Transplantation — Guana Island

OPP-37015Jpermanent identifier · cite as oceanportfolio.org/p/OPP-37015J

Published as: Evaluating methods for transplanting endangered elkhorn corals in the Virgin Islands | Technique: Transplantation | Genera: Acropora | Method: Two experiments were conducted with three treatments: (1) control fragments left unattached at the source sites; (2) fragments attached to the reef at the source sites; and (3) fragments moved to the restoration site and attached. Comparing treatments (1) and (2) isolated the effect of attaching fragments, and comparing (2) with (3) isolated the effect of relocating fragments. Additionally, attachment methods were compared. In experiment 1, two methods were compared: Z-spar epoxy resin and cabl… | Survival of transplants reported by the source: 40% | Post-restoration monitoring: 48 months | Authors' conclusion: Unattached control fragments at the donor site died faster and grew slower than fragments attached to the reef; attaching fragments to the reef is beneficial. There were no effects of moving fragments between donor and restoration sites. Growth and survival were similar using four methods of attaching fragments to the reef. Clearing surrounding algae improved the growth of fragments. After 4 years, transplanted fragments grew to 1,450 cm2 in area. | Lessons reported: Clearing algae from restored areas is beneficial to coral growth. The simplicity of the approach makes it useful for volunteers. Cable ties are cheaper and easier to use in areas of higher reef complexity. | This record was compiled from a published source and has not been confirmed by the organisation that carried out the work. No contribution to the condition index is recorded: the source reports survival of transplanted material, which is not a measure of ecosystem condition.

Recorded result

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