Scaling up coral restoration using innovative Symbiodinium co‐culture and mass larval supply on reefs

This report provides details of the research and outcomes from the Great Barrier Reef Innovation Challenge Proof of Concept 2019-20120 Research Project TF6.7.7 ‘Scaling up coral restoration using innovative Symbiodinium co‐culture and mass larval supply on reefs’. This project is a collaboration between Professor Peter Harrison (Southern Cross University, Lismore), Katie Chartrand (James Cook University, Cairns), Associate Professor David Suggett (University of Technology, Sydney) with Aroona Boat Charters (Ross Miller) and Reef Magic Cruises (Eric Fisher). During the project we also further developed active partnership networks with Citizens of the GBR, Biopixel, local Yirrganydji and Gunggandji Land and Sea Rangers, and other small businesses in the Cairns region, enabled by a GBRMPA research permit. The aim of the project is to further develop innovative methods for scaling up coral restoration by mass culturing reef coral larvae and Symbiodiniaceae microalgal photosymbionts, co‐culturing larvae and photosymbionts, and enhancing larval supply on damaged reefs to significantly increase the settlement and recruitment success of juvenile corals. Additional objectives include expanding the use of LIFT‐FRRf fluorometry for diagnosing ‘desired’ types of heat‐tolerant Symbiodiniaceae and quantifying photosynthetic performance, and expanding partnerships with local reef tourism operators, Traditional Owners and media groups