Restoration funds: $1.08 million.

An innovative concrete structure was developed and placed to act as a framework on which to transplant coral. Biologists will transplant corals, sea fans and sponges to enhance natural recovery rates of the coral communities. For the next several years, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will monitor these restoration efforts for structural integrity and growth rates of transplanted corals, recruitment of new coral colonies and fish populations.

Schematic view of armor units used to fill and reinforce blow hole created by the grounding

Restoration goals: The goals of this restoration effort are to prevent additional injury from loose debris near the grounding site, stabilize the reef substrate, and accelerate the rate of recovery by re-creating a stable base for biological restoration to promote recruitment of coral colonies and fish populations.

Restoration Milestones

Restoration activities completed in 1995 include:

• removal of unconsolidated debris
• re-creation of three-dimensional relief and habitat

Activities begun in 1996 include:

• transplanting coral, sea fans and sponge
• long-term monitoring of structural and biological restoration