Mapping/Scoping-for live (donor) corals, nursery sites and out-plant sites Genetics Corals are animals and can sexually reproduce. Although acroporids are hermaphrodites (male & female) they cannot self-fertilize and different individuals must be sourced for ensuring fruitful spawning. Lab analyses of the corals’ DNA tells us if they are unique genets (individuals). How many different individuals of each species are needed for each nursery/site? No one knows for sure and that is part of ongoing research. Samples needed are only ~ 1cm, and the lab can also analyze the genetics of the algae symbiont.
For now, this work is sourced outside of Belize, and Fragments of Hope is leading the research. If you would like more information on this crucial component of restoration, ask your instructor/trainer and or visit fragmentsofhope.org. Before beginning any restoration, you need to know what corals exist, and where, in proximity to your restoration sites, which ideally should be chosen first. We will map and scope for donor corals to the nursery, sampling for host and clade genetics (see sidebar), and looking for nursery and out-plant sites in the process, using the site selection criteria provided in this training. But there are larger pictures to mapping acroporids.
One is knowing the distribution and abundance of these Critically Endangered species, and another is using this information to better understand resilient sites (why some corals are still thriving in some areas). Even more important is our plan to create a computer simulated larvae dispersal (spawn) map. Given the extant coral mapping data, wind and current patterns, benthic substrate, and days until settlement, we can predict where corals should be naturally replenishing themselves, and then ground truth (physically monitor) the sites to look for recruits/healthy corals.
Since it is impossible to restore all reefs, our best option is to use this plan to fill in the gaps with coral nurseries and restoration sites, to aid and accelerate natural reef recovery. In other words, we would not waste time and money on restoration of sites that may naturally recover on their own, or that have no chance of recovering. Instead, we strategically choose sites that once restored, will contribute to reef regeneration by eventually spawning on their own. Always have a GPS and backup batteries on your field trips! If you need a review of basic GPS settings (datum=NAD27 central, and units are UTM) ask your instructor/trainer. 2