Roatan Marine Park are crucial for the preservation of biodiversity in coral reef ecosystems. Allowing security for the millions of individuals that rely on the health of these reefs for income, food, and environmental protection.

If you're as hooked on this journey as we are, and if the whole coral restoration and marine conservation thing speaks to your heart, we totally suggest checking out the Roatan Marine Park’s “Hug a Coral Tree” program. It's like this awesome opportunity to help give some love back to these crucial ecosystems. And for all, you knowledge-seekers out there, the coral restoration certifications they offer are an amazing opportunity to learn more about how to make a positive impact and get hands-on experience.

 

Sources: 

Coral Reef Information - Coral Restoration Foundation

Restoration Practices and Benefits - NOAA

Rotan Marine Park Coral Program 

Florida Marine Heat Wave and Coral Threats - Coral Restoration Foundation