A review of ecological risks of coral reef interventions

Introduction: Coral reefs, essential for biodiversity, livelihoods, and global economies, face severe threats from climate change and other stressors. Curbing greenhouse emissions is crucial, but the urgent situation also calls for immediate intervention strategies. Traditionally focused on passive habitat protection and fisheries management, intervention efforts now include active methods to enhance ecosystem resilience. Since the 1980s, intervention techniques have expanded from coral gardening to advanced approaches like assisted evolution, environmental interventions, and for the Great Barrier Reef, large-scale crown-of-thorns starfish management. However, progress in ecological risk management has not kept pace with the advancement of protocols, and there is an urgent need for strengthened risk assessment and management approaches that consider the benefits and potential risks of interventions, including risk tolerance. 

Objectives: We aim to categorize and define the ecological risks of active coral reef interventions and compile this information into a database. 

Methods: Based on a review of the literature, we used the database to assess the spatial and temporal scales at which ecological risks in coral restoration have been discussed. 

Results: The literature review identified five main ecological risk categories associated with coral reef interventions: genetic, physiological, invasive, physical, and ecosystem risks, with most discussions focusing on ecosystem and physiological concerns, particularly in regions such as Australia and the Caribbean. Most potential risks are perceived to be theoretical but warrant consideration, especially in regions with active intervention programs such as coral gardening and assisted evolution.