{"id":36715,"date":"2024-03-08T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-03-08T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/da45c552-e05a-465f-ba2e-6bee6681ec4a"},"modified":"2024-03-08T18:35:42","modified_gmt":"2024-03-08T17:35:42","slug":"the-speed-of-recovery-we-saw-is-incredible-scientists-have-developed-an-amazing-new-technique-to-restore-coral-reefs","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcwildlife\/rss_feed\/the-speed-of-recovery-we-saw-is-incredible-scientists-have-developed-an-amazing-new-technique-to-restore-coral-reefs\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cThe speed of recovery we saw is incredible\u201d.\u00a0Scientists have developed an amazing new technique to restore coral reefs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Degraded coral reefs can grow as fast as healthy reefs after just four years with the use of sand-coated steel webs known as ‘Reef Stars’, according to new research. <\/p>

By Daniel Graham\n <\/p>

Published: Friday, 08 March 2024 at 16:00 PM<\/p>

\n\n

In the 1980s and 1990s, destructive blast fishing in Indonesia destroyed vast areas of fragile coral reef systems. Despite numerous restoration projects<\/a> in the ensuing years, signs of recovery have been limited.<\/p>

Now, following a four-year study, researchers from the University of Exeter have found evidence that planting new coral in degraded reefs with the use of ‘Reef Stars’ (sand-coated steel frames) can lead to rapid recovery. <\/p>

According to the research, published in\u00a0Current Biology<\/em><\/a>, this\u00a0network of interconnected frames, transplanted with coral fragments, can result in degraded reefs growing as fast as healthy reefs after just four years. <\/p>

\u201cThe speed of recovery we saw is incredible,\u201d says lead author\u00a0Dr Ines Lange<\/a>, from the University of Exeter.<\/p>

\u201cWhile reef restoration cannot solve the problem that reefs are severely threatened by climate change, it shows that active management actions can help to boost the resilience of specific reefs, and bring back important functions that are critical for marine life and local communities.\u201d <\/p>

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Diver’s view of a healthy reef. Credit Ines Lange<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Measuring reefs<\/h2>
During the study, researchers developed a method\u00a0to monitor ‘reef carbonate budgets<\/a>‘ \u2013 which is the net production or erosion of a reef over time \u2013 using a number of parameters, such as coral cover, coral colony sizes and carbonate production rates, over a range of time periods, to assess the health of the coral. <\/p>
These carbonate budgets are a key predictor of the reef\u2019s ability to grow and keep up with sea-level rise, to protect coastlines from storms and to provide habitat for marine animals.<\/p>
“After four years, restoration sites were indistinguishable from nearby healthy reefs in all investigated parameters.”<\/p><\/blockquote>
The team used Mars reef restoration sites (part of the Mars\u00a0Coral\u00a0Reef Restoration Programme<\/a>) to evaluate if and how fast these reef functions return after coral restoration. <\/p>
They recorded data at various time intervals following the instalment of the Reef Stars, which are used in degraded areas to stabilise loose rubble and kickstart rapid coral growth. During his time, they also analysed degraded and healthy control sites. \u00a0<\/p>
Diver rolling out a transect tape for reef monitoring. Credit: Ocean Culture Life<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Reefs in recovery<\/h2>
The study showed that in the years following coral transplantation, coral cover, coral colony sizes and carbonate production rates tripled, and after four years, restoration sites were indistinguishable from nearby healthy reefs in all investigated parameters.<\/p>
According to the researchers, this means that after only four years, restored reefs are growing at the same speed as healthy reefs. They provide similar habitat for marine life and offer protection to the adjacent island from wave erosion.<\/p>
A restored reef, 0 years (few months) after installing Reef Stars. Credit: Ines Lange<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>
$\"Restored$
Restored reef, 1 year after installing Reef Stars. Credit Ines Lange<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>
$\"Restored$
Restored reef, 2 years after installing Reef Stars. Credit Ines Lange<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>
$\"Restored$
Restored reef, 3 years after installing Reef Stars. Credit Ines Lange<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>
$\"Restored$
Restored reef, 4 years after installing Reef Stars. Credit The Ocean Agency<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div>