What does the concept of "coral gardening" refer to?

The concept of "coral gardening" specifically refers to a restoration technique where coral fragments are cultivated. This method involves collecting pieces of healthy coral, often from fast-growing species, and nurturing them in a controlled environment, such as a nursery, before transplanting them back to degraded reef areas. The aim is to enhance the natural recovery of coral populations and promote biodiversity in marine ecosystems.

By creating nurseries and carefully monitoring the growth and health of the cultivated fragments, coral gardeners can effectively facilitate the restoration of reef habitats. This method not only helps to restore coral populations but also supports various marine life that relies on healthy corals for habitat and food.

In contrast, planting land vegetation aims to protect coastal areas and is unrelated to coral ecosystems. Harvesting corals for the aquarium trade can contribute to coral decline rather than restoration efforts. Breeding coral species for resilience against diseases is an important aspect of research and conservation but is not the same as the active cultivation and transplantation practices involved in coral gardening.