What effect can the presence of invasive species have on coral restoration?

The presence of invasive species significantly impacts coral restoration primarily because they can outcompete native corals for essential resources, such as space and nutrients. This competition can lead to a decline in native coral populations, which are vital for maintaining the ecosystem's overall health and biodiversity. When native corals are stressed or eliminated due to invasive species, the balance of the coral reef ecosystem is disrupted.

Invasive species can proliferate rapidly and thrive in conditions that native species cannot, directly affecting the recovery efforts in coral restoration projects. By monopolizing resources and space, they can hinder the growth and recruitment of native corals, making restoration efforts more challenging and less successful.

This dynamic emphasizes the importance of monitoring and managing invasive species in any coral restoration initiative to preserve the integrity of native coral communities and promote healthy reef ecosystems.