Discussion
This study found that there was a significant interaction effect between temperature regime and species, and that when temperature regime was blocked, species had an effect on the weight of coral pieces. Looking at the applicability of this study, the pairwise comparisons are the most valuable aspect of this study. This grouped the species-temperature regime combinations into groups: a, b, and c. This can inform coral recovery managers, as they can determine the temperature regime of where they are planting, then see which species has the highest mean weight, aiming to plant species from groups b or c. Although the interaction between temperature regime and species was significant, blocking temperature in an ANOVA showed that species does have an effect on weight when temperature regime is accounted for. This of course is not the case in the real world - the oceans themselves are a dynamic ecosystem so temperature regime is not constant. The interaction effect, however, can be used in further studies to examine the best coral to plant in different areas.
This study indicates that coral reintroduction in Madagascar is possible, however, the type of species that is planted matters. One should look into the temperature regime before planting to see which variety will result in the highest weight of coral after replanting. Policy makers should go through environmental assessment processes for any new or continuing projects or policies that could impact reefs.
This research holds promise for future studies into coral restoration, and should be considered as a potential practice. However, much more research should be done, including more into the symbiotic relationships with the algae like Morikawa and Polumbi did in 2019, as well as general survival rates. Additionally, research on coral concerning their ability to handle sedimentation and pollution will also be key unless anthropogenic disturbances are mitigated. A study done by Duckworth et al. (2017) looked at sedimentation impacting corals, and determined that branching or staghorn corals handled sedimentation better than disc or shelf corals. This information would be important when looking at restoration attempts around Madagascar or other areas experiencing heavy human-caused degradation. More research into varieties and their evolving resilience if we also wish to keep diversity in replanted coral reefs. This study is also important because it brings to light the ecological and cultural importance of reefs. Due to these important components, any policies or projects being proposed that could potentially have deleterious effects should undergo an environmental assessment to ensure that any impacts on the coral are removed or mitigated.
This study indicates that coral reintroduction in Madagascar is possible, however, the type of species that is planted matters. One should look into the temperature regime before planting to see which variety will result in the highest weight of coral after replanting. Policy makers should go through environmental assessment processes for any new or continuing projects or policies that could impact reefs.
This research holds promise for future studies into coral restoration, and should be considered as a potential practice. However, much more research should be done, including more into the symbiotic relationships with the algae like Morikawa and Polumbi did in 2019, as well as general survival rates. Additionally, research on coral concerning their ability to handle sedimentation and pollution will also be key unless anthropogenic disturbances are mitigated. A study done by Duckworth et al. (2017) looked at sedimentation impacting corals, and determined that branching or staghorn corals handled sedimentation better than disc or shelf corals. This information would be important when looking at restoration attempts around Madagascar or other areas experiencing heavy human-caused degradation. More research into varieties and their evolving resilience if we also wish to keep diversity in replanted coral reefs. This study is also important because it brings to light the ecological and cultural importance of reefs. Due to these important components, any policies or projects being proposed that could potentially have deleterious effects should undergo an environmental assessment to ensure that any impacts on the coral are removed or mitigated.
References
Duckworth, A., Giofre, N., & Jones, R. (2017). Coral morphology and sedimentation. Marine pollution bulletin, 125(1-2), 289-300.
Duckworth, A., Giofre, N., & Jones, R. (2017). Coral morphology and sedimentation. Marine pollution bulletin, 125(1-2), 289-300.