Reef calcium carbonate budget surveys in the years 2021-2022 in Miami-Dade County, Florida - Coverage of Acropora cervicornis and net calcium carbonate production data

This study focuses on revitalizing Florida's Coral Reef through active coral restoration, specifically utilizing high-density outplants of the endangered staghorn coral, Acropora cervicornis. Given the ongoing decline in coral cover due to factors such as warming ocean temperatures, disease, and bleaching events, there is a critical need to enhance reef structural integrity and functionality. This research, conducted between October 2021 and December 2022, explores the efficacy of staghorn coral restoration in promoting positive net carbonate production, a key indicator of reef health. Restoration sites were established with a focus on increasing coral cover and were monitored to assess carbonate accretion compared to control sites showing natural erosion. The outcomes demonstrate that restored sites not only surpassed erosion rates but also achieved a mean net carbonate production rate of 9.41 kg CaCO₃ m² yr⁻¹, highlighting the potential for restoration efforts to significantly bolster reef resilience and ecosystem services. This investigation underscores the importance of integrating active restoration into management strategies to maintain and recover vital reef ecosystems, with implications for biodiversity conservation and coastal protection.