Long-term survival and colony growth of Acropora palmata fragments transplanted by volunteers for restoration

Published source details Forrester G.E., Ferguson M.A., O'Connell-Rodwell C.E. & Jarecki L.L. (2014) Long-term survival and colony growth of Acropora palmata fragments transplanted by volunteers for restoration. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 24, 81-91.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Transplant wild grown coral onto natural substrate Action Link

Transplant wild grown coral onto natural substrate

A study in 2005–2012 at a coral reef site off Guana Island, British Virgin Islands (Forrester et al. 2014) found that transplanted storm-generated fragments of elkhorn coral Acropora palmata survived and grew. Twelve months after transplanting, survival rate for each group of transplants was at least 50% (range: 50 – 85%) and remained relatively constant until 2012 (results presented as log survival). Survival was lower for the groups of fragments transplanted in 2007 (21%) and 2010 (30%) due to severe storms. After three months, average fragment size across all groups had decreased from 108 cm² to 92 cm² then increased to 156 cm² after 12 months, reaching 2064 cm² after 72 months. Data were not statistically tested. In July-August 2005–2011, a total of 832 storm-generated fragments of elkhorn coral were collected from reefs within 4 km of the transplant site. Fragments ranged from 2–1016 cm² (average 108 cm²). Groups (ranging from 19–257 fragments) were transplanted to a nearby restoration site on the leeward side of Guana Island. Fragments were fixed to the reef 0.4–1.6 m deep using nylon cable ties, or marine epoxy, or hydrostatic cement. Survival and growth (surface area live tissue) were recorded three and 12 months after transplanting and then annually until 2012.

(Summarised by: Ann Thornton)