Fragment Size And Density Effects On The Growth And Survival Of Montipora Capitata
Date
2023
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Abstract
We compared the effects of fragment size and density on the growth rate of the
coral Montipora capitata following micro fragmentation. Squares of 1, 2, or 3 cm per
side were cut from a single colony of M. capitata to create small (1 cm2), medium (4
cm2), and large (9 cm2) fragments. Two to six fragments of each of these size classes
were glued to a tile in a grid with 3 cm spacing between each fragment to create either
high- or low-density treatments. Tiles were grown in a midwater coral nursery in
Kāne‘ohe Bay for 8 months to observe the effect of size and density on growth and
survival of fragments. Small fragments died at a significantly higher rate than large
fragments, and medium fragments were intermediate in numeric value and significance.
Further, many of the surviving small fragments lost tissue, resulting in negative median
growth, which was offset to positive mean growth overall by a small number of quickly
growing fragments. There was no significant effect of either size class or density on
percent increase in coral cover (growth) throughout the experiment. There are logistical
reasons to recommend medium fragments at low density to reduce coral mortality relative
to the smallest fragments, and still benefit from the higher growth rate relative to the
largest fragments. Therefore, we conclude that medium sized fragments at low density is
the best compromise for coral restoration activities using Montipora capitata.
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coral fragmentation, coral suvivorship, coral growth
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33
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Awaya, Jasmine
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