Coral reef restoration has surged over the past two decades, with projects emerging globally, from Indonesia to the Caribbean. Thousands of initiatives aim to “save” coral reefs primarily through coral fragment planting and artificial structures. Yet, a new study highlights a significant oversight in these efforts: the need to ensure that restored reefs function as living ecosystems. Published in the journal Restoration Ecology, the paper argues that many restoration programs focus narrowly on increasing coral growth without assessing the overall health and functionality of the reef ecosystem.
The study, led by Zach Boakes and Dr. Tries Blandine Razak, emphasizes that measuring success solely through indicators such as coral cover and growth provides an incomplete picture. “Life on a coral reef is sustained by the constant flow of energy and nutrients. This is driven not just by corals, but also by interactions among diverse reef organisms, including fish, sponges, and algae,” Boakes explains. This interconnectedness is what scientists refer to as “ecosystem functioning,” which is crucial to the health of reefs.
Fundamental Changes Needed in Restoration Practices
The authors argue that a significant number of current restoration programs prioritize approaches that yield quick, short-term results, typically through the transplantation of fast-growing coral species like those in the Acroporidae family. While these methods may appear successful initially, they often result in reefs that lack the diversity and complexity necessary for long-term sustainability. Many of these projects overlook the primary drivers of reef decline, particularly the impacts of climate change.
The authors propose three essential steps to enhance the effectiveness of reef restoration efforts. First, they call for the incorporation of ecosystem functioning metrics into monitoring processes. Currently, more than 60% of restoration programs report less than 18 months of monitoring data, focusing primarily on straightforward metrics like coral growth. The paper outlines how various key functional processes can be effectively measured, providing a framework for assessing the ecological health of restored reefs.
Second, the authors stress the importance of considering climate change in restoration strategies. Many projects continue to utilize fast-growing corals, which are susceptible to rising ocean temperatures. As climate change accelerates, these restoration sites face significant risks of bleaching and mortality. The study advocates for a more diverse selection of coral species, including those like Platygyra daedalea, that may exhibit greater heat tolerance.
Recognizing the Unsung Heroes of Ecosystems
Lastly, the research highlights the necessity of identifying and protecting less prominent reef organisms that play critical roles in maintaining ecosystem health. Species such as sponges and certain fish are vital for the functioning of reefs yet are often neglected in restoration plans. The authors urge programs to acknowledge these “unsung heroes” in their management and restoration efforts.
The paper is not intended as a critique of current restoration work. Rather, it seeks to enhance the long-term effectiveness of these projects. “Too often, reef restoration is perceived as a race to cover the seabed with coral as quickly as possible. In reality, it is a marathon of rebuilding the intricate relationships that sustain the entire reef,” Boakes notes.
With increasing global funding and interest in coral reef restoration, the authors assert that future programs must prioritize ecological functionality to withstand the ongoing challenges posed by climate change. By shifting focus towards supporting the broader ecological roles of reefs, restoration efforts can create resilient marine ecosystems that continue to thrive, even amid environmental stresses.
Zach Boakes received support from a post-doctoral fellowship by Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), while Dr. Tries Blandine Razak’s research was funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts as part of her fellowship in marine conservation.
