Approach to the Functional Importance of Acropora cervicornis in Outplanting Sites in the Dominican Republic

Coral restoration has been recognized as an increasingly important tool for coral conservation in recent years. In the Caribbean, endangered staghorn coral, Acropora cervicornis studied over two decades with most studies focusing on evaluating simple metrics of success such colony growth and survivorship both nurseries outplanted sites. However, reef to aid recovery ecological function sites, there is a need measure functional ecology impact outplanting. Here, we present identify positive processes functions (such increased fish biomass, cover, structural complexity) relative active restoration. Southeastern Reefs Marine Sanctuary Dominican Republic, monitored percentage benthic cover biomass alongside period 12 months four zones. Subsequently, developed multidimensional analyses conjunction generalized linear models (GLM) models. Our results show remarkable spatial temporal differentiation favoring greater restored areas. We observed noticeable patterns change benthos species composition. found relationship between amounts colonies total three highlight that Scarus iseri , parrotfish critical grazing maintenance, was greatest benefit. provide evidence importance efforts.