Overview
This project aimed to establish long-term monitoring and evaluation of the impacts of coral restoration on fish assemblages and other reef resources in the northern Luzon region, Philippines.
The project successfully established detailed monitoring protocols for fish assemblages and reef benthic assemblages. The research expanded to include ten reef trials with replicate experimental restoration and control plots in various locations. Fish assemblages were quantified using diver-based Underwater Visual Census (UVC) methods.
The research found that trends in fish assemblages varied between experiments and reef locations, with stronger trends evident in plots established over longer periods. Overall, fish abundance and biomass tended to increase over time, with higher metrics in larval-enhanced plots compared to controls in some reef trials. The fish assemblages were dominated by damselfishes and wrasses, with corallivore butterflyfishes increasing over time as coral colonies and cover increased in restored reef areas. The observed changes in fish assemblages have potential benefits for reef ecology, fishery values, and associated socio-economic benefits for local communities.
The project also developed a multimedia and stakeholder training strategy to transfer knowledge to stakeholders about the importance of coral reefs, coral reproduction, and the successful outcomes of the ACIAR projects.
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