Comparison of three types of adhesives in attaching coral transplants to clam shell substrates

Published source details Dizon R.M., Edwards A.J. & Gomez E.D. (2008) Comparison of three types of adhesives in attaching coral transplants to clam shell substrates. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 18, 1140-1148.
Share Tweet Email

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Change transplant attachment method Action Link
	Transplant wild grown coral onto natural substrate Action Link

Change transplant attachment method

A replicated study in 2005 at three sites on a coral reef near Bolinao, north-western Philippines (Dizon et al. 2008) found that using marine epoxy or epoxy putty to attach wild-grown coral nubbins (small fragments) to the natural substrate resulted in fewer nubbins becoming detached and a shorter time for nubbins to self-attach (naturally grow onto the substrate) than those attached using cyanoacrylate glue (superglue), but no difference in survival or the number of nubbins that self-attached. Detachment rates after five months were significantly lower for nubbins attached using marine epoxy (4/180) or epoxy putty (15/180) than those attached using cyanoacrylate glue (43/180). In addition, the time taken for nubbins to self-attach to the substrate was significantly shorter for marine epoxy (2.4 months) and epoxy putty (1.9 months) than for cyanoacrylate glue (2.9 months). The number of nubbins that self-attached did not differ significantly between adhesives (marine epoxy: 76, epoxy putty: 87, cyanoacrylate glue: 62). Similarly, survival rates did not vary between adhesive types (marine epoxy: 93, epoxy putty: 101, cyanoacrylate glue: 116). In June 2005 and August 2005, a total of 540 nubbins (fragments 2-3 cm in length) were collected from wild-grown colonies of 11 stony and one non-stony coral species at two donor sites. Substrates were created using 15 giant clam Tridacna gigas half-shells deployed at each of three sites at a depth of 2–4 m. Twelve nubbins (one/species – see original paper) were attached to each shell using one of the three adhesives (total 180 nubbins/adhesive). Five shells/adhesive type were deployed at each of three sites (15 shells/site). Monitoring took place every two weeks for five months (dates not given).

(Summarised by: Ann Thornton)
Transplant wild grown coral onto natural substrate

A replicated study in 2005 at three sites on a coral reef near Bolinao, north-western Philippines (Dizon et al. 2008) found that transplanting 11 stony and one non-stony coral nubbins (small fragments) onto natural substrate led to mixed results for survival and self-attachment (tissue growth onto the substrate) depending on species. After five months, a total of 310/540 (57%) nubbins were alive (>40% live tissue). There was a significant difference for survival rate after five months between species ranging from 98% (Pavona frondifera) to 18% (Pocillopora verrucosa). A total of 225/540 nubbins exhibited self-attachment (tissue growth over the adhesive and directly onto the substrate) and there was a significant difference in self-attachment rate between species ranging from 92% (Pavona frondifera) to 41% (Montipora digitata). In June and August 2005, a total of 540 coral nubbins (fragments 2-3 cm in length) were collected from 11 wild-grown stony and one non-stony coral colonies at three sites (see paper for full species list). Substrate was created using 15 giant clam half shells deployed at each of three sites (site 1 and 2 in June 2005, site 3 in August 2005) at a depth of 2 – 4 m. Twelve nubbins (one/ species – see original paper) were attached to each shell using marine epoxy, epoxy putty or cyanoacrylate glue (superglue). Fifteen shells were deployed at each of three sites. Survival and self-attachment were recorded every two weeks for five months (dates not given).

(Summarised by: Ann Thornton)