What is a universal metric used for assessing coral restoration projects?

The universal metric used for assessing coral restoration projects often focuses on the overarching conditions necessary for coral health and resilience, which includes temperature as a critical factor. Coral reefs are highly sensitive to thermal changes; even slight increases in water temperature can lead to stress and coral bleaching. Evaluating the temperature helps to understand whether the environment is conducive for coral survival and growth.

While other metrics like coral reproductive rates, coral growth rates, and water quality are important for assessing specific aspects of coral health and restoration success, they are not universally applicable across all restoration projects. Temperature affects a wide range of biological processes in corals, including photosynthesis and growth, making it a fundamental element in any marine ecosystem's assessment and management.