Coral transplantation: A method to create, preserve, and manage coral reefs
Maragos JE. 1974. Coral transplantation: A method to create, preserve, and manage coral reefs. US Department of Commerce
Transplanting and coral may be one way to help coral populations grow. Methods and feasibility and covered in this report. Coral reefs in Hawaii and other tropical areas are valuable economic and recreational resources. However, in recent years urbanization and other human activities have accelerated the destruction and pollution of reef resourcs. Past studies have indicated that reefs are very sensitive to man-made stresses and, once denuded, may take decades to recover. The feasibility of using transplanted corals as a method to shorten recovery time and to create new coral reefs is discussed in this report. Corals of two common Hawaiian species, Porites compressa and Montipora verrucosa, were transplanted in three areas of Kaneohe Bay, Oahu and were monitored for growth and survival over an 18-month period. Natural rates of coral recovery over a period of 34 years in Kaneohe Bay were also studied to assess the importance and feasibility of the transplantation method. Results of the study showed that coral transplantation may be an effective procedure for preserving and creating coral reefs in Hawaii, especially in some environments where natural recovery is likely to fail. Abstract provided by author.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Maragos, James
- Date of Issue
- 1974-04
- Publisher
- US Department of Commerce
- Units
- BUIS
- Keywords
- Coral Reefs, destruction, Growth, Kaneohe Bay, Management, Marine Resources, Monitoring, Montipora verrucosa, Pollution, Porites compressa, preserve, Recovery, Transplant