Growth performance of acropora formosa in natural reefs and coral nurseries for reef restoration

Coral reefs are highly valuable ecosystems and play crucial roles in marine ecosystem dynamics by providing food and shelters for many organisms. Unfortunately, coral reefs around the globe are declining, thus apart from marine protected areas, active conservation and restoration efforts are extremely crucial. In this study Acropora formosa nubbins were transplanted and their performance were monitored, with the main aim to evaluate their survivals and growth in comparison with natural reef. The extension growth, proto-branch generation, mortality and survivals were assessed for one year in Tioman Island, Malaysia. The A. formosa growth rates ranged from 0.59±0.07 to 1.20±0.03 cm mth^-1 in the nursery and from 0.55±0.13 to 0.72±0.11 cm mth-1 in the natural reef. The transplanted corals exhibit higher growth rates particularly during early period of transplant, and moreover have significantly higher proto-branch generation rates compared with the natural colony. However, their survivals were significantly low, mostly due to predation by fish and other corallivores. Seasonal variations in coral growth were observed, with faster rates during the inter-monsoon period (March-April and October-November). This study for the first time, documented the success of A. formosa transplantation and its application in coral nurseries in Malaysian waters. Coral transplantation is highly beneficial for active coral reef restoration and conservation. Nevertheless, continuous long term, systematic monitoring are needed in order to have greater understanding of the A. formosa growth and dynamics in the tropical coral reef ecosystems.