Dataset: Scleractinian coral larval settlement, post-settlement survival, and substrate fouling data

This dataset compiles the raw and processed data supporting the manuscript "Antifouling capacity of substrate materials and their effects on settlement and post-settlement survival of scleractinian corals".The research evaluated the antifouling performance of different substrate materials and their impact on the larval settlement and post-settlement survival of scleractinian corals.

Abstract
In coral reef restoration, sexual reproduction is a key methodology to enhance coral population recovery. However, significant challenges remain during the post-settlement phase, where primary polyps are particularly vulnerable to predation, sedimentation, and competition with fouling organisms. To mitigate these challenges, the development of substrates with antifouling properties has been proposed. These substrates aim to reduce colonization by fouling organisms, thereby minimizing competition with the coral primary polyps. This study evaluated the efficacy of different substrate materials in the settlement and post-settlement survival of scleractinian corals, as well as their antifouling capability. Three experiments were conducted, each assessing distinct substrate materials with their corresponding treatments. Settlement and post-settlement survival of Acropora palmata and Orbicella faveolata, as well as the colonization of fouling organisms, were evaluated. Results indicated that larval settlement occurred across the different treatments derived from the tested substrate materials. However, none of these substrate materials enhanced post-settlement survival in ex situ tests. Some substrate materials exhibited lower fouling colonization after two months at sea. Ongoing research evaluating these antifouling substrate materials is a critical component of early coral restoration approaches, with the potential to significantly influence coral survival on the reef after outplanting.