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Reef Metabolism Monitoring Methods and Potential Applications for Coral Restoration
Michelle C Platz1, Mauricio E Arias2, Robert H Byrne3
1University of South Florida, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 4202 E. Fowler Avenue, ENG-030, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA.
Environmental Management
|January 26, 2022
Summary
Coral reef metabolism measurements can track ecosystem changes. New methods can monitor coral restoration success, assessing ecosystem function and performance for better reef management.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Ecosystem Ecology
- Restoration Ecology
Background:
- Coral reef metabolism measurements are vital for tracking responses to global carbon budget changes.
- Existing methods can be repurposed to monitor coral reef restoration effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review metabolism measurement tools and methods for coral reef restoration monitoring.
- To explore the use of carbon chemistry for scaling up monitoring from colony to ecosystem levels.
Main Methods:
- Review of five metabolism monitoring methods suitable for restoration interventions.
- Discussion of water column and CO2 chemistry for addressing monitoring gaps.
Main Results:
- Identified metabolism monitoring methods applicable to outplant arrays and whole reef outcomes.
- Highlighted the potential of function-based measurements to inform restoration objectives.
Conclusions:
- Metabolism measurements offer a scalable approach to monitor coral reef restoration.
- Methodological considerations like scale and flow environment are crucial for selecting appropriate techniques.
