CORAL TRANSPLANTATION AS A REEF MANAGEMENT OPTION

Abstract

Transplantation of hard corals as a means of accelerating the regeneration of damaged coral reefs, or as a way of establishing reef areas where none exist naturally has been tested in many parts of the world. The transplantation is generally successful from a biological point of view, with survival rates in most cases ranging between 50% and loo%, when corals are transplanted into similar habitats to those from which they were collected. The different techniques used for coral transplantation are described here, and the costs and limitations of coral transplantation in coral reef management are discussed. The process has a potential role in the repair of reefs damaged by human activities, analogous to terrestrial re-forestation projects. However, coral transplantation is a very expensive process and generally would be considered as a valid option only in areas of high commercial, recreational or aesthetic value.