Challenges for coral restoration in Southwestern Atlantic reefs: guidelines for ethical and sustainable practices

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Mies, Miguel ; Longo, Guilherme O. ; Bianchini, Adalto ; Calderon, Emiliano N. ; Castro, Clovis B. ; Faria, Samuel C. ; Francini-Filho, Ronaldo B. ; Guebert, Flavia M. ; Kitahara, Marcelo V. ; Lacerda, Carlos H. F. ; Lotufo, Tito M. C. ; Marangoni, Laura F. B. ; Pires, Debora O. ; Cordeiro, Ralf T. S.

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION; v. N/A, p. 27-pg., 2025-04-17.

Resumo

Southwestern Atlantic reefs are experiencing increased bleaching-associated mortality, prompting the proposal of active coral restoration as a solution. However, this approach faces challenges such as genetic bottlenecks, cost, scale, survival amidst local and global impacts, and long-term efficacy. Thus, we reviewed the major attributes of Southwestern Atlantic reefs and their coral species to assess the feasibility of active coral restoration in this unique biological and oceanographic setting. We also examined existing restoration techniques and their applicability to Southwestern Atlantic coral species and reef sites. Few species meet both suitability and priority criteria for restoration, with only Millepora alcicornis, Mi. braziliensis, and Mi. nitida, and, to a lesser extent, Mussismilia braziliensis emerging as relevant candidates. In this low-diversity region, suitable species are scarce, and identifying suitable restoration sites is challenging due to widespread local impacts and ineffective policy enforcement. We propose that practitioners (i) master species-specific fragmentation, handling, care, and monitoring techniques; (ii) align restoration practices with scientific knowledge; (iii) avoid combining multiple interventionist techniques; (iv) acknowledge potential conflicts of interest in restoration practices; and that (v) government agencies oversee restoration activities, and that transparency reports be generated. Southwestern Atlantic reefs need custom-designed conservation measures, and baseline data is essential for identifying suitable restoration sites. Although few species are viable candidates for restoration, and its effectiveness in restoring degraded reefs is unproven under current climate conditions, following the proposed ethical and ecological guidelines may help sustain threatened species and ecosystem services in degraded areas until climate change policies take effect. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 21/06866-6 - Integrando ferramentas e disciplinas para entender o futuro dos corais de águas rasas do Atlântico Sul Ocidental em um planeta em mudanças
• Beneficiário: Marcelo Visentini Kitahara
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Jovens Pesquisadores - Fase 2
• Processo FAPESP: 22/03105-7 - Usando o passado filogenético para prever impactos climáticos: ecofisiologia da simbiose e evolução acelerada na conservação de recifes de coral
• Beneficiário: Samuel Coelho de Faria
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Projeto Inicial