Abstract

Coral reefs provide habitat to many organisms, while protecting shorelines and contributing to sustainability of livelihoods. Unfortunately, these valuable ecosystems are exposed to multiple stressors that are significantly reducing coral populations faster than they can reproduce and recover. In the largest archipelago of the Caribbean basin, The Bahama’s, the majority of coral loss has been attributed to mass bleaching events and consecutive disease outbreaks (Dahlgren et al., 2020). After mass mortalities of corals, the remaining resilient populations have shown adaptation abilities. However, owing to their low abundance, their capacity to produce viable offspring during spawning events have been compromised. Several coral restoration techniques have sparked to help counteract coral reef decline, such as coral gardening (increase abundance of coral populations) and larval propagation (increase genetic diversity). Genetic variability may influence the capacity to adapt under changing conditions and influence susceptibility to disease, acidification and heat, therefore, applying larval propagation techniques is needed. Sexually produced corals could improve resilience and connectivity, leading to positive impacts on long-term survival. The aim of this study is to gain understanding of trade-offs between thermo-resilience in early life stages, their survival, resistance to diseases and withstanding grazing, since they are crucial to enhance population recovery. Four research questions will be investigated in The Bahamas. Do thermo-resilient recruits grow better/worse in the lab than controls? Do heat resistant larvae and recruits thrive on reefs? Are thermo-resilient recruits better capable to withstand grazing and resist coral diseases? The main goal of this study is to identify and breed heat resistant corals that can survive climate change conditions. Over time, this could prove to maintain reef functions and support thriving communities, while building resilience to major disturbances.

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