Large coral transplantation in Bal Haf (Yemen): an opportunity to save corals during the construction of a Liquefied Natural Gas plant using innovative techniques

Abstract

As part of a mitigation measure associated with the construction of a Liquefied Natural Gas plant, four large coral transplantations were carried out in Yemen between January and October 2007. Around 1,500 selected coral colonies were removed from areas to be impacted, transported and cemented in new sites. Transplanted colonies belong to 36 species and 25 genera. Among these, 140 large Porites spp. weighing from 200 kg up to 4 tonnes, were moved using new transplantation techniques. Growth, in situ mortality and health of the transplants were monitored over one year using photo quadrats, close-up pictures and linear growth measurements. Overall, survival of corals one year after transplantation was 91%. Most losses of transplants were apparently due to sedimentation of fine particles in the transplanted areas, fish predation, fisher activity and swell effects. Evidence of coral growth after transplantation was observed, especially in Acropora and Porites species, and on some faviids. The transplantation results demonstrate the capacity of corals to adapt to a new environment, in favorable conditions. They show that carefully designed coral reef rehabilitation strategies can be part of industrial development processes, whenever necessary.