Table 1 Environmental conditions beneficial for coral growth (especially Acropora spp.) on artificial structures.
From: Artificial structures can facilitate rapid coral recovery under climate change
Category | Environmental conditions | Justification | Possible reasons |
|---|---|---|---|
Planar layout | ⋅External forces (currents, waves) suitable for coral growth ⋅Structural layout to promote water flow | ⋅Corals grow well in areas with moderate waves and/or currents (higher wave energy, near water channels) | ⋅Water flow promotes coral growth by ensuring adequate food and oxygen and preventing sedimentation |
Cross-sectional shape | ⋅Expansion of shallow-water area (e.g. artificial tide pools, structural units on a gentle slope) ⋅Increased effective slope areas (e.g. installation of wave-dissipating blocks in front of offshore vertical walls) | ⋅Coral cover is higher at shallow depths, high light levels, and substrate slopes of around 25° | ⋅Higher irradiance and water flow may promote coral growth |
Surface processing | ⋅Addition of relief (grooves or FRP grating) to substrate surfaces | ⋅Surface texture increases larval settlement and/or initial survival, and increases initial growth of the coral community ⋅In areas with sedimentation, this can help long-term coral survival and growth | ⋅Substrate roughness physically promotes larval settlement and provides shelter for juvenile corals ⋅Raising the substrate above the bottom reduces negative effects of sedimentation |
