Science

Designing an effective coral nursery for snorkelers

Measuring the impact of curing cement on corals

Tracking fish catch in and around a locally-enforced no-take zone.

The science of coral reef restoration

In the way that coral reefs are often likened to rainforest for their boundless diversity and puzzling complexity, reef restoration can be likened to reforestation in that a select group of structurally complex key organisms (trees/corals) are reared and planted to kickstart the recovery of heavily degraded areas. However, reforestation is an established science that developed over the last century whereas reef restoration only gained traction over the last decade. In other words, there are still many lessons to be learned in reef restoration.

While many projects worldwide have been successful in rearing and outplanting corals, virtually nothing is known about the long-term ecological impacts and thus, indeed, whether reefs have been actually successfully restored. Intertwined and equally understudied is the socio-economic impact of reef restoration on all coastal people dependent on reefs.

The question is not whether we will change to a more sustainable future, but if we will do so quickly enough to prevent the collapse of essentially all coral reefs currently still viable and functional. Science plays a vital role in our adaptation capability.