Active Coral Restoration: Techniques for a Changing Planet

Coral reefs around the world are in peril and approximately half of the world's coral cover has been lost since 1970 due to impacts from climate change, pollution, disease, and fishing practices that can destroy entire reefs. This rate of decline has been quite rapid, particularly when compared to the average rate of growth for a healthy coral in the wild. This ratio of decline to growth had diminished hope among scientists that coral reefs could eventually restore themselves over time. However, with the new technologies of active coral restoration, optimism has returned. Active coral restoration includes procedures for growing corals fast and efficiently, while also being able to genetically select for traits of natural resistance and resiliency that help them to survive water temperature increases, bleaching, and diseases. These cultured corals are grown in various types of nurseries and then outplanted to restoration sites. Until now, there has not been a book which brings to light this marvelous, game-changing practice of active coral restoration. Active Coral Restoration: Techniques for a Changing Planet is a timely, comprehensive volume that provides a foundational understanding of the current and emerging practices and technologies used for active coral reef restoration projects around the world. Edited by David E. Vaughan, this work contains contributed chapters written by some of the foremost authorities on coral reef restoration. It is a must have for all practitioners of coral reef restoration, including research scientists, resource managers, aquarists, volunteers, students of marine science, and policy makers. Key Features -- First-ever comprehensive volume on the practice of active coral reef restoration -- Provides an overview of the history of coral restoration and the transition to active coral restoration -- Demonstrates new and emerging methods and technologies for active coral restoration, including fragmentation and micro-fragmentati Read more