Project title: Novel bio-optical tools for scaling up coral restoration practices in cooperatively managed reef systems in the Pacific

Project lead: Dr. Kenneth Hoadley

Co-applicants: Dr. Bastian Bentlage, Dr. Laurie Raymundo, Dr. Mark Warner, Victor Bonito

Countries involved: United States of America and Fiji

Takes place: Fiji and Guam

Supporting institutions: University of Alabama, University of Guam, University of Delaware, Reef Explorers Fiji

Total budget: USD $1,499,021.00

Duration: 36 months

Project overview

Coral reef restoration is a vital response to the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems, providing immediate means to counteract coral degradation. Integrating thermally tolerant corals into reef restoration programs is essential for successful coral restoration efforts. However, identifying and selecting heat-tolerant coral colonies has traditionally required considerable infrastructure and scientific know-how, making it beyond the reach of most conservation programs.

The project focuses on field-testing using a submersible handheld fluorometer to monitor the fluorescence of algae living inside corals to assess their heat tolerance, helping identify coral colonies that are more likely to bleach. The research team will specifically target reef systems in Fiji and Guam. By using this low-cost, user-friendly system, researchers can quickly and non-destructively analyze algae physiology. Partnerships with NGOs, state agencies, and local communities will aid in deploying and scaling this innovative tool across coral restoration sites, with the ultimate goal of integrating this non-destructive technology into broader conservation efforts in the Pacific. By creating an accessible and scalable tool, this project has the potential to influence global coral conservation practices.

Specific objectives

1. Develop coral bleaching tolerance models: use a fluorometer to create and test coral bleaching tolerance models for coral species in Fiji and Guam.
2. Conduct training and coral transplant experiments: train restoration partners in Fiji and Guam on using fluorometers for coral selection. Conduct transplant experiments in five different reef systems to validate model accuracy.
3. Refine the tool and disseminate its use: gather user feedback to refine the tool and organize a Fiji-based workshop to introduce the approach to a broader restoration community.

How the objectives will be met

• Coral bleaching tolerance models: conduct thermal stress lab experiments with four key coral genera in Fiji and Guam. A handheld fluorometer will be used to monitor the fluorescence of algae living inside corals during these experiments, to assess their heat tolerance, helping identify coral colonies that are more likely to bleach. This data will then be used to develop bleaching tolerance models.
• Training and coral transplant experiments: offer hands-on training for local restoration partners on how to use the fluorometer, followed by coral transplant experiments across five reef sites. These transplants will include the predicted best and worst heat-tolerant corals to evaluate the success of this approach. This “learn by doing” approach will allow local teams to apply the models and track coral health, growth rates, and bleaching in natural reef settings.
• Refine the tool and disseminate its use: practitioners’ feedback will be routinely collected to guide upgrades and redesign of the tool. A workshop in Fiji will further expand awareness and application of this technology among additional coral restoration practitioners and stakeholders, including Fiji’s Ministry of Fisheries.

Impact of the project

This project will strengthen coral restoration initiatives by enabling the selection of thermally tolerant corals, essential for long-term ecosystem health and coastal livelihoods in Fiji and Guam. In Fiji, where marine resource management is often community-based, this technology can be integrated into local conservation efforts, benefitting communities reliant on coral reef tourism and fisheries. In Guam, restoration initiatives result from collaborative discussions between scientists and reef managers, which will be further enhanced by this project.

Major highlights

• Submersible handheld fluorometer will be tested to monitor the fluorescence of algae living inside corals, potentially providing a non-destructive tool for the assessment of coral thermal tolerance.
• Predictive bleaching tolerance models tailored for regional reef systems, enabling widespread adoption across the globe.
• Training and workshops to ensure that the fluorometer is accessible and user-friendly to local and global restoration practitioners.

In 2024:

✅ Outplanted 500 corals across three nurseries.
✅ Onboarded three students and two post-doc researchers.

To learn more about this project, watch the episode 4 of our web series.