In response to rising human activities and climate change, a group of researchers has introduced a new online resource designed to help marine managers and specialists in habitat restoration enhance the resilience of species that create marine habitats. The ‘Reef Adapt’ initiative seeks to broaden the range of resources available for fostering ecosystems that are diverse, adaptable, and robust.
The ‘Reef Adapt’ program, created by specialists from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD), Flinders University, and The University of Western Australia (UWA), aims to enhance the resources available for fostering diverse ecosystems that can adapt and thrive.
As detailed in a recent article published in Communications Biology, Reef Adapt utilizes genetic information from various marine species—such as essential coral species that build reefs and kelps that provide habitat—with plans to include additional groups of organisms. This project focuses on identifying regions that are likely to support populations well-suited for both present and future environmental conditions.
The cutting-edge online platform aims to swiftly integrate genetic, biophysical, and environmental information into the planning of marine restoration and assisted conservation projects.
This tool offers users maps pinpointing locations where populations are suitable for specific restoration efforts, taking into account both current and predicted climate conditions. Initially, the platform will feature data on 27 species gathered from 420 sampling sites worldwide. Additionally, users will have the opportunity to upload their own data to enhance conservation efforts for various species and regions.
Although guidelines for ter
Efforts to restore terrestrial ecosystems involve initiatives like the US National Seed Strategy and Australia’s Florabank. A notable tool for marine environments, Reef Adapt, is among the first of its kind.
This project aligns with similar land-based endeavors, such as Australia’s NSW Restore and Renew program, aimed at removing obstacles to accessing genetic data while enhancing restoration and assisted gene flow processes.
Dr. Georgina Wood, who is an Early Career Industry Fellow at Flinders University and an Adjunct Research Fellow at UWA, notes that global initiatives to restore ecosystems are gaining momentum. This includes efforts under the Convention on Biological Diversity.
The recent endorsement of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework is a significant step, aiming to restore 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030.
“With the expansion of marine restoration efforts, it’s crucial that these practices align with the latest scientific advancements. This includes utilizing state-of-the-art genomic data to make well-informed choices regarding the sourcing of materials for restoration,” explains researcher Dr. Wood.
“Our planet is undergoing rapid changes like never before. Ideally, each restoration initiative would integrate climate adaptation strategies into its framework.”
heir design, but accessing the necessary data has often been a challenge. According to her, Reef Adapt provides this crucial information directly to both managers and practitioners.
The user-friendly web platform contains essential genetic data for government agencies, non-profits, and community groups—eliminating access barriers to important information aimed at enhancing both immediate and long-term restoration results.
Dr. Melinda Coleman, Senior Principal Research Scientist at NSW DPIRD, emphasizes that the Reef Adapt online tool will be instrumental in guiding marine restoration efforts and assisted adaptation initiatives now and in the future.
“The innovative Reef Adapt tool leverages advanced genomic information and seascape evaluations to assist marine managers, restoration experts, and other stakeholders, including those in aquaculture. This will enable them to make knowledgeable choices regarding the sourcing of stocks for restoration or aquaculture and aid in selecting resilient stocks that can endure the future conditions of the ocean,” Dr. Coleman explains.
“We anticipate that this online resource will be widely utilized by marine and conservation managers, community organizations, and anyone involved in marine restoration projects as well as by proponents of aquaculture.”
Dr. Wood mentions that the recent article in Nature along with the user manual provides essential guidance.
This project involved numerous case studies of a variety of ecologically and evolutionarily distinct species, such as the staghorn coral (Acropora kentii), cauliflower coral (Pocillopora damicornis), golden kelp (Ecklonia radiata), and crayweed (Phyllospora comosa).
The creation of this tool necessitated the gathering of nearly 10,000 reference data points from existing population genetic research, in addition to a range of environmental data and oceanographic models.
