[Coral-List] Restoration rationale

[Steve Mussman]

Dear Alice, 

 I think that most of us appreciate the many benefits that can result from ongoing coral restoration efforts, but as Doug pointed out, there remains legitimate concerns that the primary stressors which can affect these projects are in no way being adequately addressed. In fact, one could argue that these critical threats are being somewhat diminished, at least in part, by the misguided assumption that coral reefs can be “geoengineered” to withstand whatever insults humankind throws their way.  In the article that I initially referenced, it was mentioned that “This grant will support the inclusion of additional species and the development of revolutionary new techniques; it will allow us to make progress on a scale at which we can talk about habitat recovery in terms of acres of reef restored.”  What are the images or public perceptions that could be derived from such assertions?  Since there is no mention of limiting factors, it appears to me as if it could influence the public psyche in such a way as to have us believe that it’s just a matter of time before the coral reefs in the Florida Keys will be reconstructed in all their former glory even in the face of persistent yet seemingly unmentionable threats brought about by water quality issues, over-fishing, and climate change. 

You assert that “In the Keys, a number of the local stressors that contributed to reef degradation are increasingly being alleviated”,  but even before your words were posted we were dismayed to learn that The Clean Water Act was being eviscerated, putting wetlands and other waterways throughout the United States (including the FL Keys) in greater jeopardy. At the same time, climate change has all but disappeared from our lexicon by directive to say nothing of additional sanctioned threats to air quality standards and endangered species. As for diver awareness, the scuba diving industry is still dragging it’s feet and although willing to take on secondary threats and actively promoting coral reef restoration, it still remains steadfastly muted when it comes to addressing the aforementioned primary stressors, including climate change.

All this leads predictably to differing views as to how best to move forward. For sure we should do whatever possible to conserve and restore our reefs, but we should also sharpen our focus and work together even harder to eliminate the root causes of coral decline so that future generations will benefit more fully from our ongoing attempts to change the prevailing trajectory. 

Sincere regards,
Steve



Sent from my iPad

> On Sep 13, 2019, at 12:12 PM, Alice Grainger <alice at coralrestoration.org> wrote:
> 
> Hello Steve, 
> 
> That's a great question. It is, of course, critical that the causes of coral decline are addressed and the stressors removed if we are going to be able to ensure a future for coral reefs into the next century and beyond. 
> 
> In the Keys, a number of the local stressors that contributed to reef degradation are increasingly being alleviated. In recent decades, a sewage system, mooring balls, increased diver awareness, and fishing regulations have all created conditions that enable our outplants to survive and even thrive – many of our outplanted corals are now observed to be spawning in the wild. 
> 
> The diverse genotypes that we work are also the descendants of corals that survived decades of stressors, and so are likely hardy. As these corals spawn, we are optimistic that the new genets that result will be even better adapted to surviving in the current environmental conditions. Our work with partners such as FLAQ is also accelerating the process by which new genotypes can be created and introduced to the wild.
> 
> It is not also critical that we maintain wild populations of corals in areas that have experienced a decline, rather than allow total local extinction while we wait to "solve" climate change issues? 
> 
> Best, 
> 
> Alice
> 
> ____________________
> 
> Alice Grainger
> Communications Director, Coral Restoration Foundation™
> Phone: (415) 770 8952
> 
> 
> Coral Restoration Foundation™
> 
> www.coralrestoration.org
> 
> facebook.com/CoralRestorationFoundation
> twitter.com/coralcrf
> instagram.com/coralrestorationfoundation
> 
> Headquarters
> 89111 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, Florida 33070
> 
> Exploration Center
> 5 Seagate Blvd, Key Largo, Florida 33037
> 
> Phone
> (305) 453-7030
> 
> 
>> On Fri, Sep 13, 2019 at 11:54 AM Steve Mussman via Coral-List <coral-list at coral.aoml.noaa.gov> wrote:
>> In an attempt to better understand the processes and goals involved in coral restoration, I would ask listers to help me gain a fuller appreciation for projects like this.
>> 
>> https://www.coralrestoration.org/post/noaa-backs-coral-restoration-foundation-with-2-5-million-to-restore-florida-s-coral-reefs
>> 
>> Although I get the concept behind enhanced resilience and/or “super corals”, do researchers actually expect newly outplanted corals to flourish in degraded ecosystems like those found in the Florida Keys (and elsewhere) without first effectively addressing the multitude of stressors (including overall water quality, over-fishing, disease and now the broader impacts of climate change) that have, over the last several decades, contributed to these ecosystems becoming increasingly degenerated in the first place?
>> 
>> Seems to me that we’re putting the proverbial cart before the horse, but maybe I’m missing something (beyond the obvious).
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> Steve
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Sent from my iPad
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