Coral Restoration
At Roots for Reefs, we are dedicated to restoring coral ecosystems by rescuing and reattaching dislodged corals, relocating them to healthier habitats, and reducing threats like predators and disease. Our goal is to enhance reef resilience and biodiversity, ensuring these vital ecosystems thrive for future generations.
Plant elkhorn coral fragments to increase coral biomass
Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata), a keystone species on Caribbean reefs, provides essential habitat for marine life and acts as a natural barrier protecting shorelines. Once widespread, its populations are now dwindling, with only a few remaining in areas like Butler Bay. To counter this decline, efforts are underway to restore coral numbers by planting fragments from broken branches, offering hope for future reef recovery.
Fertilize corals in vitro during spawning events
Our coral restoration project in Butler Bay, St. Croix, is pioneering the use of sexual reproduction to restore populations of grooved brain coral (Diploria labyrinthiformis). Gametes are collected from multiple parent colonies during mass spawning events, fertilized, and the larvae are settled onto substrates and reared to the juvenile stage. Unlike traditional methods, which often transplant vulnerable early juveniles directly onto reefs with low survival rates, this project incubates the young corals in a simple in-water system until they reach a more resilient size.
Rescue dislodged corals and attach them to the reef
Coral reefs in the Virgin Islands face threats from vessel groundings, storms, and diseases, which can damage or dislodge corals, leaving them vulnerable to further stress. Local divers are trained to quickly assess damage and reattach broken corals using marine epoxy or cement, helping them stabilize and regrow. In some cases, rare or endangered corals are relocated to nurseries for recovery, ensuring genetic diversity. These efforts are crucial for preserving coral biomass and enhancing reef resilience in the face of ongoing environmental challenges.
Move dislodged corals from sedimentary areas to better habitat
Dislodged corals often end up in sedimentary areas, where they struggle to survive due to reduced light, oxygen, and nutrients, as well as increased sedimentation. To enhance their chances of survival, efforts are made to relocate these corals to more suitable habitats, such as clearer, more stable reef zones. This helps corals access better conditions, reducing stress and promoting regrowth.
Maintain and enhance coral gardening sites by removing pests
Coral predators like snails and fireworms pose a serious threat to reef health by feeding on coral polyps. Snails, such as those from the Coralliophila genus, drill into coral skeletons to consume tissue, while fireworms tear through polyps with their bristled bodies, leaving behind open wounds. These attacks weaken corals, making them more vulnerable to disease and stress. As part of reef restoration efforts, divers are now actively “weeding out” these predators to reduce damage and give corals a better chance of survival.