What is one of the main benefits of using land-based (ex situ) nurseries for coral restoration?

Using land-based nurseries for coral restoration offers a significant advantage in the mass production of corals for faster growth. In these controlled environments, factors such as light, nutrients, and water quality can be closely monitored and optimized, resulting in accelerated coral growth rates compared to those in natural settings. This enhanced growth allows for a greater quantity of corals to be cultivated in a shorter time frame, which can be crucial when addressing the urgent need to restore damaged reefs.

While other options highlight important aspects of coral restoration, they do not capture the direct benefit of land-based nurseries quite as effectively. For instance, increased biodiversity involves complex ecological interactions that may not be directly influenced by the growing conditions of nurseries. Additionally, while there may be reduced dependency on marine ecosystems, the primary focus of using land-based nurseries is to enhance the efficiency and speed of coral production. Lastly, although there can be considerations of cost in setting up these operations, the primary rationale for using land-based nurseries is the ability to produce large numbers of corals quickly, facilitating restoration efforts more effectively.