Assessing the potential for natural recovery and coral restoration techniques for enhancing coral habitat in Jamaica

The reduced biodiversity of Caribbean coral reefs has been attributed to disturbances of various types. Many of the once abundant coral species have disappeared from Jamaican coral reefs with algae taking their place resulting in a less attractive reef habit with fewer fish which has affected the Jamaican economy. The mortality of Acropora species has been a particularly important driving force in shaping the transition. The abundance of Acropora spat settling in the Caribbean are lower than other coral families and much lower than on South Pacific reefs. A natural recovery through sexual reproduction is unlikely in the next decade. The long-term survival of remnant A. cervicornis populations is threatened unless successful sexual reproduction is restored. This study seeks to assess methods of restoring A. cervicornis populations by creating pockets of greater reef health around surviving populations. Experi- mental transplants using several techniques are underway to develop a suitable technology for restoring A. cervicornis populations in Jamaica. In one technique the mean survivorship ranged from 4% - 78% after 55 weeks. Mortality associated with damselfish (Stegastes) and fireworms (Hermodice carunculata) were observed. By increasing coral habitat bio mass and complexity we can increase the abundance of fish populations which will result in greater fish catches for subsistence fishers. As well, more coral and fish biodiversity improves the attractiveness of the reef community for divers and snorkelers making Jamaica a more appealing destination for tourists.