[Rescue a Reef, UM RSMAS]

[Rescue a Reef, UM RSMAS]

Smaller coral reef fragments have a higher growth rate. As coral grows in size, some of the energy used for its growth is stored for reproduction. So, the team continues fragmenting the coral into smaller pieces for more effective growth and replication in the nursery.

“By continuing to fragment the initially collected corals, increasing their growth rates, we’ve accumulated a large enough self-sustaining standing stock of healthy coral tissue to begin moving some to the reef!” —Maddie

When coral is removed from the nursery to be transplanted, it’s destination can be determined in one of two ways:

A: classical restoration— into degraded reefs that have declined from their historical levels of productivity

Or, B: progressive restoration— in reef habitats that may not have been advantageous in the past but are likely to be better suited under current and future conditions

Ultimately, establishing mature colonies is the ultimate goal. 

“Mature colonies are more effective in contributing to reef structure and repopulating the surrounding area.” —Dalton

Q: I have found that such hands-on intervention is often met with more skepticism. My parents always warned us kids never to touch the reefs because they’d die! Tell me a bit about the significance of restoring our reefs with keystone species. What would you say to an outsider that may be troubled by the thought of such “involved” work? What measures does your team take to ensure best practices?

According to Dalton, it’s critically important to acknowledge the need for conservation and restoration of coral reefs.

Locally, reefs protect our coastlines by absorbing wave energy. They also provide jobs through tourism, recreation, fisheries— ultimately contributing to food supply as well.

“The livelihoods of over one billion people are tied to coral reef ecosystems.” —Dalton

When scientists investigate the issues they’re facing, we can all better understand and work towards the solutions that restore them for the future.

“There are laws in place that [explicitly] protect coral species, so an everyday individual is not allowed to nor should they touch a coral.” —Dalton

The Rescue a Reef team takes extensive precautionary measures not to physically harm or communicate germs or bacteria when collecting fragments for coral gardening and out-planting. Unsupervised individuals are not advised to attempt any of the aforementioned procedures that may interfere with marine ecosystems.

Exclusively under the supervision of trained professionals, such as Rescue a Reef’s team of marine scientists, any citizen scientist can receive the necessary guidance to contribute to coral restoration and reef re-building during their hands-on programs.

Q: One big focus at DFO is education, and I know that Rescue a Reef also organizes a number of different events and offers services to increase scientific literacy and encourage individual responsibility. Tell me a bit about your approach to citizen science.

Rescue a Reef is an extension of the Benthic Ecology and Coral Reef Restoration Lab at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School. This program strives to (1) increase public understanding of coral reefs, (2) promote an understanding of the issues they’re facing, and (3) contribute to coral restoration through citizen science.

Beyond raising awareness, the team leads citizen science expeditions and creates an avenue for individuals to donate and directly support coral restoration research.

“Much like Debris Free Oceans, Rescue a Reef strives to involve individuals first-hand.” —Dalton

Because coral reef degradation is not something regularly accessible to the majority of us, these tangible recovery and restoration experiences are especially powerful.

Q: Tell me a bit about your favorite RAR x DFO collaboration.

“We collaborate with DFO because it’s going to take a village. We want to increase awareness on coral reef conservation, but also plastic consumption and single-use waste because overall the way to solve these issues is at the societal level – in reducing climate change.” —Dalton

Every year since our first collaboration, DFO and RAR have hosted events that enable everyday individuals to contribute to restoring local reef populations while cleaning up marine debris. By melding our missions and audiences, we’ve all learned and grown a great deal. These events foster an important sense of hope for the power of individual and community-driven impact. 

Unfortunately, it isn’t possible for the Rescue a Reef team to lead citizen science trips offshore everyday. One of Dalton’s most memorable community events was actually inspired by DFO’s mission and the research team’s experience with marine debris along the shoreline:

Rescue a Reef’s first cleanup hosted independently from DFO took place on International Coastal Cleanup Day. Despite the unfavorable weather, attendees came out in droves and collected hundreds of pounds from a small shoreline. This was a big moment for Dalton because “the individuals clearly followed Rescue a Reef devoutly, but had not been exposed to the local impacts of plastic pollution which have such an immediate impact upon coral reef ecosystems.”

Maddie noted that the latest Dive Day collaboration between DFO and RAR was attended by all women, so it was an empowering celebration of women in science! Everyone participated in out-planting corals at one location and then cleaning at the adjacent mooring buoy, which really brought the connection between the two missions full-circle!

Q: How can we all get involved in supporting Rescue a Reef?

“Everyone can be a coral champion from home!” —Maddie

Dalton suggests we look at our actions in the context of a “coral footprint” which closely parallels the concept of a carbon footprint. By reducing our plastic waste, opting for more plant-based meals, making use of public transportation … “essentially anything to reduce your carbon footprint at the individual level can go really far in protecting coral reef ecosystems!” — Dalton

These climate-conscious actions can reduce your “coral footprint” beyond your individual actions too! Bring this awareness into your workplace, among your peers and colleagues, within your municipality, and when advocating to public officials. Moving from individual change to systems-level advocacy can elevate our collective impact for the benefit of reef ecosystems.

You can also check out the Coral City Camera, streaming underwater serenity live for your enjoyment and appreciation— even when far from a coastline!

To learn more about Rescue a Reef outreach and coral restoration research, check out this video, @rescueareef on social media, and the RAR website: www.rescueareef.com.