Implementation of Coral Restoration for Coastal Protection
Wave Attenuation
Outplanting Acropora palmata at scale to restore reef-based coastal protection
One of the main socioecological benefits of coral reefs is the protection of coastal communities due to their capacity to absorb up to 90% wave energy. This is sustained by keystone species such as the elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) which can grow fast (~10 cm linear extension annually) under high wave energy conditions creating highly tridimensional structures.
In this project, Sea Ventures MRU embarked on a quest to outplant A. palmata colonies over an area of 4,000 m² achieving a density of 1 colony / m². These outplants are mapped and monitored using the latest structure from motion (SfM) technology to assess outplant survivorship and growth over thousands of meters squared.
The biological restoration is co-located with permanent wave and current sensors in collaboration with engineer Dr. Miguel Canals from the UPR-Mayagüez to assess changes in wave attenuation over the restoration area. By integrating SfM biological monitoring and wave data validation we support the quantification of wave-attenuation benefits of coral reef restoration as a hazard mitigation strategy.
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