Propagation method and species drive survival patterns across reef zones in coral seeding on the Great Barrier Reef

This dataset documents early post-deployment survival of coral spat and microfragments deployed on seeding devices at Davies Reef (central Great Barrier Reef). The data were collected to quantify early survival trajectories and to compare survival patterns across propagation methods, species, and spatial scales along a wave-energy gradient within a single reef system. The dataset also supports assessment of density-dependent mortality and fine-scale spatial variability in early coral survival.Corals were deployed using standardized “star” seeding devices engineered by AIMS under the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program. Each device holds three coral tabs. A total of 250 multi-species spat devices and 250 multi-species microfragment devices were assembled, each containing one tab of Acropora loripes, Montipora turtlensis, and Mycedium elephantotus. In addition, 50 single-species spat devices and 50 single-species microfragment devices containing Galaxea fascicularis were deployed.Devices were deployed at ten sites across Davies Reef spanning a natural wave-energy gradient. At each site, 25 paired multi-species spat and microfragment devices were deployed at ~6 m depth along 25 m transects. Five paired single-species (G. fascicularis) spat and microfragment devices were deployed at each transect end.Survival data were collected through repeated in situ censuses, with individual corals scored as alive or dead at each time point. Associated metadata include deployment and census dates, site and device identifiers, benthic community composition at the device and site level, in situ flow velocity, and temperature.The dataset is structured for quantitative analysis of early coral survival using generalized linear mixed-effects models, survival analyses, and comparative approaches that account for repeated censuses and hierarchical spatial structure (reef, site, device).