Wave energy and other environmental drivers as predictors of seeded-coral performance on the great barrier reef.

ABSTRACT: Wave energy shapes coral reef communities, yet its influence on early coral survival and growth remains poorly understood, limiting its use in reef restoration planning. This study investigated the survival and growth of three Acropora species deployed on seeding devices across a wave energy gradient at three reefs on the Great Barrier Reef. After 1.5-2 years, survival varied significantly within reefs, among sites, and among species, with highest average yield at Moore Reef (A. millepora, 32% after 554 days) followed by Davies Reef (A. hyacinthus, 24% after 527 days) and Heron Reef (A. hyacinthus: 13% and A. cf. kenti: 23% after 834 days). However, no single environmental variable, including nominal wave energy, bottom stress, flow velocity, sedimentation or benthic community composition

SUBMITTER: Jurriaans S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12583707 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature