Abstract

Deep-water coral reefs are impacted by a number of anthropogenic activities, primarily destructive fishing practices. In some locations, the coral framework has been reduced to such an extent that it no longer fulfills its original ecological function. Large-scale restoration of damaged reefs is neither logistically nor economically feasible, but habitat restoration may be viable in small ecologically significant areas. The Oculina Banks off the south eastern coast of Florida have been so severely damaged over the past 20 years that much of the coral has been reduced to rubble with no infrastructure. The framework coral, Oculina varicosa is a broadcast spawning species, which annually produces many dispersive larvae, however, there is no evidence of recolonization of denuded areas. It is possible that the rubble does not provide suitable substrate for planular settlement or that repeated impact from illegal trawling destroys any newly established colonies. Between 1996 and 2001, restoration modules were deployed in the Experimental Oculina Research Reserve (EORR) a small (315 km 2 ) area of the Oculina Banks. In total, 281 large and 450 small modules were deployed (some with coral transplants) in various configurations. Coral transplants have survived and limited recruitment of new colonies had been observed in the older modules. It takes several years before recruits reach sufficient size that they can be positively identified with ROV and submersible cameras. Commercially important predaceous fish species have been observed in association with the large modules and small fish have taken up residence inside them. The restoration project will be assessed whenever possible for coral transplant survival and growth, coral recruitment, and habitat function for important fish species.

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