Growth performance of Acropora formosa in natural reefs and coral nurseries for reef restoration

• Published in: Aquaculture, Aquarium, Conservation & Legislation Vol. 9; no. 5; pp. 1090 - 1100
• Main Authors: Xin, Loke H, Adzis, Kee A A, Hyde, Julian, Cob, Zaidi C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cluj-Napoca Bioflux SRL 30.10.2016
• Subjects: Acropora cervicornis; Acropora formosa; Climate change; Conservation; Coral reef ecosystems; Coral reef restoration; Coral reefs; Corals; Destructive fishing; Dynamics; Ecosystem biology; Ecosystem dynamics; Ecosystems; Fish; Fisheries; Growth rate; Interspecific relationships; Marine biology; Marine ecology; Marine ecosystems; Marine invertebrates; Marine pollution; Marine protected areas; Nurseries; Nursery grounds; Predation; Protected areas; Restoration; Seasonal variation; Seasonal variations; Tourism; Transplantation; Tropical climate; Kuala Lumpur Malaysia; Malaysia; Great Barrier Reef
• ISSN: 1844-8143; 1844-9166

Coral reefs are highly valuable ecosystems and play crucial roles in marine ecosystem dynamics by providing food and shelters for many organisms. Unfortunately, coral reefs around the globe are declining, thus apart from marine protected areas, active conservation and restoration efforts are extremely crucial. In this study Acropora formosa nubbins were transplanted and their performance were monitored, with the main aim to evaluate their survivals and growth in comparison with natural reef. The extension growth, proto-branch generation, mortality and survivals were assessed for one year in Tioman Island, Malaysia. The A. formosa growth rates ranged from 0.59±0.07 to 1.20±0.03 cm mth-1 in the nursery and from 0.55±0.13 to 0.72±0.11 cm mth-1 in the natural reef. The transplanted corals exhibit higher growth rates particularly during early period of transplant, and moreover have significantly higher proto-branch generation rates compared with the natural colony. However, their survivals were significantly low, mostly due to predation by fish and other corallivores. Seasonal variations in coral growth were observed, with faster rates during the inter-monsoon period (March-April and October-November). This study for the first time, documented the success of A. formosa transplantation and its application in coral nurseries in Malaysian waters. Coral transplantation is highly beneficial for active coral reef restoration and conservation. Nevertheless, continuous long term, systematic monitoring are needed in order to have greater understanding of the A. formosa growth and dynamics in the tropical coral reef ecosystems.