Caribbean Acropora Restoration Guide - The Florida Reef ...

Chapter 3 | Coral Gardening Methodology
Fixed-to-the-Bottom Nursery Design – Example: A-Frame Nursery
Coral Attachment Device
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Unit Construction
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Anchoring Device 2
Materials: Frames can be built from a number of materials, including PVC, rebar and metal or plastic mesh.
While the actual shape and size of the frames can vary, the basic design consists of a rigid or semi-rigid structure
that keeps fragments away from the substrate and provides ample space for fragment attachment and growth.
➊ Unit Construction
• Frames can be built in a variety of shapes, including A-frames, circles, or domes.
• Metal frames (rebar, wire mesh) can be coated with epoxy or fiberglass resin prior to deployment to
limit algal growth, delay frame degradation and to improve cleaning efficiency.
➋ Anchoring Device
• The frames can be attached to the substrate using a variety of anchoring methods, including rebar,
cement weights or concrete blocks.
➌ Coral Attachment
• Corals can be attached to the frames using wire or plastic ties.
Important Considerations
• The mesh size of the frames can play a role in fragment survivorship. While a smaller mesh size can
provide more attachment points for fragments, smaller holes tend to be colonized by damselfish more
frequently. Territorial damselfishes or “farmer fish” can kill coral polyps, thus providing substrate for
algal attachment and growth, and can significantly disturb nursery corals. Bigger mesh size provides
less attachment substrate but also provides less refuge for damselfishes and allows for better access for
predatory fish. In general, a mesh size of 10–15 cm provides a good compromise.
• The initial spacing of fragments on the frames should allow for individual fragment tracking and
enough space for fragment growth. Overcrowding of fragments within frames will lead to fusion of
fragments and reduced growth, and will make the removal of coral competitors more difficult.
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