Site Selection

Strategic site selection is essential for achieving restoration success.

Site Types

Each site will have:

1. Restoration site — degraded site to be restored, with a minimum of 25–30% live coral cover, presence of key fish and invertebrate species, and evidence of recruitment
2. Control site — similar, adjacent degraded site that will not be restored or affected by restoration activities, allowing tracking of the impact of the restoration irrespective of the overall conditions/stress events at the site through time
3. Nursery site — enough space for nursery tables in a high-flow area next to the restoration area
4. Mother colony collection area(s)
5. Reference site — the best example of possible reef state on the island/region; this site determines the possible species/morphological diversity/complexity targets for our restoration (reference sites may be per island, not necessarily for every site)

Nurseries and restoration areas ideally should be close enough to swim/move between to retain associated species that have recruited to the corals in the nursery. Mother colony sites can be sampled from further away as the process of collecting fragments and making ropes can be accomplished on boats while in transit.

Hot Pockets and Hydrodynamics

Mother colonies should be selected from hot pockets if possible: areas of reduced flow and higher mean temperatures. Nurseries and outplant areas should be in areas with good current and hydrodynamic features that promote good water movement and larval delivery.

'Hot pockets' should be quantified with temperature/light loggers once identified. Each nursery and outplant area should have a temperature/light logger.

The Reference Site

The Reference Site provides the natural context in which the restoration is occurring. Ideally, this is the best reef in the area, and the target to aim for in our restoration. Details of the Reference Site provide guidance as to what complexity and diversity to build into our restoration targets. By tracking the best natural condition of the reef, the Reference Site also controls for changes in the reef that have nothing to do with our restoration.

Site Selection Process

Site selection involves:

1. Compilation of Existing Data

Compile as much existing georeferenced scientific/monitoring data as possible for the area, including:

• % coral cover
• % algal cover
• Hydrodynamics — large-scale currents and local flow patterns
• Nutrient concentrations
• Connectivity — via genetic data and/or evidence of coral, fish and invertebrate recruitment
• Temperature maps
• Fishing pressure
• Herbivorous fish presence
• Freshwater inputs
• Disturbance history (pollution, ship strikes, predator outbreaks, etc.)

2. Community Consultation

Consultation with the local communities for local knowledge, cultural insights, restrictions, etc., and to generate understanding and support for our work.

3. Identify 1–2 General Areas

Identify 1–2 general areas where restoration is most likely to be supported and successful. Once general areas have been identified, the restoration site in the area must be identified.

4. In-Water Site Evaluation

Site evaluation of restoration areas via in-water surveys/evaluation and imaging tools (satellite/drone). Aiming for restoration sites that have:

• ~25–30%+ existing coral cover (unless a site of an acute, alleviated disturbance — then could have lower initial cover if that disturbance is gone)
• Evidence of recruitment — corals, fish and invertebrates (recruits #/m²)
• Key invertebrate presence — urchins, sea cucumbers, giant clams, other filter feeders (#/m²)
• Substrate conducive to outplanting (artificial structures are not part of Coral Gardeners operations at this time)
• Presence of herbivorous fishes (#/timed observation)

Logistical Considerations

Distance to HQ, swell direction, and other operational factors are weighed alongside the biological data.

Data from steps 1–4 are considered together to identify Coral Gardeners sites.

Pilot Sites

Once suitable sites have been identified, a pilot nursery (1 table) should be installed before full site implementation. Ideally the pilot should be in place for 6 months minimum, including the rainy/cyclone season, to evaluate the appropriateness of the site.