Coral Outplanting Best Practices CCMI Workshop Part II: 2 Mar 2015

Outplanting Goal: Outplant nursery-grown colonies from a genetically diverse population to enhance the potential for sexual reproduction and recruitment, thereby supplementing the ability of the population to contribute to natural recovery

Outplant Site Selection Current/Historical Presence Origin of Parent Colony Existing Wild Populations Bottom Type Size of Area Water Quality/Wave Exposure Competitor/Predator Abundance Human Activities/Impacts

Selecting Outplants A. cervicornis: > 5cm LE and A. palmata: > 5cm diameter –Larger outplants = higher survivorship –Exponential growth after branch formation No visible signs of disease or injury (100% live tissue) Robust coloration (golden-tan to a dark brown)* Apical tips and no lesions increase survivorship Diverse genotypes 3 moInitial

Transport < 4 hrs: keep corals in shaded container with fresh seawater At restoration site, place corals in mesh bags and hang from side of boat or place in crates on sand

Outplant Attachment Methodologies Epoxy Nail Wedge MeshPucksCement Lines/Monofilament

Outplanting- Important Considerations Avoid annual peak temperatures and spawning times Scrub substrate to remove algae and promote attachment Place outplants away from competing organisms (gorgs, algae, sponges, fire coral) Secure with epoxy (if available) Ensure that fragments/colonies are tightly secured to nails/reef with cable ties Ensure fragments are flush with substrate (epoxy) Use multiple attachment points for larger colonies Arrange fragments in plots for monitoring Photos Fish surveys

Monitoring Monitor outplants within 1-2 weeks of outplanting Consider using unique identifiers for each coral (genotype, number, etc) All corals should be monitored within 1-2 weeks after outplanting Quarterly monitoring suggested for up to 1 year Document survivorship, condition, LE or size class, breakage, predation, disease, bleaching, etc.

Disturbance Factors Predation Damselfish Disease Bleaching Competition Storms Visitor Use

Predation: 1)Coralliophila- snails -Most predation occurs at the base of branches -Snails can be found resting in crooks 2)Hermodice- fireworms -Predation on branch tips Placing nurseries near reefs may help reduce predation BUT an adequate sand barrier is required to prevent easy access to nursery by snails and worms **** periodic removal of snails and fireworms at nursery and outplant sites Parrotfish bites Hermodice sp. Coralliophila sp.

Damselfish Predation/Algal Lawns Removing dead tissue/pruning may prevent damselfish lawns and chimneys Damselfish removal Threespot- Stegastes planifrons Cocoa- S. variabilis Dusky- S. adustus