Short Talk (7,5 mins) Australian Marine Sciences Association 2022

Efficacy and implementation of coral restoration and rehabilitation as a socio-ecological management tool for coral reefs in the tropical Pacific region   (#280)

Mildred Kelokelo 1 , Bill Leggat 1 , Troy Gaston 1 , Sascha Fuller 2
  1. School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, New South Wales, Australia
  2. Research and Innovation Division, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia

With increasing rates of coral reef degradation due to human induced activities and climate change; sea surface temperatures, ocean acidification and coral bleaching are increasing. This is destroying coral reefs at a faster rate than it takes for them to recover. In recent years, ecosystem restoration has been integrated into coral reef management practices to remedy the negative effects of human activities on coral reefs. Within the tropical Pacific region, coral gardening and coral nursery/transplantation are commonly used in coral restoration projects. The engagement of the local community is an integral part of this projects. This research aims to investigate the methods used at pilot sites to evaluate their effectiveness and develop future conservation management tools to mitigate against the effects of ocean acidification and coral bleaching. At the end of this research project the following outcomes will be achieved: (1) Improve metrics to predict coral bleaching events within this region; (2) Better understand the effectiveness of the coral restoration methods used, and (3) Better understand the social aspects of the project. Results from this research project can then be used to advise coral reef managers and practitioners on the best coral reef restoration practices within the tropical Pacific region.