Post-settlement survivorship of artificially supplied Acropora coral larvae in the Sekisei Lagoon

Published source details Suzuki G., Kai S., Fujikura Y. & Yamashita H. (2018) Post-settlement survivorship of artificially supplied Acropora coral larvae in the Sekisei Lagoon. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 603, 105-115.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

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	Cultivate coral larvae in an artificial nursery located in a natural habitat Action Link

Cultivate coral larvae in an artificial nursery located in a natural habitat

A replicated study in 2014–2016 at artificial nurseries at five natural sites of mixed substrate in Sekisei Lagoon, Japan (Suzuki et al. 2018), found that some nursery-grown stony coral Acropora tenuis and Acropora selago larvae cultivated in plastic trays in a natural habitat survived and grew. After 72 h, there were approximately 2,5–30 settled larvae/100 cm² at four of five sites (fifth site: ~150/100 cm²). After one month, survival ranged from ~2080% falling to 115% after 15 months. The average number of juvenile corals/plate decreased from 489/plate 15 months after settlement to 448/plate after 26 months. Average juvenile colony size grew from 814 mm 15 months after settlement to 1328 mm after 26 months. In May 2014, ten colonies each of Acropora tenuis and Acropora selago were collected from the wild and taken to a laboratory where spawning was induced. After four days, 1,000 larvae from each species were placed into 40 bags each containing a fiber-reinforced plastic settlement plate with thirty-six 4 × 4 × 4 cm cells in a 6 × 6 grid. Eight plates were attached to the substrates using anchoring bolts and cable ties or, on sandy substrate, using an iron rod. Survival and settlement numbers were recorded after 72 h, and 1, 3, 6, and 15 months by removing and examining the plates under a microscope. Juvenile corals were counted in-situ 15 and 26 months after settlement.

(Summarised by: Ann Thornton)