Re-fragmentation of the Coral Echinopora Lamellosa (Esper 1795) for Mariculture

Author Information

Loke-Ming Chou, National University of Singapore, Singapore
TC Toh, National University of Singapore, Singapore
YP Kikuzawa, National University of Singapore, Singapore
HX Loke, National University of Singapore, Singapore
CSL Ng, National University of Singapore, Singapore
L Afiq-Rosli, National University of Singapore, Singapore

Abstract

Repeated fragmentation of corals can increase the source material to re-stock a coral nursery and reduce dependence on wild stocks. However, the efficacy of this approach to generate coral cover remains limited. Live tissue growth and dead area of Echinopora lamellosa fragments and re-fragments were measured at an in situ nursery over one year. Overall, re-fragmented E. lamellosa generated less live tissue area (n = 10, 116.1 ± 114.1 cm2) than control fragments that were left intact (n = 20, 200.3 ± 130.9 cm2). Re-fragmenting corals at sixth month of nursery rearing resulted in 23% loss of coral tissue and it required almost four months to attain the size before re-fragmentation. The increase in initial dead area significantly reduced coral growth in both treatments. The results for this species demonstrated that while re-fragmentation can increase the number of coral material, it is negated by the reduction in overall growth.

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• Category: Environmental Sustainability & Environmental Management: Freshwater, Oceans and Seas

Posted by James Alexander Gordon

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