Comparing the Success Rate for Acropora palmata (Elkhorn Coral) Outplanting between Local Volunteers and NOAA Marine Biologists in Puerto Rico

Overview

Elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata is a threatened species in the Caribbean. The degradation of the A. palmata population stimulated rehabilitation initiatives. This study analyzed the survivorship of A. palmata outplanted on an inner reef of a fringing reef system located in Shacks Beach, Isabela, Puerto Rico. It compared the success rates of community volunteers to NOAA marine biologists. Results analyzed the success rate of A. palmata fragments to support future outplanting initiates in Puerto Rico. This led to the research question: “Does the success rate of outplanting A. palmata in the inner reef system located in Shacks Beach, Isabela, Puerto Rico correlate with the level of experience of the outplanter?” The A. palmata coral fragments were transferred from a fixed bottom coral nursery structure. They were secured on a rocky substrate by NOAA Marine Biologists and community volunteers using Portland Cement. I predict no statistically significant difference comparing the survivorship of outplanting coral fragments. Therefore, community outreach is an effective method to implement rehabilitation efforts. In conclusion, the A. palmata coral fragment outplanting short term survival rate of the community volunteers is within 12% difference than the NOAA Coral Propagation Project’s survival rate. Through awareness and effective hands -on training, this group may provide a significant role in the revival of degraded coral reefs. This will encourage the training of volunteers to collaborate with trained marine biologists in the development of coral nurseries and outplanting projects in their community.

Competition history

• JSHS 2024 Category not listed

Resources

• National JSHS abstract book ↗

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