1
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Reyes G, Vega-Coloma M, Antonova A, Ajdary R, Jonveaux S, Flanigan C, Lautenbacher N, Rojas OJ. Direct CO 2 Capture by Alkali-Dissolved Cellulose and Sequestration in Building Materials and Artificial Reef Structures. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2209327. [PMID: 36516448 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202209327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Current carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies require high energy input and costly catalysts. Here, an effective pathway is offered that addresses climate action by atmospheric CO2 sequestration. Industrially relevant highly reactive alkali cellulose solutions are used as CO2 absorption media. The latter lead to mineralized cellulose materials (MCM) at a tailorable cellulose-to-mineral ratio, forming organic-inorganic viscous systems (viscosity from 102 to 107 mPa s and storage modulus from 10 to 105 Pa). CO2 absorption and conversion into calcium carbonate and associated minerals translate to maximum absorption of 6.5 gCO2 gcellulose -1 , tracking inversely with cellulose loading. Cellulose lean gels are easily converted into dry powders, shown as a functional component of ceramic glazes and cementitious composites. Meanwhile, cellulose-rich gels are moldable and extrudable, yielding stone-like structures tested as artificial substrates for coral reef restoration. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) suggests new CCU opportunities for building materials, as demonstrated in underwater deployment for coral reef ecosystem restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Reyes
- Biobased Colloids and Materials, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, Espoo, FI-00076, Finland
| | - Mabel Vega-Coloma
- Departamento de Ingeniería en Maderas, Universidad del Bío-Bío, Av. Collao 1202, Casilla 5-C, Concepción, 4081112, Chile
| | - Anna Antonova
- Department of Civil Engineering, Aalto University, Rakentajanaukio 4 A, Otaniemi, Espoo, 02150, Finland
| | - Rubina Ajdary
- Biobased Colloids and Materials, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, Espoo, FI-00076, Finland
| | - Solène Jonveaux
- Université de Sherbrooke, 2500 Boulevard de l'Université, Sherbrooke, Quebec, J1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Colleen Flanigan
- Zoe - A Living Sea Sculpture in Cozumel, Av. Rafael E. Melgar, San Miguel de Cozumel, Q.R., 77688, Mexico
| | - Nathalie Lautenbacher
- Department of Design, Aalto University, Otaniementie 14, Otaniemi, Espoo, 02150, Finland
| | - Orlando J Rojas
- Biobased Colloids and Materials, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, Espoo, FI-00076, Finland
- Bioproducts Institute, Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Department of Chemistry and Department of Wood Science, The University of British Columbia, 2360 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
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2
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Smith HA, Brown DA, Arjunwadkar CV, Fulton SE, Whitman T, Hermanto B, Mastroianni E, Mattocks N, Smith AK, Harrison PL, Boström‐Einarsson L, McLeod IM, Bourne DG. Removal of macroalgae from degraded reefs enhances coral recruitment. Restor Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hillary A. Smith
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences University of New South Wales Kensington NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Dylan A. Brown
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
| | | | - Stella E. Fulton
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
- AIMS@JCU, James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Taylor Whitman
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
- AIMS@JCU, James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Bambang Hermanto
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
- Research Center for Oceanography Indonesian Institute of Sciences Jakarta Indonesia
| | - Elissa Mastroianni
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Neil Mattocks
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Townsville QLD 4810 Australia
| | - Adam K. Smith
- Reef Ecologic 14 Cleveland Terrace Townsville QLD 4810 Australia
- TropWATER, The Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Peter L. Harrison
- Marine Ecology Research Centre Southern Cross University Lismore NSW 2480 Australia
| | - Lisa Boström‐Einarsson
- TropWATER, The Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
- Lancaster Environment Centre Lancaster University Lancaster LA1 4YW U.K
| | - Ian M. McLeod
- TropWATER, The Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science Townsville QLD Australia
| | - David G. Bourne
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science Townsville QLD Australia
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3
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Glasl B, Haskell JB, Aires T, Serrão EA, Bourne DG, Webster NS, Frade PR. Microbial Surface Biofilm Responds to the Growth-Reproduction-Senescence Cycle of the Dominant Coral Reef Macroalgae Sargassum spp. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11111199. [PMID: 34833075 PMCID: PMC8621314 DOI: 10.3390/life11111199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Macroalgae play an intricate role in microbial-mediated coral reef degradation processes due to the release of dissolved nutrients. However, temporal variabilities of macroalgal surface biofilms and their implication on the wider reef system remain poorly characterized. Here, we study the microbial biofilm of the dominant reef macroalgae Sargassum over a period of one year at an inshore Great Barrier Reef site (Magnetic Island, Australia). Monthly sampling of the Sargassum biofilm links the temporal taxonomic and putative functional metabolic microbiome changes, examined using 16S rRNA gene amplicon and metagenomic sequencing, to the pronounced growth-reproduction-senescence cycle of the host. Overall, the macroalgal biofilm was dominated by the heterotrophic phyla Firmicutes (35% ± 5.9% SD) and Bacteroidetes (12% ± 0.6% SD); their relative abundance ratio shifted significantly along the annual growth-reproduction-senescence cycle of Sargassum. For example, Firmicutes were 1.7 to 3.9 times more abundant during host growth and reproduction cycles than Bacteroidetes. Both phyla varied in their carbohydrate degradation capabilities; hence, temporal fluctuations in the carbohydrate availability are potentially linked to the observed shift. Dominant heterotrophic macroalgal biofilm members, such as Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, are implicated in exacerbating or ameliorating the release of dissolved nutrients into the ambient environment, though their contribution to microbial-mediated reef degradation processes remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Glasl
- Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, Division of Microbial Ecology, University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria
- Correspondence:
| | - Jasmine B. Haskell
- CCMAR-Centre of Marine Sciences, CIMAR, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (J.B.H.); (T.A.); (E.A.S.)
| | - Tania Aires
- CCMAR-Centre of Marine Sciences, CIMAR, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (J.B.H.); (T.A.); (E.A.S.)
| | - Ester A. Serrão
- CCMAR-Centre of Marine Sciences, CIMAR, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (J.B.H.); (T.A.); (E.A.S.)
| | - David G. Bourne
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville 4810, Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia;
| | - Nicole S. Webster
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville 4810, Australia
- Australian Centre for Ecogenomics, University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
- Australian Antarctic Division, Hobart 7050, Australia;
| | - Pedro R. Frade
- CCMAR-Centre of Marine Sciences, CIMAR, University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (J.B.H.); (T.A.); (E.A.S.)
- Zoological Department III, Natural History Museum Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria;
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4
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Delgado GA, Sharp WC. Does artificial shelter have a place in Diadema antillarum restoration in the Florida Keys? Tests of habitat manipulation and sheltering behavior. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Spadaro AJ, Butler MJ. Herbivorous Crabs Reverse the Seaweed Dilemma on Coral Reefs. Curr Biol 2020; 31:853-859.e3. [PMID: 33306950 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.10.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Coral reefs are on a steep trajectory of decline, with natural recovery in many areas unlikely.1-3 Eutrophication, overfishing, climate change, and disease have fueled the supremacy of seaweeds on reefs,4,5 particularly in the Caribbean, where many reefs have undergone an ecological phase shift so that seaweeds now dominate previously coral-rich reefs.6-8 Discovery of the powerful grazing capability of the Caribbean's largest herbivorous crab (Maguimithrax spinosissimus)9 led us to test the effectiveness of their grazing on seaweed removal and coral reef recovery in two experiments conducted sequentially at separate locations 15 km apart in the Florida Keys (USA). In those experiments, we transplanted crabs onto several patch reefs, leaving others as controls (n = 24 reefs total; each 10-20 m2 in area) and then monitored benthic cover, coral recruitment, and fish community structure on each patch reef for a year. We also compared the effectiveness of crab herbivory to scrubbing reefs by hand to remove algae. Crabs reduced the cover of seaweeds by 50%-80%, resulting in a commensurate 3-5-fold increase in coral recruitment and reef fish community abundance and diversity. Although laborious hand scrubbing of reefs also reduced algal cover, that effect was transitory unless maintained by the addition of herbivorous crabs. With the persistence of Caribbean coral reefs in the balance, our findings demonstrate that large-scale restoration that includes enhancement of invertebrate herbivores can reverse the ecological phase shift on coral reefs away from seaweed dominance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Jason Spadaro
- Division of Marine Science and Technology, The College of the Florida Keys, Key West, FL 33040, USA.
| | - Mark J Butler
- Institute of Environment, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33181, USA.
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6
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Woesik R, Banister RB, Bartels E, Gilliam DS, Goergen EA, Lustic C, Maxwell K, Moura A, Muller EM, Schopmeyer S, Winters RS, Lirman D. Differential survival of nursery‐reared
Acropora cervicornis
outplants along the Florida reef tract. Restor Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Woesik
- Institute for Global Ecology Florida Institute of Technology Melbourne FL 32901 U.S.A
| | - Raymond B. Banister
- Institute for Global Ecology Florida Institute of Technology Melbourne FL 32901 U.S.A
| | - Erich Bartels
- Center for Tropical Research, Mote Marine Laboratory Summerland Key FL 33042 U.S.A
| | - David S. Gilliam
- Oceanographic Center Nova Southeastern University 8000 North Ocean Drive Dania Beach FL 33004 U.S.A
| | | | | | - Kerry Maxwell
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 2796 Overseas Highway, Suite 119 Marathon FL 33050 U.S.A
| | - Amelia Moura
- Coral Restoration Foundation Tavernier FL 33070 U.S.A
| | - Erinn M. Muller
- Center for Tropical Research, Mote Marine Laboratory Summerland Key FL 33042 U.S.A
| | - Stephanie Schopmeyer
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission St Petersburg FL 33701 U.S.A
| | - R. S. Winters
- Coral Restoration Foundation Tavernier FL 33070 U.S.A
| | - Diego Lirman
- Marine Biology and Ecology Department, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science University of Miami Miami FL 33149 U.S.A
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7
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Seraphim MJ, Sloman KA, Alexander ME, Janetski N, Jompa J, Ambo-Rappe R, Snellgrove D, Mars F, Harborne AR. Interactions between coral restoration and fish assemblages: implications for reef management. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2020; 97:633-655. [PMID: 32564370 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Corals create complex reef structures that provide both habitat and food for many fish species. Because of numerous natural and anthropogenic threats, many coral reefs are currently being degraded, endangering the fish assemblages they support. Coral reef restoration, an active ecological management tool, may help reverse some of the current trends in reef degradation through the transplantation of stony corals. Although restoration techniques have been extensively reviewed in relation to coral survival, our understanding of the effects of adding live coral cover and complexity on fishes is in its infancy with a lack of scientifically validated research. This study reviews the limited data on reef restoration and fish assemblages, and complements this with the more extensive understanding of complex interactions between natural reefs and fishes and how this might inform restoration efforts. It also discusses which key fish species or functional groups may promote, facilitate or inhibit restoration efforts and, in turn, how restoration efforts can be optimised to enhance coral fish assemblages. By highlighting critical knowledge gaps in relation to fishes and restoration interactions, the study aims to stimulate research into the role of reef fishes in restoration projects. A greater understanding of the functional roles of reef fishes would also help inform whether restoration projects can return fish assemblages to their natural compositions or whether alternative species compositions develop, and over what timeframe. Although alleviation of local and global reef stressors remains a priority, reef restoration is an important tool; an increased understanding of the interactions between replanted corals and the fishes they support is critical for ensuring its success for people and nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie J Seraphim
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK
| | - Katherine A Sloman
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK
| | - Mhairi E Alexander
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK
| | | | - Jamaluddin Jompa
- Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Rohani Ambo-Rappe
- Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Donna Snellgrove
- Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, UK
| | | | - Alastair R Harborne
- Institute of Environment and Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, North Miami, Florida, USA
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8
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Differential disturbance effects and phenotypic plasticity among outplanted corals at patch and fore reef sites. J Nat Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2020.125827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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9
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DiBattista JD, Reimer JD, Stat M, Masucci GD, Biondi P, De Brauwer M, Wilkinson SP, Chariton AA, Bunce M. Environmental DNA can act as a biodiversity barometer of anthropogenic pressures in coastal ecosystems. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8365. [PMID: 32433472 PMCID: PMC7239923 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64858-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss of biodiversity from lower to upper trophic levels reduces overall productivity and stability of coastal ecosystems in our oceans, but rarely are these changes documented across both time and space. The characterisation of environmental DNA (eDNA) from sediment and seawater using metabarcoding offers a powerful molecular lens to observe marine biota and provides a series of ‘snapshots’ across a broad spectrum of eukaryotic organisms. Using these next-generation tools and downstream analytical innovations including machine learning sequence assignment algorithms and co-occurrence network analyses, we examined how anthropogenic pressures may have impacted marine biodiversity on subtropical coral reefs in Okinawa, Japan. Based on 18 S ribosomal RNA, but not ITS2 sequence data due to inconsistent amplification for this marker, as well as proxies for anthropogenic disturbance, we show that eukaryotic richness at the family level significantly increases with medium and high levels of disturbance. This change in richness coincides with compositional changes, a decrease in connectedness among taxa, an increase in fragmentation of taxon co-occurrence networks, and a shift in indicator taxa. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the ability of eDNA to act as a barometer of disturbance and provide an exemplar of how biotic networks and coral reefs may be impacted by anthropogenic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph D DiBattista
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Laboratory, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia. .,Australian Museum Research Institute, Australian Museum, 1 William St, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia.
| | - James D Reimer
- Molecular Invertebrate and Systematics Ecology Laboratory, Graduate School of Engineering and Science, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Senbaru, Nishihara, Okinawa, 903-0213, Japan.,Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Senbaru, Nishihara, Okinawa, 903-0213, Japan
| | - Michael Stat
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Laboratory, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia.,School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Giovanni D Masucci
- Molecular Invertebrate and Systematics Ecology Laboratory, Graduate School of Engineering and Science, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Senbaru, Nishihara, Okinawa, 903-0213, Japan
| | - Piera Biondi
- Molecular Invertebrate and Systematics Ecology Laboratory, Graduate School of Engineering and Science, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Senbaru, Nishihara, Okinawa, 903-0213, Japan
| | - Maarten De Brauwer
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Laboratory, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia.,School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Shaun P Wilkinson
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand
| | - Anthony A Chariton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, 2113, Australia
| | - Michael Bunce
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Laboratory, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia.,Environmental Protection Authority, 215 Lambton Quay, Wellington, 6011, New Zealand
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10
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Ware M, Garfield EN, Nedimyer K, Levy J, Kaufman L, Precht W, Winters RS, Miller SL. Survivorship and growth in staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis) outplanting projects in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231817. [PMID: 32374734 PMCID: PMC7202597 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Significant population declines in Acropora cervicornis and A. palmata began in the 1970s and now exceed over 90%. The losses were caused by a combination of coral disease and bleaching, with possible contributions from other stressors, including pollution and predation. Reproduction in the wild by fragment regeneration and sexual recruitment is inadequate to offset population declines. Starting in 2007, the Coral Restoration Foundation™ evaluated the feasibility of outplanting A. cervicornis colonies to reefs in the Florida Keys to restore populations at sites where the species was previously abundant. Reported here are the results of 20 coral outplanting projects with each project defined as a cohort of colonies outplanted at the same time and location. Photogrammetric analysis and in situ monitoring (2007 to 2015) measured survivorship, growth, and condition of 2419 colonies. Survivorship was initially high but generally decreased after two years. Survivorship among projects based on colony counts ranged from 4% to 89% for seven cohorts monitored at least five years. Weibull survival models were used to estimate survivorship beyond the duration of the projects and ranged from approximately 0% to over 35% after five years and 0% to 10% after seven years. Growth rate averaged 10 cm/year during the first two years then plateaued in subsequent years. After four years, approximately one-third of surviving colonies were ≥ 50 cm in maximum diameter. Projects used three to sixteen different genotypes and significant differences did not occur in survivorship, condition, or growth. Restoration times for three reefs were calculated based on NOAA Recovery Plan (NRP) metrics (colony abundance and size) and the findings from projects reported here. Results support NRP conclusions that reducing stressors is required before significant population growth and recovery will occur. Until then, outplanting protects against local extinction and helps to maintain genetic diversity in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Ware
- Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States of America
| | - Eliza N. Garfield
- Department of Biology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, United States of America
| | - Ken Nedimyer
- Reef Renewal, LLC, Tavernier, FL, United States of America
| | - Jessica Levy
- Coral Restoration Foundation, Key Largo, FL, United States of America
| | - Les Kaufman
- Marine Program and Pardee Center for the Study of the Longer-Range Future, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - William Precht
- Marine and Coastal Programs, Dial Cordy and Associates, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - R. Scott Winters
- Coral Restoration Foundation, Key Largo, FL, United States of America
| | - Steven L. Miller
- Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography, Nova Southeastern University, Dania Beach, FL, United States of America
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11
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Coral Restoration Effectiveness: Multiregional Snapshots of the Long-Term Responses of Coral Assemblages to Restoration. DIVERSITY-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/d12040153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Coral restoration is rapidly becoming a mainstream strategic reef management response to address dramatic declines in coral cover worldwide. Restoration success can be defined as enhanced reef functions leading to improved ecosystem services, with multiple benefits at socio-ecological scales. However, there is often a mismatch between the objectives of coral restoration programs and the metrics used to assess their effectiveness. In particular, the scales of ecological benefits currently assessed are typically limited in both time and space, often being limited to short-term monitoring of the growth and survival of transplanted corals. In this paper, we explore reef-scale responses of coral assemblages to restoration practices applied in four well-established coral restoration programs. We found that hard coral cover and structural complexity were consistently greater at restored compared to unrestored (degraded) sites. However, patterns in coral diversity, coral recruitment, and coral health among restored, unrestored, and reference sites varied across locations, highlighting differences in methodologies among restoration programs. Altogether, differences in program objectives, methodologies, and the state of nearby coral communities were key drivers of variability in the responses of coral assemblages to restoration. The framework presented here provides guidance to improve qualitative and quantitative assessments of coral restoration efforts and can be applied to further understanding of the role of restoration within resilience-based reef management.
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12
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Abstract
Over the last three decades corals have declined precipitously in the Florida Keys. Their population decline has prompted restoration effort. Yet, little effort has been invested in understanding the contemporary niche spaces of coral species, which could assist in prioritizing conservation habitats. We sought to predict the probability of occurrence of 23 coral species, including the critically endangered Acropora cervicornis, using observations at 985 sites from 2011–2015. We ran boosted regression trees to evaluate the relationship between the presence of these corals and eight potential environmental predictors: (i) bathymetry (m), (ii) mean of daily sea surface temperature (SST) (°C), (iii) variance of SST (°C), (iv) range of SST (°C), (v) chlorophyll-a concentration (mg m3), (vi) turbidity (m-1), (vii) wave energy (kJ m-2), and (viii) distance from coast (km). The Marquesas and the lower and upper Florida Keys were predicted to support the most suitable habitats for the 23 coral species examined. A. cervicornis had one of the smallest areas of suitable habitat, which was limited to the lower and upper Florida Keys, the Dry Tortugas, and nearshore Broward-Miami reefs. The best environmental predictors of site occupancy of A. cervicornis were SST range (4–5°C) and turbidity (K490 between 0.15–0.25 m-1). Historically A. cervicornis was reported in clear oligotrophic waters, although the present results find the coral species surviving in nearshore turbid conditions. Nearshore, turbid reefs may shade corals during high-temperature events, and therefore nearshore reefs in south Florida may become important refuges for corals as the ocean temperatures continue to increase.
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13
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Ceccarelli DM, Loffler Z, Bourne DG, Al Moajil-Cole GS, Boström-Einarsson L, Evans-Illidge E, Fabricius K, Glasl B, Marshall P, McLeod I, Read M, Schaffelke B, Smith AK, Jorda GT, Williamson DH, Bay L. Rehabilitation of coral reefs through removal of macroalgae: state of knowledge and considerations for management and implementation. Restor Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.12852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela M. Ceccarelli
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies; James Cook University; Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
- Marine Ecology Consultant, 36 Barton Street; Magnetic Island QLD 4819 Australia
| | - Zoe Loffler
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies; James Cook University; Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
| | - David G. Bourne
- College of Science and Engineering; James Cook University; Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science; Townsville QLD 4810 Australia
| | - Grace S. Al Moajil-Cole
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies; James Cook University; Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
- College of Science and Engineering; James Cook University; Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
- AIMS@JCU; Townsville, QLD 4810 Australia
| | | | | | | | - Bettina Glasl
- College of Science and Engineering; James Cook University; Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science; Townsville QLD 4810 Australia
- AIMS@JCU; Townsville, QLD 4810 Australia
| | - Paul Marshall
- Reef Ecologic, 14 Cleveland Terrace, North Ward; Townsville, QLD 4810 Australia
| | - Ian McLeod
- TropWATER; James Cook University; Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Mark Read
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority; Townsville, QLD 4810 Australia
| | - Britta Schaffelke
- Australian Institute of Marine Science; Townsville QLD 4810 Australia
| | - Adam K. Smith
- Reef Ecologic, 14 Cleveland Terrace, North Ward; Townsville, QLD 4810 Australia
| | - Georgina T. Jorda
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies; James Cook University; Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
| | - David H. Williamson
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies; James Cook University; Townsville QLD 4811 Australia
- College of Science and Engineering; James Cook University; Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Line Bay
- Australian Institute of Marine Science; Townsville QLD 4810 Australia
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