Restored coral reefs grow as fast as healthy ones but are less biodiverse, study finds « Carbon Pulse
Restored coral reefs grow as fast as healthy ones but are less biodiverse, study finds « Carbon Pulse Carbon Pulse
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Degraded Coral Reefs Can Recover at an “Incredible” Pace, Study Finds
A recent study conducted in South Sulawesi, Indonesia at the MARS Coral Reef Restoration Programme has found that degraded coral reefs can recover at a remarkable rate, growing as quickly as healthy reefs that have not undergone restoration after just four years of management. However, the restored reefs tend to have lower biodiversity compared to healthy ones. The research, led by University of Exeter researchers and published in Current Biology, highlights the potential for active management actions to restore damaged ecosystems and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The MARS Coral Reef Restoration Programme
The MARS Coral Reef Restoration Programme is one of the largest initiatives of its kind in the world. It aims to assess whether active management actions, such as coral transplantation, can restore the ecosystem functions of reefs damaged by blast fishing 30-40 years ago. The programme’s goal is to contribute to the achievement of SDG 14: Life Below Water by restoring and preserving coral reefs.
Implications for Sustainable Development Goals
The findings of the study are significant for SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 14: Life Below Water. Tim Lamont, a marine biologist at Lancaster University and senior author of the study, emphasizes the importance of investing in emissions reductions to stabilize the climate and rebuild healthy ecosystems worldwide. The study demonstrates the potential of large-scale, well-managed coral restoration projects to recover important ecosystem functions within a short period of time.
Recovery of Coral Reefs
The researchers assessed the “reef carbonate budget” for the first time, analyzing the net production or erosion of reefs over time at restoration sites. The results showed that four years after coral transplantation, the net carbonate budgets of the restoration sites tripled, making them equivalent to healthy reefs in terms of coral cover, average colony size, and carbonate production rates. The speed of recovery observed in the study is described as incredible by lead author Ines Lange from the University of Exeter.
Challenges and Future Prospects
While the restoration sites showed significant recovery, the researchers acknowledge that the community composition on these sites is less biodiverse compared to healthy reefs. This difference may affect habitat provision for larger marine species. The restored reefs primarily consist of fast-growing branching corals, which are more sensitive to bleaching and may have lower resilience to future heat waves. However, the researchers are hopeful that over time, restored reefs will naturally recruit a more diverse mix of coral species. The MARS reef restoration programme is already taking steps to assist this process by transplanting massive corals and providing suitable substrate for natural coral recruitment.
Importance of Coral Reefs
The MARS 2023 impact report highlights the significance of coral reefs as the most biodiverse marine systems, supporting 25% of marine life in less than 0.1% of the ocean floor. Coral reefs are essential for the livelihoods of approximately 1 billion people worldwide, primarily for fishing, and they provide protection to around 100 million homes from waves and storms.
Conclusion
While reef restoration alone cannot solve the threats posed by climate change to coral reefs, it demonstrates that active management actions can enhance the resilience of specific reefs and restore important functions critical for marine life and local communities. The study’s findings emphasize the need to accelerate efforts to achieve the SDGs, particularly SDG 13 and SDG 14, by investing in emissions reductions and implementing large-scale, well-managed coral restoration projects.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 14: Life Below Water – This goal focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas, and marine resources. The article discusses coral reef restoration and its impact on marine life and local communities.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – This goal addresses the urgent need to combat climate change and its impacts. The article mentions the importance of stabilizing the climate to rebuild healthy ecosystems.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans – The article discusses the MARS Coral Reef Restoration Programme, which aims to restore ecosystem functions in damaged reefs through active management actions.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning – The article emphasizes the need for emissions reductions to stabilize the climate and rebuild healthy ecosystems.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Net carbonate budgets – The article mentions that after four years of coral transplantation, net carbonate budgets tripled at restoration sites, making them equivalent to healthy reefs in terms of coral. This indicates progress towards the restoration of ecosystem functions.
- Coral cover, average colony size, and carbonate production rates – The article states that these parameters tripled after four years of coral transplantation, further indicating progress in restoring healthy reefs.
- Diversity of coral species – The article acknowledges that the diversity of coral species is still lower at restoration sites compared to natural reefs. Monitoring the increase in coral species diversity over time can be used as an indicator of progress in restoring biodiversity.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans | – Net carbonate budgets – Coral cover, average colony size, and carbonate production rates – Diversity of coral species |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | – Net carbonate budgets – Coral cover, average colony size, and carbonate production rates – Diversity of coral species |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: carbon-pulse.com
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