Dataset on survival of relocated massive corals in the Saudi Arabian Gulf

This dataset (Excel format) contains colony-level records from a coral relocation operation conducted in the Saudi Arabian Gulf in August 2018 as part of mitigation activities associated with coastal development. A total of 37 massive coral colonies belonging to the genera Dipsastraea, Platygyra, and Porites were detached from a donor reef and reattached at a recipient site approximately 18 km away at ~5 m depth.
The dataset includes survival status at two monitoring intervals (~15 and ~20 months after relocation), initial colony size (10–25 cm diameter), attachment substrate (natural seabed or concrete), and radial extension measurements for colonies that remained alive at the final monitoring event. Additional observations such as detachment or disappearance are recorded in a notes field.
The dataset provides structured information on whole-colony relocation outcomes under extreme environmental conditions typical of the Arabian Gulf, where seasonal temperatures range from ~14 °C to >36 °C. Variables included enable evaluation of survival, growth, and attachment performance across genera and substrate types.