Coral reef restoration using mass coral larval reseeding - Final report

This project aimed to quantify the effectiveness of using mass larval ‘reseeding’ to initiate restoration of damaged coral communities on reefs in the northern Philippines. Project outcomes Determined peak coral spawning periods, capture coral spawn and rear millions of coral larvae. Reseeded damaged reef areas via mass larval settlement; and quantified larval settlement and recruitment. Quantified juvenile coral growth and survival to assess the effectiveness of mass larval reseeding. Developed guidelines and technical report

To the aid of coral reef habitats

As alarm bells ring worldwide over damage to the planet’s coral reef habitats, an ACIAR team working in the Philippines has achieved the first mass reseeding of coral colonies to help restore damaged reefs. The project developed techniques to raise coral larvae either in aquaculture facilities or directly in the sea, with the successful restoration trials arousing interest among reef management agencies around the world, including Australia.