Coral Reef Restoration Program
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| David Vaughan, Ph.D. Senior Scientist, Program Manager |
| Worldwide, coral reef ecosystems are at risk from many factors, including climate change, ocean acidification and other threats. The coral ecosystem includes hard corals, soft corals, seagrass meadows, macroalgae, invertebrates and vertebrates. Mote’s Coral Reef Restoration Program seeks to develop systems and techniques to grow coral and other reef species that play a vital role in coral health, such as sea urchins, for replanting in depleted reef systems and for scientific study, and works closely with other organizations, including the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and The Nature Conservancy, in its efforts. |
| Diadema Research Prior to the region-wide die-off in 1983, the long-spined sea urchin, Diadema antillarum, was a key herbivore on Florida’s coral reefs. The loss of these urchin populations appears to be responsible for accelerated benthic algal growth and a loss in coral cover. Mote research has been developing aquaculture methods to produce urchins for restoration trials in conjunction with scientists from the Florida Keys (Martin Moe) and the University of Miami (Tom Capo). Mote has conducted the first large-scale larval production trials at the Tropical Research Laboratory on Summerland Key, marking the first time that large volumes of larvae have been tested in 1,500-liter tanks. This successful trial will now allow for the transition from growing Diadema larvae in small aquarium tanks. |
| “Rescued” Corals Mote researchers are maintaining nearly 300 fragments of “rescued” corals. The coral fragments were removed from area underwater construction sites or saved following boat groundings and collected under permit and in partnership with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. By growing these corals, Mote makes them available for scientific research efforts focused on restoration projects and for public education and outreach. |
| Coral Releases Mote researchers are testing the feasibility of using corals grown in land-based raceways and recurculating tank systems to restock damaged reefs. The first planting, which was permitted by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, was completed in the fall of 2010 and included the outplanting of 138 fragments of four species: Montastrea cavernosa (great star coral), Montastrea annularis (boulder star coral), Stephanocoenia intersepta (blushing star coral) and Siderastrea siderea (massive starlet coral). An additional planting took place in the spring of 2011. As of early 2012, the survival rate was 90 percent. Mote currently has more than 1,500 coral fragments in land and water nurseries that are ready for planting. |
| Coral Nursery Project Funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestiment Act and NOAA’s Restoration Center have supported the expansion of Mote's staghorn coral nursery and restoration efforts. The in-water nursery is designed to offer young corals an optimum chance at growth for later reef restoration projects. The Project is undertaken in partnership with The Nature Conservancy and other partners. (Project manager: Erich Bartels) |
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Protect Our Reefs Plate
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About Us
Mote Marine Laboratory has been a leader in marine research since it was founded in 1955. Today, we incorporate public outreach as a key part of our mission. Mote is an independent nonprofit organization and has seven centers for marine research, the public Mote Aquarium and an Education Division specializing in public programs for all ages.
