Study

Growth and survival of unattached Madracis mirabilis fragments transplanted to different reef sites, and the implication for reef rehabilitation

  • Published source details Nagelkerken I., Bouma S., Akker S.v.d. & Bak R.P.M. (2000) Growth and survival of unattached Madracis mirabilis fragments transplanted to different reef sites, and the implication for reef rehabilitation. Bulletin of Marine Science, 66, 497-505.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Transplant wild-grown coral onto artificial substrate

Action Link
Coral Conservation
  1. Transplant wild-grown coral onto artificial substrate

    A replicated, controlled study in 1997 at three reefs at Curaço, Netherlands Antilles (Nagelkerken et al. 2000) found transplanted fragments of stony coral Madracis mirabilis had a lower growth rate than unfragmented colonies, growth and survival rates of transplants varied between sites and there was no difference in growth or survival for fragments transplanted between or within sites or prepared using different methods. Sixteen weeks after transplanting, average growth of fragments across the four sites ranged from 8–12 mm/year (transplanted) to 16 mm/year (unfragmented). Average growth of fragments from Carmabi Buoy (13 mm/year) and Rif St. Marie (12 mm/year) were lower than unfragmented colonies at the same sites (both 16 mm/year), there was no difference in growth rate of fragments from Janthiel Bay (transplanted: 8 mm/year, unfragmented: 9 mm/year). Overall survival after 16 weeks ranged from 20–49 % (average 38%) and there was no difference for fragments transplanted between or within sites. There was no difference in growth rate or survival between fragments prepared on the surface (growth 13 mm/year, survival 48%) compared to fragments prepared underwater (growth 12 mm/year, survival 34%). In April 1997, colonies of Madracis mirabilis 5–8 m deep were collected and cut into 10 cm fragments. Fragmentation took place either on the surface (in buckets of seawater) or underwater (see paper for full methods). Six PVC grids (1 × 1 m), each supporting 100 fragments, were secured to permanent quadrats 5–6 m deep at three sites (Carmabi Buoy, Rif St. Marie and Janthiel Bay). Approximately 21–30 colonies were left unfragmented at each site. Photographs were used to measure growth and survival of fragments after 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks.  

    (Summarised by: Ann Thornton)

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